Autoblog

Audi updates Q5 for 2013 with supercharged V6 and hybrid option [w/videos]

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Videos, Crossover, Audi, Luxury

Introduced back in 2008, the Audi Q5 was about due for a mid-life refresh, which is exactly what the German automaker has given it. Not that you'd be easily able to tell from looking at it, though: the styling updates to the popular CUV are rather subtle, as are the enhancements to the interior, which center around the control surfaces. No, what's really new about the 2013 version of the Q5 is what lurks in the engine bay.

As part of the update, Audi has installed a completely new range of engines across the board that increase both output and efficiency for a win-win combination. In different markets around the world, the Q5 will now be available with three diesels, two gasoline engines and - for the first time - a hybrid. The smaller of the TDIs displaces 2.0 liters and can be had in either 143- or 177-horsepower states of tune, while the larger 3.0-liter V6 oil-burner offers 245 hp and will likely be the only diesel offered in the United States.

The gasoline range starts at the 2.0-liter turbo four with 225 hp, while the 3.2-liter V6 is replaced by a new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that delivers 272 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. The big news, however, is the hybrid powertrain that pairs a 211-hp version of the 2.0-liter turbo four with a 54-hp electric motor, driving through an eight-speed automatic to all four wheels for a 7.1-second 0-62 time, a combined rating of 34 miles per gallon and an electric-only range of two miles at 37 mph.

Pricing for the new range in the United States has yet to be revealed. But for comparison's sake, European MSRP has only gone up around €150 ($200 USD), so we wouldn't expect the sticker to jump by much in American showrooms, either. Scope out the extensive high-res image gallery above and the videos and press release by scrolling below for a closer look.

Continue reading Audi updates Q5 for 2013 with supercharged V6 and hybrid option [w/videos]

Audi updates Q5 for 2013 with supercharged V6 and hybrid option [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Cajun prototype caught wearing Audi duds in Sweden

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Europe, Crossover, Porsche

'Tis the season, or so they say. But we're not talking about the holidays. We're talking about the season for cold-weather testing of new prototypes up in northern Sweden. After our intrepid shutter-bugs snapped an updated Mercedes-Benz GLK taking its licks in the snow way up there near the arctic circle, now they've caught this Audi Q5 test mule.

Only appearances can be deceiving. Because while this may look like a Q5 - or even a high-performance Q5-RS - what we're actually looking at is a prototype for the upcoming Porsche Cajun.

The highly anticipated baby brother to the Cayenne will benefit from the synergies of belonging to the Volkswagen Group, hence the Q5 platform and - until we see otherwise - the Q5's sheetmetal. The major difference is in the wheel wells: bigger alloys, bigger brakes, and a wider track than the existing Audi.

The running gear (read: powertrain) is expected to be fine-tuned by Porsche engineers for a sportier attitude. We're expecting hybrid and even three-door versions (the latter to target the Range Rover Evoque), but for now we'll just have to gaze upon a wolf in sheep's clothing. Check it out in the high-res image gallery from the frozen tundra - you won't even have to put on your parka.

Porsche Cajun prototype caught wearing Audi duds in Sweden originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Cajun mule spied wearing Audi Q5 skin

Noah Joseph — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, SUV, Europe, Crossover, Audi, Porsche, Luxury

Well well well, what do we have here? Looks like an Audi Q5. But what of those black fender flare extensions? Are we looking at a Q5-S or even a Q5-RS? Considering that it was snapped entering the Porsche test facility at the Nürburgring, our sources suggest what we're actually looking at is a very early development mule for the new Porsche Cajun.

The baby Cayenne is slated to be based, after all, on the Audi crossover. And while these spy shots don't give us any indication of what the final styling will look like, it is the first glimpse we've gotten at the Porsche crossover altogether, even if could still pass as an Audi.

Once finalized, we're expecting a more aggressive shape from the Cajun, packing a variety of engines and transmissions underneath. It may be a while until we see the finished product, but at least we know Porsche is working on it. Probably.

