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Audi had two world premieres for this year's Paris Motor Show, the redesigned 2017 Q5 crossover and the high-performance RS3 sedan. We'll begin with the Q5 as it is one of Audi's most important vehicles. The first thing you'll notice is how much the new model looks like the outgoing one. Yes, there is a larger grille and sculpted lines from the larger Q7. But the redesigned Q5 somehow looks very much the same as the current one. At least the new Q5 is larger in all dimensions which allows for a more spacious interior. Speaking of the interior, the Q5 follows the same ideals as seen the in the A4. This means a clean and simple dash layout and the optional of Audi's Virtual Cockpit system that swaps the standard instrument cluster for a 12.3-inch screen. Engines for the European market include a choice of four and six-cylinder gas and diesel engines, along with a new hybrid powertrain. Details for the U.S. version will be announced at a later date. Transmissions include a six-speed manual, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive comes standard on the lower-powered engines, while quattro all-wheel drive comes standard on higher-powered models. New for this generation is an optional air suspension system that can vary the height of the vehicle. The 2017 Audi Q5 will be built in a new factory in San José Chiapa, Mexico. Sales are expected to begin next spring. Now on to the RS3 sedan. We have known about the existence of this model thanks to a leaked video that appeared in February. There is a more aggressive front end with larger air vents and honeycomb grille. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.5L five-cylinder producing 400PS (about 395 horsepower) and 354 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. Audi says the RS3 sedan hits 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 155 mph (you can increase top speed to 174 mph by asking Audi). Other changes for the RS3 sedan include a wider track to fit fatter tires, larger brakes, lowered suspension, and unique settings for the stability and traction control systems. Adaptive dampers are available as an option. The Audi RS3 sedan arrives in the U.S. next summer. Source: Audi Press Release is on Page 2 Even sportier and more multifaceted: the second generation of the Audi Q5 arrives Audi presents another successful model: Sales for the second generation of the Audi Q5* begin at the start of 2017. The SUV with the four rings combines the sportiness of an Audi saloon with a multifaceted character and a highly flexible interior. Whether in its connectivity, efficiency or driver assistance systems – the new Audi Q5 once again sets standards in its segment. “The first Audi Q5 was for many years the world's best-selling SUV in its class. It was no easy task to design its successor, but that is precisely why it is so very exciting,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG. “With the new Q5 we are setting the bar a notch higher. Among the great innovations are the quattro drive system with ultra technology, highly efficient engines, the air suspension with damper control and a comprehensive line-up of infotainment and assistance systems.” The new SUV from Audi takes a sporty and taut stance on the street. A sculpturally flared Singleframe grille with a solid frame dominates its aerodynamically flat front end. It is available with headlights that are either in LED or high-resolution Matrix LED technology with dynamic turn lights. Typically Audi: Reference to the quattro drive A distinctively curved and strongly undercut shoulder line gives structure to the side view. The strongly emphasized wheel arches are a reference to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, and the low greenhouse tapers back down early. Just as at the front, horizontal lines at the rear convey an image of width and presence. The tail lights are also available with optional dynamic turn signals. The tailgate wraps around the C-pillars – a typical feature of the Q models from Audi. A diffuser insert integrates the exhaust tailpipes. Audi is offering the new Q5 in 14 different exterior colors. Five newly configured equipment lines are available – sport and design, the S line sport package, design selection and the S line exterior package. They influence the overall appearance. In the design line, contrasting gray add-on parts emphasize the rugged character of the new SUV, while the sport equipment line of the Audi Q5 has parts fully painted in the exterior color. Weight saved: up to 90 kg (198.4 lb) lighter than the previous model 4.66 meters (15.3 ft) long, 1.89 meters (6.2 ft) wide and 1.66 meters (5.4 ft) tall with a 2.82 meter (9.3 ft) wheelbase – compared to the previous model, the new Q5 has grown in nearly all of its dimensions. Consequently, the unladen weight was reduced – depending on the engine – by up to 90 kg (198.4 lb). Steels with maximum tensile strength and aluminum form an intelligent material mix in the body. The new Q5 also stands at the top of its class in its aerodynamics. The four-cylinder versions attain a cd figure of 0.30 with the aerodynamically optimized roof. Wind noises are exceptionally low, and vibration comfort is high – the new SUV from Audi indulges the driver and passengers with the best interior acoustics in its class. Spacious and wide: the interior The interior offers a lot of space for five persons, and it surpasses the previous model and its competitors in key dimensions. Its horizontally oriented lines underscore the impression of width and comfort, and a three-dimensional trim strip runs across the entire width of the instrument panel. The new equipment lines concept offers customers a broad selection of colors and materials. The new, high-efficiency air conditioner is available in two versions. A three-spoke multifunction steering wheel is standard; additional functions such as steering wheel heating are optional. Seat features range all the way to a pneumatic massage function. When it is dark, the optional ambient lighting (standard with design selection) creates an attractive atmosphere in 30 different colors. The workmanship quality