Audi SQ5 comes to America with 354-hp gasoline engine

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 08:15:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Performance, Crossover, Audi

When we first saw the Audi SQ5 TDI unveiled back in June, we could feel that pit in our stomach. Here sat a powerful, sporty, mean-looking crossover, and we just knew that Audi wasn't going to be bringing it to the US. And we were right. While we won't be getting the diesel version of this crossover with its 479 pound-feet of torque, we will instead be getting a gas-powered, supercharged V6 - the same powertrain as the S5 - and that's a mighty fine consolation prize if you ask us. The US version of the 2014 Audi SQ5 will debut next week at the Detroit Auto Show, and it will go on sale this fall.

Ditching the diesel engine, the US-bound SQ5 loses some torque but gains plenty of horsepower with Audi quoting power ratings of 354 horsepower and 346 lb-ft from the supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Power is fed through an eight-speed automatic to all four wheels giving the small CUV impressive performance numbers. The 0-60 mile per hour time is expected to be in the low five second range to go with an electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. The suspension has been upgraded as well to improve handling, but it also gives the SQ5 a sportier appearance with a ride height that has been lowered by more than an inch compared to a standard Q5.

Speaking of styling, the 2014 SQ5 gets all of the expected "S" model upgrades, especially when it comes to the new front fascia and grille, the standard 20-inch, triple-spoke wheels and the quadruple exhaust tips. Only two colors will be available on the SQ5: Panther Black and Estoril Blue. Inside, the SQ5 will get a sportier cabin with bright, "aluminum-look" pedals and shift paddles, and the materials will also get an upgrade to include Nappa leather and Alcantara as well as accent options that include carbon fiber, piano black, aluminum or wood finish.

In addition to the North America, the gas-powered SQ5 will be on sale in a handful of Asian and South American markets, while the TDI model will primarily be relegated to European markets.
Scroll down for Audi's official press release on the US-bound SQ5, and we should have more information and more pictures to share next week.

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Audi SQ5 comes to America with 354-hp gasoline engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi SQ5 released with 313-hp twin-turbo diesel [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:43:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Crossover, Audi, Luxury

Audi is using the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a launching pad for its latest performance machine. Based on the Q5 crossover platform, the (long-rumored) SQ5 boasts 313 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine to move its not insignificant mass to 60 miles per hour in just five seconds.

Top speed comes in at 155 miles per hour, limited we presume, and, just as importantly, fuel mileage on the European cycle is listed at 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers (32.67 U.S. miles per gallon). As a reminder to the occupants that this is no ordinary oil burner, Audi has added a so-called sound actuator - a loudspeaker, according to the press release - to pump exhaust noise into the interior atmosphere.

An eight-speed Tiptronic transmission sends all that torque to all four 20-inch wheels shod in 255/45 rubber. The body has been lowered 1.18 inches closer to the tarmac for improved handling, and Audi's dynamic steering system is optional. Exterior updates are limited to the wheels, a sportier fascia treatment and aluminum-look mirrors. On the inside, expect sporty touches like leather and Alcantara seats, a new steering wheel design and a bunch of S badging.

This is Audi's first diesel-powered S model, meaning the company is joining fellow German automaker BMW into the torque-filled performance well for European buyers. Pricing starts at €58,500 for those living across the pond, and deliveries will begin in the first part of 2013. We're not expecting to see this one come Stateside.

Want to know more? Check out our high-resolution image gallery above, then peruse the official press release and watch the video below.

Continue reading Audi SQ5 released with 313-hp twin-turbo diesel [w/video]

Audi SQ5 released with 313-hp twin-turbo diesel [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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