Porsche Cajun mule spied wearing Audi Q5 skin originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Audi Q7 to shed 650 pounds?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Crossover, Audi, Rumormill, Luxury

Audi is continuing to pour cash into the development of its next generation crossovers, and in addition to a range of new high-riding models, the next Q5 and Q7 are set to go on a serious diet.

According to Automobile, the redesigned Q5 will drop around 220 pounds from its curb weight, while the larger Q7 will reportedly shed some 650 pounds thanks to a new aluminum body.

The aforementioned Q5 will share a platform with the forthcoming Porsche Cajun when it arrives in 2016 and will spawn two new models: the Q4 and Q6.

The Q6 will supposedly take on the BMW X6, with a steeply raked windshield and low-slung hatch, but will maximize cargo and rear passenger space, while making ingress and egress easier.

More interestingly, Automobile says that the Q4 could take one of three shapes: a hardened off-roader, a more luxurious Acura ZDX competitor or a high-performance crossover. Regardless, power for both models will come from a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, boosting efficiency over the current supercharged six by up to 20 percent. A plug-in hybrid model is also in the cards, mating the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 100-horsepower electric motor.

Next Audi Q7 to shed 650 pounds? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi would rather build its own plant in Mexico than double-up with VW

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Audi, Luxury

Just when we thought the four-year drama of a U.S. factory for Audi might be clearing up, we're back to the muddy. Not even two weeks after a Detroit outlet reported that the decision has already been made to build an Audi plant in the States, German Manager Magazin quotes Audi boss Rupert Stadler as saying he'd like a factory in Mexico for production of the Q5.

According to Manager, that has resulted in blowback from Volkswagen honchos who want Audi to take advantage of the VW factory in Chattanooga. Remember, Automobile magazine hinted in February that an expansion at the Tennessee location could be used to build crossovers for Audi and Porsche.

When might there be some clarity about this matter? What's German for "Who knows?" Last month, Stadler apparently said a decision would be made in 12 months, the recent Detroit article claimed a decision would come in 36 months, and an Audi spokesman responding to this latest Mexico news said "before 2015." What we know for sure is that Audis will be built somewhere in North American at some point in the near-ish future. That much is crystal clear. Maybe.

Audi would rather build its own plant in Mexico than double-up with VW originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are you the Audi Q5 S? *UPDATE

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 12 May 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Crossover, Audi

Audi Q5 S spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our intrepid spy photographers have caught what appears to be the first prototype of a hotter Audi Q5 S crossover. This tester is clearly sporting larger brakes and a quad-exhaust setup, leading us to believe that this isn't just another S-Line suspension and badge job.

Our spies speculate that power will likely come from a boosted version of Audi's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four - similar to the engine found in the TTS and S3. That means anywhere from 265 to 280 horsepower could be on tap in the Q5 S, and while that might sound sporty, keep in mind that the current Q5's naturally aspirated 3.2-liter V6 pumps out 270 hp.

If so, could this Q5 S merely serve as a replacement for the six-cylinder Q5? Maybe. Scroll through our high-res image gallery and speculate about the Q5 S for yourself in the comments.

UPDATE: Our spy photographers sent over some more information about the Q5 S, citing that it will not be powered by Audi's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, but instead the supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Used in the S4, this engine produces 333 hp, which makes a whole lot more sense if a proper S-badged variant of the Q5 is indeed in the works.

Are you the Audi Q5 S? *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi considering production Q5 Cross Cabrio

Noah Joseph — Mon, 02 May 2011 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Crossover, Audi, Rumormill, Design/Style, Luxury

2007 Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

It was late in 2007 when Audi lifted the veil on the Cross Cabriolet concept. And it seemed absurd then. First of all, Audi only had the gigantic Q7 in its crossover range then, and Nissan had yet to offer its own CrossCabriolet. Several years on, that drop-top Murano is on the open market and Audi has expanded its line-up with the Q3 and Q5. And suddenly the notion of a drop-top CUV from Audi... well, it still seems pretty silly, but maybe not quite as much.

