| | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
B&B Tunes the Audi SQ5 TDI to Nearly 400 horsepower 
The Audi SQ5 TDI was unveiled in the summer of 2012 and, to our knowledge, there are no tuning package for it just yet. The German tuner B&B, however, decided to offer us the first upgrade for the diesel SUV and we have to admit that it’s a good one. The kit focuses only on improving the engine’s output level and is offered in three different stages. In stage one, the engine receives a remapped ECU and mild boost increase 0.15 bar (2.2 psi), increasing the output to 340 horsepower – up from the standard 313 ponies – and 728 Nm (536 pound-feet) of torque. In Stage two, B&B is offering additional electronics optimization that increases the final output up to a stout 365 horsepower and 750 Nm (553 pound-feet) of torque. The one that leave a lasting impression on us is Stage three. It includes high-performance injectors, an upgraded air intake and an aftermarket intercooler for a final output of 395 horsepower and 800 Nm (590 pound-feet) of torque. The Stage three kit nets the SQ5 a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph). Along with the engine upgrades, the tuner is also offering a 25 mm (0.98-inch) lowering spring kit or adjustable coilover, a six-piston brake system and a wide range of alloy wheels going up to 22 inches. As for pricing, the Stage one costs €1,498 ($2,000 at the current exchange rates), the Stage two kit runs €1,698 ($2,267) and the Stage three kit runs €1,950 ($2,604).
2014 Audi SQ5 TFSI
Back in July 2012, Audi announced the 2013 SQ5 TDI, which is the first S model in Audi’s history to bear a diesel engine. That’s all well and good, but what if you really want the new SQ5, but are not a big diesel fan? Well, then you will have to wait for the petrol version to debut. And it will next week at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. The new Audi SQ5 TFSI will be specially developed for markets like United States, Canada and China, while in Europe the only version available will be the TDI one. The model will be offered with the same "S" model upgrades seen in the TDI version: standard 20" wheels in triple-spoke design, a platinum gray radiator grille and of course a quadruple exhaust tips. Despite this similarities, the new petrol version has the advantage if being a little bit more powerful than the previous TDI engine, so the American customers will enjoy an extra 40 horsepower. Updated 01/08/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs. Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Audi SQ5 TFSI. Full story 2013 Audi QS5 by ABT Sportsline
Now that the introductions to the 2012 SEMA Auto Show are dwindling down, it’s time to gear up for the next motor show on the calendar: the 2012 Essen Motor Show. German tuner, ABT Sportsline, will be unveiling a very cool QS5 package based on the new Audi Q5 when the Essen Motor Show opens its doors on December 1, 2012. The new QS5 package will be applied to the 3.0 TDI and the 2.0 TDI versions. For the 3.0 TDI engine, the package brings the output from 245 HP and 427 lb-ft to 282 HP and 464 lbs-ft. The 2.0 TDI will see an output increase from 177 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque to 205 HP and 309 lb-ft. The QS5 package also includes a new exhaust system with two double pipes and a new set of wheels, offered in CR or DR design and available from 20 to 22". Small modifications have also been done on the exterior and include a new front grille and spoiler, fender extensions and door strip attachments, a rear skirt set, and a new rear wing. 2013 Audi SQ5 TDI Exclusive Concept
At the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Audi will be bringing along a special edition SQ5 TDI model called the Executive Concept. To be fair, we’re looking forward to seeing this car on the showroom floor for a number of reasons including a unique body color that we haven’t seen before from an Audi. The concept also promises a luxurious interior befitting its "Exclusive Concept" designation. Other than that, there’s not a whole lot to be excited about when it comes to the SQ TDI Exclusive Concept. (Wait until you hear how much it’s going to cost). In any case, the car is scheduled to make an appearance in Paris, which, in itself, is worthy of coverage. It won’t be the sexiest or the most eye-popping of the cars headed to France, but we’re still interested to see if Audi can change our minds on our initial underwhelming opinion of this production-ready, limited-run concept. Find out more about the Audi SQ5 TDI Exclusive Concept after the jump. Full story 2013 Audi SQ5 TDIAudi prepped the 24 Hours of Le Mans race to be the official venue for the debut of their all-new SQ5 TDI, the first S model in the history of Audi with a diesel engine. The SQ5 will be powered by the all-new V-6 turbo-diesel engine boasting two turbochargers which Audi has been working on for various models in the lineup. This engine produces a total of 313 hp and 479.42 lb-ft of torque between 1,450 and 2,800 rpm. This power is enough to sprint the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph, but also deliver a fuel economy of 32.67 US mpg. Compared to a standard Q5, the new SQ5 TDI version will be distinguished by a platinum gray single-frame grille with galvanized double bars in an aluminum-look finish, a new roof spoiler, and modified bumpers. The new Audi SQ5 TDI will go on sale in the first quarter of 2013, with prices starting at €58,500, about $78,000 at the current exchange rates. UPDATE 07/23/2012: Audi has unveiled a new, very cool promo video for their latest SQ5 TDI - the first S-model with a diesel engine - which shows the luxury SUV as it checks out the LeMans racetrack. Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Audi SQ5 TDI. Full story 2013 Audi Q5Audi started updating its line-up with the A5 and will continue to do so with every other model in the line-up throughout the next year. This even includes models that are still relatively young, like the Q5 SUV. The facelift version of the Q5 has now officially been announced and will go on sale later this summer. Prices on the European market will start from 39,900 euro - or about $52,500 at the current exchange rates. Unlike the current Q5 that is only being offered with a choice of one gasoline engine and two TDI units, the new Q5 offers five engine options: three TDI and two TFSI engines with power ranging from 143 HP to 272 HP. Just like with all the other facelifted models, the new Q5’s exterior updates include a modified grille, bumper and fog lights, but also modified headlights with LED lamps and xenon plus units. At the rear the model has received modified diffuser and tailpipes, while for the interior gets additional strides in refined styling. UPDATE 04/25/2012: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs. Hit the jump to read more about the facelift Audi Q5. Full story Spy Shots: Facelift Audi Q5 caught testing with minimal coverage While Mercedes has officially unveiled the 2013 GLK, Audi is still testing the facelift version of their Q5. The prototype caught testing is wearing the real lights in the front and back this time, and is only being covered up with a thin stripe of tape as camouflage; the new grille and bumpers were all free of camouflage. As you can see in one of these images, the driver was none too happy about being caught behind the wheel. That’s the risk they take! As previously announced, the new Q5 facelift will receive new headlights, a modified front grille, a redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes, and new taillights. Minor modifications will also be made on the interior and the car’s overall driving dynamics. Audi will also offer a few options in terms of power, which is a good thing considering the current model only offers one gasoline engine and two TDI units. Expect to see the new Audi Q5 facelift launched in the coming months. Spy Shots: Audi Q5 facelift shows off its white side The Q5 is about to receive an update, just like all of the other models in the Audi line-up, and that new facelift version of the SUV has been caught testing yet again during these fierce winter conditions. The prototype now has a white exterior paint finish, but our spy photographers were also able to get close enough to take a picture of the interior for the first time. The interior is fully covered which can only mean that it will get a major refresh. As far as the exterior is concerned, the Audi Q5 facelift will receive a new hexagon grille and added chrome around the air intakes in the front bumper, even though they are black on this prototype. Changes to the technical parts of the SUV will include new electromechanical steering, new damper settings, and a revised rear suspension. The current Q5 is only being offered with one gasoline engine and two TDI units, but expect to see a few more changes under the hood when the facelift arrives on the market in 2013. Spy Shots: Facelifted Audi Q5 ditches its camouflage for further testing The Q5, much like all the other models in Audi’s line-up, is in line to receive an update and as proof, here are some new spy shots of the SUV during dome of its winter testing. The changes for the Audi Q5 aren’t all that impressive because only minimal changes were made to freshen up the SUV a bit, but that seems to be the trend with all of the other Audi models getting a mid-generation tweak. These spy shots reveal that the Audi Q5 facelift has received a new hexagon grille with chrome accents in the upper corners, new headlights, a redesigned front bumper, and new taillights. The Q5 lower front fascia depicts an S-line treatment more like that of the newer S-line models such as the A6 and the new A4 facelift. For the interior, the Audi Q5 will get the latest version of MMI with Audi connect and Google maps. The engine line-up will remain unchanged in Europe, but for the US market, Audi will be adding the 2.0 TFSI hybrid and 3.0 TDI drivetrains. 2011 Audi Q5 HFC Hybrid Fuel Cell
There’s no question in anybody’s mind that the future of the auto industry hinges on advancements done on alternative technology. Whether its hybrid, electric, or even fuel-cell power, alternative energy is where the future is at. At the 11th Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin, Germany, Audi presented a vehicle that could potentially reshape the landscape of the company’s direction in the future. In trying to examine the potential and probability of using fuel-cell power as an alternative drivetrain, Audi rolled out the concept Q5 Hybrid Fuel Cell (HFC). The SUV, which is actually in concept guise, was built as a technical study to determine the feasibility of a vehicle running on fuel cells. In this particular configuration, the car comes with a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell that produces 98 kW, which is about 133 horsepower and is connected to a lithium-ion battery that comes with an energy content of 1.3 kWh. Roll it up together and you have a drivetrain that’s powered by two electric motors that produces a combined peak output of around 127 horsepower and 310 lb/ft of torque with an electronically limited top speed of 103 mph. Despite its designation as a concept vehicle, the Q5 HFC’s hybrid chassis lends itself to the scenario that sooner than later, a production version may be produced. It’s not so much a question of ’if’ more than it is of ’when’. When that time comes though is still anyone’s guess. But you can be sure that this won’t be the last vehicle Audi is looking into when it comes to the development of alternative drivetrains. | Audi Q5 latest reviews:Find us on Facebook | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|