At the 2012, 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in France, Audi introduced their newest performance model to the large crowd. Called the SQ5 TDI, the new performance SUV is based on the Audi Q5 model and features more power, special exterior enhancements, concave truck wheels, and a sportier interior design. The new Audi SQ5 TDI is the first ever performance “S” model from the German automaker to be powered by a diesel engine.
Over the past few years, Audi has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race using diesel-powered race cars. The technology gained here has translated over to Audi’s production cars and now, has gone into their performance model, the SQ5 TDI.
The new Audi SQ5 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter (2,967 cu. cm) V-6 diesel engine. A number of technological advancements are utilized from Audi’s diesel racing engines such as cylinder head cooling, new intake camshaft timing, high-strength pistons, revised oil-jet cooling systems, and high-performance piston pins. Diesel fuel is injected via a common rail system with 2,000 BAR of pressure up to eight times during one cycle which, along with the new thermal management system, start-stop function, and oil system, help to achieve 7.2 liters of fuel consumption per 100 km.
The diesel engine develops a potent 230 kW (313 horsepower) and 650 Nm between 1,450 and 2,800 RPM. All of this power is transferred to each of the four concave truck wheels via the permanent Quattro all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring and a eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with quick shift times. This also helps the new Audi SQ5 TDI accelerate to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h all while achieving excellent fuel economy and emissions figures.
The exterior design of the Audi SQ5 TDI is sportier than the standard Q5 model. The new performance model features either Panther Black or Estoril Blue crystal effect paint finishes along with a platinum grey single frame grille with double bars in an aluminum finish. New 20-inch concave truck wheels come standard on the SUV equipped with 255/45 performance tires, with 21-inch wheels also available as an option. The upgraded wheels will sit closer to the body due to a lowered sports suspension that reduces the ride height by 30 mm. A new rear spoiler, front bumper trim pieces, and brushed aluminum side mirrors finish off the exterior transformation.
Inside, Audi has given the SQ5 TDI a sportier interior. New sport seats wear leather and alcantara while a new round sports steering wheel faces the driver along with grey instrument dials and white needles. Aluminum foot pedals and door entry sills add a touch of sport and luxury to the new performance SUV. Special “S” badges are used throughout the interior and customers can also option for unique trim sets for a custom-tailored interior.
The 230 kW Audi SQ5 TDI with torque vectoring all-wheel drive, concave truck wheels, new exterior bodywork, and sporty interior will be available €58,500 in the beginning of 2013.