Now, word has it that Audi could be considering at least a limited run of Q5 Cross Cabrios. If production, as sources suggest, were limited to around 5,000 units, the contract could go to an independent coachbuilder rather than trying to fit the square peg of a niche model into the round hole of a mass-production automaker. In typical Audi style, Quattro all-wheel drive, a variety of TFSI and TDI engines and a fabric roof would likely be part of the mix. And while we may very well be getting ahead of ourselves, that's what people said before Audi and its German compatriots started busting segments with their ever-expanding model lines.

Gallery: LA 2007: Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro

[Source: autoblog.nl]

Audi considering production Q5 Cross Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi announces Pole2Pole expedition

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Audi

The North Pole and the South Pole are separated by over 12,000 miles, and Swedish explorer Johan Ernst Nilson wants to traverse that distance within 12 months. To do so, he wants to go carbon-neutral, and Audi has partnered up with Nilson to help make sure he accomplishes his goal.

Called the Pole2Pole Expedition, Nilson plans to go from the North Pole to the South Pole in six stages. Nilson's means of transportation will be skis, a dog-sled, sailboat, bicycle and kite-sled. Audi has provided a light-weight sled that will allow Nilson to transport his equipment as he nears the southern pole, and the automaker has also offered up its test facility so Nilson can ensure that it will withstand the harsh conditions to which it'll be subjected. The test facility is capable of recreating freezing temperatures and vicious wind, two of many environmental hazards awaiting Nilson on his trip.

In addition to the carbon-fiber sled and cold-weather testing, Audi has supplied a Q5 that will serve as a support vehicle as Nilson treks across the Americas. The Q5 spews CO2 so the team will work to offset the difference and keep the expedition carbon neutral.

Check out the press release after the jump for more on Johan Ernst Nilson's Pole2Pole expedition.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi announces Pole2Pole expedition

Audi announces Pole2Pole expedition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi registers SQ5 and RSQ5 nameplates

Noah Joseph — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Audi, Rumormill

Audi sat on the sidelines for long enough watching its rivals get the better of it in the SUV game, then it finally jumped in on the action with the Q7, followed by the Q5 and soon the Q3. But even as its crossover range broadens, there's still another mountain to conquer: that of the performance SUV.

Rumors of impending S and RS versions of the Q5 have been milling about for a while now, and have now been given a voice once again courtesy of Car and Driver magazine's source in Germany. Little in the way of details beyond a brief mention were disclosed, but word has it that Audi has registered both the SQ5 and RSQ5 nameplates with copyright authorities. That doesn't mean any such vehicles will ever reach our roads, but if the reports are true, it does at least indicate Audi's giving it serious thought.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Report: Audi registers SQ5 and RSQ5 nameplates originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi reportedly charged with developing SUVs in the Volkswagen group

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Luxury

2011 Audi Q7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but Earth knows no competition greater than sibling rivalry. With nine marques under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, things can get pretty competitive between the brands, especially as platforms and technologies are integrated and subsidiaries chosen to develop them. But then Porsche entered the fray as the 10th brand and things got that much more heated.

Reports recently emerged that Porsche was chosen over Audi to develop the platforms that would underpin sportscars for the entire group as well as luxury sedans, leaving Ingolstadt undoubtedly reeling from the defeat. But now follow-up reports indicate that Audi will, in turn, be charged with developing the next generation of sport-utility vehicles for the entire group, the next Porsche Cayenne included.

The program will reportedly center around a common modular platform that will underpin the next-generation Touareg, Q7 and Cayenne, but also extends to the development of the Q5-based Porsche Cajun. While the latter is currently in the works, both the Touareg and Cayenne were recently replaced, so their subsequent replacements would still be years off.