in the new Q5 is uncompromising. The rear seat back of the new Audi Q5 is split into three segments. Longitudinal and seat back angle adjustment are optional. Depending on the rear seat position, the basic volume of the luggage compartment ranges from 550 to 610 liters (19.4 to 21.5 cu ft), 10 liters (0.4 cu ft) more than in the previous model. When the rear bench is folded down, this volume grows to 1,550 liters (54.7 cu ft). Cargo loading is simplified by intelligent solutions like a standard, variably folding mat, optional sensor control of the power tailgate and manual lowering of the body via the optional air suspension. Simply coherent: controls and displays Operation of the new Audi SUV is intuitive and is marked by three great new features. The optional Audi virtual cockpit presents brilliant graphics on its high-resolution 12.3-inch screen. The driver can choose from two views – a classic view with large round instruments and a mode in which the navigation map or lists dominate. The also optional head-up display projects key information onto the windshield. The MMI terminal in the center console acts as the main control element. In the top infotainment system, the MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and an 8.3-inch display, a touchpad is integrated into the rotary pushbutton. It recognizes handwritten entries as well as gestures familiar from consumer electronics such as zooming gestures. If the new Q5 has an automatic transmission, it also has the larger MMI all-in-touch including haptic feedback. The MMI operating logic is based on the flat hierarchies used in today’s smartphones, and it offers such features as intelligent free-text search. The new natural-language voice control function also recognizes inputs from everyday speech. Serving as an additional third operating level in the new Audi Q5 is the multifunction steering wheel plus. Audi can deliver a newly developed head-up display as an option. It projects relevant information onto the windshield – including from driver assistance systems – as symbols and numbers that can be perceived quickly. Audi navigation: “Personal route assist” The new Audi Q5, like the Q7 and the A4, has a self-learning “personal route assist” function. After activating this function, the navigation system learns the routes and destinations that the customer regularly selects, and it associates this information to the parked position and time of day. For as long as it is active, the system therefore learns from the customer’s behavior and uses this information to suggest optimized route planning for the next trip – even while navigation is inactive. The navigation system incorporates the three most likely destinations into the calculation, taking into consideration both the arrival time and current traffic levels. For instance, the system can suggest that the customer activate navigation to find out about potential alternative routes. The driver decides whether or not to activate the function. He also has the option of deleting saved destinations. If the function is deactivated, the system does not store the destinations and does not consider deleted destinations or the routes driven. Online via LTE: MMI navigation plus MMI navigation plus utilizes the Audi connect module to integrate a LTE module and a Wi-Fi hotspot – this lets passengers go online with up to eight mobile devices. Audi connect enables convenient roaming in Europe for many Audi connect services with its permanently installed SIM card – the Audi connect SIM with a flat data rate. If they wish, users can also book data packages for the Wi-Fi hotspot at attractive prices, which also include EU roaming. The free Audi MMI connect app produces a close interconnection between the car and smartphone or a smartwatch and offers other services. They include remote checking of important vehicle states, online media streaming and transmission of a calendar from a smartphone to the MMI. High-end option: the infotainment modules The Audi phone box connects smartphones to the vehicle’s antenna for optimal reception quality; it also charges smartphones inductively according to the Qi standard. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System with innovative 3D sound introduces the spatial dimension of height. The Audi tablet, which is also new, serves as a flexible Rear Seat Entertainment device. The Audi smartphone interface also brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the new Q5. Driver assistance and safety systems In its driver assistance systems, the new Audi Q5 also tops its segment with a broad range of high-tech options. In their intelligent interplay, the systems represent a next step towards piloted driving. They are bundled into three packages – Tour, City and Parking. The predictive efficiency assistant helps the driver save fuel by specific information on the car’s surroundings. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) including traffic jam assist can handle some of the steering work in slow-moving traffic. Audi active lane assist makes it easier to stay in lane. Distance warning alerts the driver when the distance to a vehicle drops below a safe distance. Cross traffic assist rear, the exit warning system, collision avoidance assist and turn assist are other new features that perform excellently in pursuit of safety. The same applies to the pre sense systems – Audi pre sense city is a standard feature which warns of pedestrians and vehicles and may initiate automatic emergency braking within system limits. Park assist, the camera-based recognition of traffic signs and hill descent assist round out the features. Powerful quintet: TDI and TFSI engines The new Audi Q5 is launching in Europe with five powerful and efficient engines: four TDI engines and one TFSI. They have added up to 20 kW (27 hp) of power, with fuel consumption however being significantly reduced. Particularly the 2.0 TDI engines in the new Q5, with outputs of 110 kW (150 hp), 120 kW (163 hp) and 140 kW (190 hp), are highly efficient. The two-liter diesel is also a highly efficient engine in the version with 140 kW (190 hp). The two top engines combine ample power with efficiency. The