Audi SQ5

Audi says this model was created specifically for the following markets: United States, Canada, China, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and the Ukraine, and will not be offered in Europe.

At the heart of the new SQ5 lies Audi's 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with a compressor featuring two rotors that spin at over 20,000 rpm. The TSI unit generates 349hp (354PS) between 6,000 and 6,500 rpm, and delivers 470Nm (347 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 4,000 and 4,500 rpm.

An eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive transfer power to the road.

According to Audi, the SQ5 TSI completes the 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in 5.3 seconds and has an electronically limited speed of 250km/h (155 mph), while returning an average fuel consumption of 8.5 lt/100km in the NEDC (equal to 21mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 199g/km.

That compares to the AQ5 TDI's 5.1-second sprint time, 250 km/h (155mph) top speed and a fuel economy of 7.2 lt/100 km (32.7 US mpg).

The gasoline-powered SQ5 rides on a 30mm (1.2-inches) lowered chassis with tauter springs and shock absorbers, and new 20-inch alloy wheels (21-inch are optional) shod in 255/45-series tires. Audi also offers an optional dynamic steering with a 'steplessly variable ratio'.

As you would imagine, the SQ5 TDI and TSI share the same bespoke styling cues both inside and outside, with the only visible difference being the U.S. market model's colored turning signals up front.

As a refresher, exterior appointments include a platinum gray radiator grille with aluminum-look bars, a gloss package and exterior mirrors in aluminum look, a rear diffuser and side skirts, while Audi also offers two exclusive crystal-effect finishes named Estoril Blue and Panther Black.

In the cabin, you will find gray dials and white numerals for the instruments, sports steering wheel and seats trimmed in leather, and aluminum-look décor.

Audi said the new SQ5 TSI will arrive at U.S. dealerships in the third quarter of 2013 with pricing to be announced.

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Audi SQ5 TDI with 308HP

The new top model of its recently revised Q5 model series sports a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 diesel delivering a frisky 308hp (313PS) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque between 1,450 and 2,800 rpm.

An eight-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring transfer the power to the road.

Audi claims that the SQ5 TDI can go from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.1 seconds and top out at 250 km/h (155mph), while returning an average fuel consumption of 7.2 lt/100 km (32.7 US mpg or 39.2 UK mpg).

Chassis improvements over the regular Q5 models entail a retuned electromechanical power steering and a sports suspension that lowers the vehicle body by 30mm (1.18 in).

The SQ5 TDI rides on 20-inch alloy wheels (21-inch rims are optional) fitted with 255/45 tires.

To make it stand out from the other models, Audi has equipped the SQ5 TDI with a new styling kit that includes a platinum gray single-frame grille with an aluminum-look trim for the bars, the roof spoiler, window surrounds, mirrors and modified bumpers.

Inside, the cabin features power-adjustable sport seats in Pearl Nappa leather/Alcantara, brushed aluminum inlays, gray instrument dials with white needles, and S-spec steering wheel, gear lever knob and decorative trim.

The new SQ5 TDI will roll into Audi's European dealerships in the first quarter of 2013 with prices starting at €58,500 (approx. US$73,600). Audi did not say if it has any plans to offer the diesel model in the States.

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