The move may seem a little odd considering that Volkswagen and Porsche have both been making SUVs for longer than Audi has its Q7, but Audi has been in the all-wheel drive game for longer than either. The decision was reportedly unanimous among the different divisions, though Porsche was quick to point out that final development of its SUVs will be carried out by Porsche to ensure its vehicles drive as their customers would expect.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Audi Q7

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Audi reportedly charged with developing SUVs in the Volkswagen group originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Lamborghini developing Q5-based LM00X crossover

Noah Joseph — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Lamborghini, Rumormill, Off-Road

Lamborghini LM002 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Few rumors have been as pervasive over the years as the rebirth of the Lamborghini LM002. Originally designed for military applications, the Countach-powered LM002 blended Sant'Agata's background in tractors with the exotic supercars for which they're now known. Ever since, reports of a follow-up have ebbed and flowed, resurfacing once again on an Audi/Porsche platform.

Like the upcoming Porsche Cajun, the project codenamed LM00X is reportedly based on the Audi Q5 platform. The LM00X could retain the Cajun's three-door body-style, infused with Lamborghini styling and the lightweight construction themes spearheaded by the Sesto Elemento concept. Word has it that the new twin-turbo V8 being developed for the Audi S7 and Bentley Continental would find its way into the Lambo crossover's engine bay, though we wouldn't be surprised to see the Raging Bull's own V10 on offer, tipped to arrive as soon as 2012.

Gallery: Lamborghini LM002

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Lamborghini developing Q5-based LM00X crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi hits one million sales in China

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, China, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi

Audi has been producing vehicles in the Chinese market since 1988. Fast-forward 22 years into the future and Audi has just sold its one millionth vehicle in China. If you're curious, that one millionth vehicle is a metallic blue Audi Q5.

Audi began its Chinese production with the Audi 100, which was assembled in China from imported knock-down kits. Since the initial agreement signed back in '88, the Changchun assembly plant began doling out Four-Ringed vehicles to an eager market. Of the one million vehicles, 950,000 were produced in Changchun while 50,000 were imported than assembled there. The factory moved on from the Audi 100 and later the Audi 200, and it now produces the altogether modern Q5, A6L and the A4L.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi hits one million sales in China

Audi hits one million sales in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi won't churn out RS sport-utes

Noah Joseph — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Audi, Rumormill

Audi Q5 Custom Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes has been doing it for years with their AMG sport-utes. BMW finally caved with the X5 M and X6 M. Even Porsche's in the game with the Cayenne Turbo and anticipated upcoming Cajun. But Audi's not about to follow suit, according to reports from across the pond.

Our (unrelated) Italian counterparts claim that Audi's technical chief Stephan Reil has ruled out the possibility of ever slapping an RS badge on any of its SUVs or crossovers. Audi's high-riding range currently includes the Q7 and Q5 and is soon to be joined by a smaller Q3. The top of the line Q7 is available with a twin-turbo V12 diesel churning out a massive 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, but a big engine, says Audi, does not an RS make.

Of course the difference may come down to badging. S variants remain a possibility, but though they may have the engines and even the suspension and other ingredients, Audi insists that the RS badge is to remain exclusively for high-performance models, and that a big lumbering crossover - no matter how quickly it's capable of covering all types of terrain - doesn't fit the mold.

[Source: Autoblog.it]

Report: Audi won't churn out RS sport-utes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Concept Audi billboard hangs real cars from landmark bridges

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Audi

The Audi Spectacle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi is always up for some unique marketing opportunities. For a new campaign called "The Audi Spectacle" it might be going way up. A campaign presented by the Access ad agency has Audi reinventing the concept of the billboard, with its famous four rings taking over some of the worlds most iconic landmarks.

The Brooklyn Bridge in New York, Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, Tower Bridge in London and the Rialto Bridge in Venice have been presented as potential candidates for the advertising treatment. The life-size installations could be beautiful, but would attaching advertising to global treasures be going too far to spread a brand's message?

If you think that's the case, don't get too worked up just yet. The campaign is just a concept at this point, and the potential backlash could kill the idea before it... ummm... gets off the ground.

