The SQ5 TDI is the brand’s first S model with a diesel engine. Boosted by two turbochargers, its 3-litre TDI engine produces 230 kW and 650 Nm of torque between 1,450 and 2,800 rpm.
The engine uses a twin-turbo design in which the two turbochargers are connected in series via a flap. Cylinder head cooling, the timing and lift of the intake cam shafts, the pistons, their oil-jet cooling and the piston pins have been specially designed for the high-performance concept. The common rail system develops as much as 2,000 bar of pressure and injects as many as eight shots of fuel into the cylinders per cycle. The 3.0 TDI bi-turbo has a great sound. This sound is further modulated by a sound actuator in the exhaust system – a loudspeaker in a short side channel.
The Audi SQ5 TDI sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and top speed is 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is on average just 7.2 litres per 100 km.
Innovative thermal management, the start-stop system and the regulated oil pump all contribute to this top figure. A fast and smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring transfer the power of the V6 diesel to the road.
The electromechanical power steering in the Audi SQ5 TDI is sensitive and highly efficient. The sport suspension lowers the vehicle body by 30 millimetres. The standard 20-inch wheels feature a five parallel-spoke design and are fitted with 255/45 tyres. Audi offers optional wheels measuring 21 inches in diameter. The black brake calipers on the front axle sport S badges. The optional Audi drive select system can be expanded upon request to include the dynamic steering system with its variable steering ratio.
The instrument dials are grey and include a 3D-design S badge, the needles are white and the pedals and shift paddles have an aluminium-look finish. Additional visual highlights in the interior are the S gear lever knob, the S badges on the door sill trims, the start button and the specially-shaped steering wheel, the S welcome screen and the lighting package. Luggage capacity is as much as 1,560 litres. It is also an unusually powerful towing vehicle, with a rated towing capacity of up to 2.4 metric tons.
The Audi SQ5 TDI will roll into European dealerships the first quarter of 2013.
