Autoblog

2014 Audi SQ5 priced from $51,900* [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Videos, Crossover, Audi, Luxury

Despite the fact that the 2014 Audi SQ5 you see here is quite a bit different than the one offered in Europe, we're still plenty glad that the folks from Ingolstadt have decided to offer a hotted-up version of its compact Q5 crossover here in the States. Now, Audi has announced that its US-spec SQ5 will be priced from $51,900 when it hits dealerships later this summer (*not including $895 for destination). That strikes us as a pretty favorable price - while the base Q5 in 2.0-liter TFSI trim starts at $35,900, the 3.0-liter Prestige model commands a full $51,400, and somehow manages to feel worth it.

We already enjoy driving the Q5 in its standard tune, and this SQ5 looks to be quite an entertaining thing. Audi has tuned its 3.0-liter supercharged V6 to produce 354 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque - gains of 82 hp and 52 lb-ft over the standard 3.0L Q5. No, it's not the awesome 313 hp and 479 lb-ft of the twin-turbo-diesel engine used in Europe, but our American SQ5 will certainly be a quick little thing. Audi is estimating a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds, on its way to a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour.

Like all S models, the SQ5 will be a bit different visually than its basic Q5 kin. Aluminum roof rails are standard, as are 20-inch wheels (21s are available). There are revised bumpers at the front and rear, with Audi's usual gray grille and diffuser, as well as aluminum mirror caps. Inside, leather- and Alcantara-clad sport seats are standard, though buyers can opt for a fine Nappa leather setup. Audi says that new aluminum/black wood inlays are also available, as is a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Have a look below to check out an official walkaround video from the model's Detroit Auto Show reveal, and to see the official press release.

Continue reading 2014 Audi SQ5 priced from $51,900* [w/video]

2014 Audi SQ5 priced from $51,900* [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Audi SQ5 is the first S diesel [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Audi, Diesel, Luxury

Audi is a company synonymous with diesel performance. Its efforts at the 24 Hours of Le Mans have repeatedly proven what can be accomplished with a healthy oil-burner at your command, but until now, buyers were unable to pick up spots-oriented models with a TDI badge. That's changed with the debut of the SQ5 TDI at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

As the first S model with a diesel engine, the crossover boasts 309 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The grunt gets to the ground via an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and the company's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The combination can hustle the SQ5 to 62 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds.

Engineers have dropped the chassis by 1.2 inches, bolted on a set of 20-inch wheels and stuffed the option sheet with a dynamic steering system. The base model starts at €58,500, though those with more money than functional synapses can cough up €92,000 for the SQ5 Exclusive. Each of the 50 examples will feature special Aral Blue paint outside as well as woven leather seats, special ash veneers and a slathering of Nappa leather indoors. Check out the full press release below.

Continue reading 2013 Audi SQ5 is the first S diesel [w/video]

2013 Audi SQ5 is the first S diesel [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:40:00 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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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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