Gallery: The Audi Spectacle

[Source: Access Agency via Co.Design]

Concept Audi billboard hangs real cars from landmark bridges originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS awards Top Safety Picks to Audi, Ford, Hyundai and VW on strength of roofs

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Safety, Audi, Ford, Hyundai, Lincoln, Mercury, Volkswagen

2010 Insurance Institute For Highway Safety rollover tests - click above for high-res images

Perish the thought, haters! The above Lincoln MKT is getting its roof caved in not on aesthetic grounds, but rather to test its ability to survive a rollover accident. If you haven't guessed by now, the MKT did so well in the roof-crush test that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) handed parent company Ford a much coveted Top Safety Pick award. Actually, the IIHS handed FoMoCo a hefty total of five rollover-related Top Safety Pick awards. However we should note that one of the Ford products earning top marks is in fact the soon to be extinct Mercury Millan, so really Ford only nabbed four - but who's counting? Other good-to-rollover-in Ford products include the Flex, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.

Speaking of thick-sculled corporate cousins, Audi and Volkswagen were handed a couple of Top Safety Picks, too. The 2010 Audi A4 and Q5 as well as the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen all earned top marks from the IIHS. As far as the Jetta goes, that's just one more reason to choose wagon over sedan. Finally, the new 2010 Hyundai Tucson gets the coveted TSP, and having recently driven the overly-stiff compact CUV, we're not at all surprised that its roof holds up to crushing. To get the dirt on the IIHS's methodology/read the press release, make the jump.

Gallery: 2010 IIHS Top Safety Picks – Rollover

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS awards Top Safety Picks to Audi, Ford, Hyundai and VW on strength of roofs

IIHS awards Top Safety Picks to Audi, Ford, Hyundai and VW on strength of roofs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eight-speed automatic transmission available on A4, A5 and Q5 this fall

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Technology, Crossover, Audi, Luxury

2010 Audi A5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The all-new A8 and updated Q7 won't be the only vehicles in Audi's line-up to benefit from the automaker's new eight-speed gearbox. According to dealer order guides released for the 2011 model year, the octo-cog-swapper is set to proliferate throughout the Audi line-up in the next year, with the automaker aiming for around 70% of it U.S. sales volume to come equipped with the new gearbox.

For the 2011 model year, the A4 2.0 TFSI quattro sedan and Avant will come packing the eight-speed tranny, along with the A5 2.0 TFSI quattro coupe and cabriolet (the manual six-speed will only be available on the coupe). In addition, the revised Q7, with its new high- and low-output 3.0-liter supercharged V6s (cribbed from the S4 and A6), will replace the 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 for the 2011 model year. Both engines, along with the new 3.0-liter TDI, will come equipped with the eight-speed auto.

Finally, Audi quietly revealed the 2.0 TFSI inline-four-equipped Q5 at the New York Auto Show, and part of the new package will also include the eight-speed 'box.

Sales of the eight-speed automatic-equipped models will begin this fall, each delivering improved fuel economy, quicker downshifts and, thanks to its compact packaging, no additional weight gain over the standard six-speed tiptronic.

Gallery: 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet

Eight-speed automatic transmission available on A4, A5 and Q5 this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Audi working on high-performance Q5?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Audi, Rumormill

Audi Q5 Custom Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Once upon a time the in-house performance studios of Germany's finest automakers wouldn't have anything to do with crossovers and SUVs. But several Mercedes-Benz G55 AMGs and BMW X6 Ms later, Audi's quattro GmbH is reportedly looking to join the fold with a pair of super-tuned Q5s.

The reports claim that Audi is preparing an SQ5 and an RSQ5, both backed by versions of the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 found in the latest S4 sedan, offering 333 horsepower in the SQ5 and as much as 408 in the RSQ5. Along with the engine upgrades, we could expect commensurate chassis, brakes and appearance enhancements as well.

