Over in Europe-land, the Audi SQ5
is a diesel-powered monster capable of sending a whopping 479
pound-feet of torque to its wheels. Naturally, this beast isn't coming
to the States, but that doesn't mean we're missing out on the whole SQ5
experience altogether. At the Detroit Auto Show this week, Audi
is debuting a new gasoline-powered version of the hot crossover, and
while it's not quite the oil-burning dreamboat we've lusted after from
afar, we certainly wouldn't kick it out of bed.
Instead of a diesel, we get a boosted version of Audi's supercharged
3.0-liter V6, good for 354 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque.
Running through an eight-speed automatic transmission, the SQ5 will
reportedly be able to fire off 0-60 times in the low-five-second range
and will top out at an electronically limited 155 miles per hour.
Suspension upgrades are on hand to improve road-going prowess, but also
lower the Q5's stance a bit, too.
Because this is an S model, there are plenty of visual upgrades on hand,
including a more aggressive front fascia, 20-inch wheels and some
pretty new colors including Estoril Blue and Panther Black. Interior
upgrades like Alcantara trim and aluminum brightwork add to some
sportiness from the cockpit view, as well.
Audi SQ5 now with gasoline engine and 354 dynamic hp
- SQ5 with 3.0 TFSI engine at the Detroit Auto Show
- From zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.3 seconds
- 250 km/h (155 mph) top speed
The new Audi SQ5 shown at the Detroit Auto Show is the first ever to
be powered by a gasoline engine – in this case one producing 260 kW (354
hp) and 470 Nm (346.65 lb-ft) of torque The new top-of-the-line model,
which was designed specifically for markets such as the United States,
Canada and China, uses a 3.0 TFSI engine with forced induction. It
sprints from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.3 seconds on its way to a
top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
The new SQ5 is powered by a free-revving, supercharged, three-liter V6
engine with a displacement of 2,995 cc. Its compressor sits in the
90-degree V of the cylinder banks and is belt-driven by the crankshaft.
Two rotors inside the supercharger spin at over 20,000 rpm. The air gap
between them is just a few thousandths of a millimeter. The supercharger
compresses the intake air to as much as 0.8 bar; two intercoolers then
cool it for greater power.
The compressor is located downstream of the throttle valve. Its drive
requires little engine power, as the density of the intake air is very
low at loads below the supercharging level and when coasting. Torque
develops early and quickly due to the short gas paths downstream of the
supercharger. Various measures dampen compressor noise. A balance shaft
in the engine's alloy crankcase provides for greater smoothness.
Adjustable intake camshafts and flaps in the intake ports provide for
good charging efficiency in the combustion chambers.
The 3.0 TFSI engine produces 260 kW (354 hp) between 6,000 and 6,500
rpm, and delivers 470 Nm (346.65 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft
between 4,000 and 4,500 rpm. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph)
takes just 5.3 seconds – best in its class. Top speed is electronically
limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). The Audi SQ5 consumes on average 8.5
liters of fuel per 100 km in the NEDC (21 US mpg). This equates to CO2
emissions of 199 grams per kilometer (320.26 g/m) in the NEDC.
An eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with
torque vectoring transfer the power of the SQ5 firmly to the road. The
fast-shifting automatic transmission offers two modes, and the driver
can also switch gears manually via the standard shift paddles on the
steering wheel.
The chassis of the Audi SQ5 lowers the body 30 millimeters (1.18 in).
The springs and shock absorbers are more tautly tuned for a sporty and
balanced setup. The 20-inch wheels are fitted with 255/45-series tires;
21-inch wheels are available. The brake calipers on the front axle sport
the SQ5 badge. The electromechanical steering not only plays a major
role in the efficiency of the SQ5, it also provides very precise road
feel. Audi also offers the optional dynamic steering with a steplessly
variable ratio. Control of it is integrated in the optional Audi drive
select system, which allows the driver to switch among several modes in
various systems.
The platinum gray radiator grille with its horizontal double bars in
aluminum look, the distinctive bumpers and the roof spoiler are
particularly eye-catching. V6 T badges adorn the front fenders. The
gloss package and exterior mirrors in aluminum look accentuate the
windows. In addition, there are two exclusive crystal-effect finishes:
Estoril Blue and Panther Black.
Sportiness carries over to the interior. The instruments feature gray
dials and white numerals; the pedals and shift paddles have a shiny
aluminum-look finish.
The interior is bathed in black, with the headlining optionally
available in Moon Silver. The standard power-adjustable sport seats are
covered with a combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, with
four different colors of leather optional. The standard inlays are
brushed aluminum. Options include Carbon Atlas, Piano finish or layered
aluminum and wood in Beaufort black.
The SQ5 is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships in the third
quarter of 2013. The list of standard equipment is extensive. In
addition to the aforementioned features, there are also xenon plus
headlights with LED daytime driving lights, a stainless-steel
loading-sill protector and a driver information system with color
display. The luggage compartment offers up to 1,560 liters (59.33 cu ft)
of capacity.
Audi can supply this dynamic SUV with an array of optional assistance
and infotainment systems. MMI navigation plus and the Bluetooth online
car phone provide the Internet services from Audi connect to the
vehicle.
The Audi SQ5 has been designed specifically for the following markets:
United States, Canada, Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea,
South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and the Ukraine. In
Germany and many other European markets, the SQ5 TDI takes its place as
the sporty top model in its series.