For better or worse, these appear to be simple rumors at the time, but we'll be keeping our eyes open for more info, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Audi Q5 Custom Concept

[Source: L'Automobile Magazine]

Rumormill: Audi working on high-performance Q5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi officially confirms Q5 hybrid coming in 2011

Chris Shunk — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Audi

Audi Q5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen doesn't seem to be a big fan of electric vehicles, yet the four-ringed automaker appears to be warming to the green tech. Since de Nysschen's assault on the Chevrolet Volt (and electric vehicles in general), the German luxury automaker has unveiled the sweet-looking eTron concept, and it is now officially confirming that it will venture into the hybrid market.

Audi published a press release today touting the billions of euros it is spending to increase its product portfolio from 34 models to 42 in 2015. One of the info-bits buried within the text is the promised 2011 arrival of a Q5 hybrid, a development first rumored back in May. The hybrid Q5 would be Audi's first full hybrid vehicle, giving the German luxury car maker an entry in the growing green scene. Audi didn't take the opportunity to provide any details about powertrains or battery types, but it does say that the Q5 hybrid would be officially unveiled by the end of 2010.

Audi has in the past said that it didn't plan to go all-in on hybrids due to the fact that the German automaker feels diesels make more sense both financially and in terms of practicality, particularly for the U.S. market. While most of us around AB agree with this thought process, we think that if Audi has decided to pursue gas-electric models anyway, the hot-selling Q5 should make a good first hybrid - especially as its size will enable Audi engineers to more easily fit an electric motor and a battery pack into its CUV proportions. Further, the Q5's somewhat hefty price tag might help hide some of the added cost associated with a hybrid powertrain. Hit the jump to read over the official verbiage.

[Source: Audi]

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Audi officially confirms Q5 hybrid coming in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders

Chris Shunk — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover

Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year nominees - Click above to view high-res gallery

When Motor Trend picks its favorite sport utility vehicle, the winner will have bragging rights for an entire year. And we'll know all about it, because the victorious company behind the winning crossover or SUV will shout it from the rooftops (and in print, TV and web advertisements) about their shiny golden award. We can argue all day long about whether many of the nominees can be legitimately be considered sport/utlility vehicles, but either way, this year, there are 11 vehicles up for consideration, with pedigrees ranging from a single traditional body-on-frame SUV to a brace of competent and efficient family haulers and richly appointed luxury crossovers.

As Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus McKenzie points out on the magazine's blog, there is only one traditional SUV on the list, and it takes the size and shape of the Toyota 4Runner. The rest of the vehicles are crossovers, with seven of the 11 candidates sporting luxury badging, three coming from General Motors and one stablemate to last year's SUV of the year, the Subaru Outback. When choosing the SUV of the year, MT says it looks at packaging, presentation and intended function, along with obvious criteria like aesthetics and performance. Hit the jump to look over the candidates for the award, click below to check out our high-res gallery, or head over to Motor Trend for more details.

Gallery: 2009 Motor Trend SUV of the Year

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders

Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro is crossover magic - at a cost

Dan Roth — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Audi, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2009 Audi Q5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Quality costs. Ask a recording engineer. For the same money you'll burn on a pile of inexpensive, non-serviceable gear whose greatest virtue is that "it works," you could alternatively purchase one channel's worth of serious equipment. The trade-off is that the real kit sounds great all the time, while the cheaper stuff never does. Boiled down to their essence, they both do the same thing, but it's the quality of the components and the careful construction that make all the difference.

It's the same thing with the 2009 Audi Q5. $50,000 will put your rump in vast automotive acreage, but for the same coin, the Q5's dimensions are tidy. Combating the "quantity equals quality" mindset, Audi has made the Q5 a standout. It's filled with luxury and comfort items, and put together with typical German fastidiousness. And out on the road, the Q5 chats you up with feedback that's - dare we say - sports-like. So has Audi managed to finally put the "sport" in Sport Utility?

Gallery: Review: 2009 Audi Q5

Continue reading Review: 2009 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro is crossover magic - at a cost

Review: 2009 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro is crossover magic - at a cost originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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