further developed 2.0 TFSI has an output of 185 kW (252 hp), yet it only consumes 6.8 liters of gasoline per 100 km (34.6 US mpg), which equates to 154 grams CO2 per km(247.8 g/mi). The also intensively revised 3.0 TDI increases output to 210 kW (286 hp) with 620 Nm (457.3 lb ft) of torque. Versatile and efficient: drivetrain The drivetrain of the mid-size SUV has been redeveloped from the ground up – this also applies to the six-speed manual transmission, seven-speed S tronic and eight-speed tiptronic (only with the 3.0 TDI). The automatic transmissions integrate a fuel-saving freewheel function. The driver controls it by a selection lever or by shift paddles on the steering wheel; in both cases, the control signals are transmitted electronically. The new quattro drivetrain with ultra technology is standard equipment for the 2.0 TDI with 120 kW (163 hp) and 140 kW (190 hp), and for the 2.0 TFSI with 185 kW (252 hp). Audi can deliver it as an option for the entry-level diesel engine with 110 kW (150 hp). The quattro with ultra technology always disengages the rear-axle drive whenever it is not needed, and if necessary it can proactively re-engage it. The new concept boosts efficiency without reducing traction or driving dynamics. In both the front-wheel drive and quattro drive versions, torque vectoring gives handling a refined touch. The intelligent software solution always delivers a dynamic, precise and controllable driving experience. For the V6 diesel, Audi can deliver an optional sport differential at the rear axle which distributes torque between the wheels as necessary and thereby provides a maximum of driving dynamics – this is another new feature in this model series and in the competitive field. Resolving contradictions: the chassis The new Audi Q5 enables handling that combines very different strengths – it is sporty while being extremely comfortable. Creating the basis for this are the newly developed five-link suspensions and also the new electromechanical power steering system. Dynamic steering is available as an option; it varies its gear ratio according to the driving speed and steering angle. Customers can choose from two extension stages of springs and damping. The chassis with damper control offers a very wide spread between comfort and dynamics, which the driver can select via Audi drive select. In addition to adjusting damper control, the new adaptive air suspension can be used to vary the ride height of the car body over five stages. In the Audi Q5 3.0 TDI, these two systems and the sport differential are bundled into a new central chassis control unit. In the standard system, Audi drive select, which accesses various technical modules, the driver can select one of as many as seven driving modes. The two new modes, lift/offroad and allroad, emphasize the offroad character of the Audi Q5 optimally. The new Audi SUV comes from the factory with 17-inch alloy wheels. The design and sport equipment lines come with 18-inch wheels, and the S line sport package and Audi design selection come with 19-inch wheels. Wheels up to 21 inches in diameter are available as options. The new Audi Q5 is manufactured at a newly constructed plant in Mexico. It will arrive at dealers in Germany and other European countries at the beginning of 2017. The base price at the start of sales for the Q5 2.0 TDI 120 kW quattro S tronic will be 45,100 euros. A New Body of Work - 400PS Audi RS3 Saloon Debuts In Paris The first Audi RS saloon since 2010 features the world’s most powerful five-cylinder engine now rated at 400PS First compact Audi saloon to bear an RS badge 2.5 TFSI aluminium engine with 400PS and 480Nm of torque (354 lb-ft) 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds and optional 174mph top speed Wider track compared to the Audi A3 and signature RS design cues The most powerful five-cylinder engine on the world market Ingolstadt/Paris, September 29, 2016 – Now booted, and even better suited to covering ground with incredible pace and agility, the new Audi RS 3 takes to the stage in saloon form at the Paris Motor Show this week, matching blistering performance with a captivating soundtrack created by the most powerful five-cylinder engine ever to empower a series production Audi. The 400PS, 174mph RS 3 makes history as the first saloon in the brand’s history to use a transversely mounted configuration for its evocative powerplant, which has a proven track record as a seven-time winner of an ‘International Engine of the Year’ category award. The new 2.5 TFSI delivers a phenomenal 400PS and 480 Nm (354.0 lb-ft) of torque, available at engine speeds between 1,700 and 5,850 revolutions per minute. Such firepower allows the the compact RS model to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.1 seconds. It can attain a maximum speed of 155mph and, upon request, Audi will increase the electronically limited top speed to 174mph. The unique sound of the five-cylinder unit intensifies an already emotionally charged driving experience originating from the ignition alternating between directly adjacent cylinders and widely spaced ones. The sound can be modified via Audi drive select. With its light-alloy crankcase, the five-cylinder engine is 26 kilograms lighter than before. It employs a dual injection into the intake manifold and into the combustion chambers, as well as the Audi valvelift system for variable control of the exhaust valves. Relentless traction, steadfast driving safety With lightning-fast shifting, the S tronic seven-speed dual clutch transmission transmits the power of the 2.5 TFSI to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Its electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch distributes the drive torque variably between the axles. The electronic control combines superior stability with a high level of driving pleasure. The more focused the driving, the faster and more often will a large share of the torque will reach the rear axle. The result is especially agile handling characteristics. quattro management is integrated as a standard feature in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, as are the steering, S tronic, engine management and the adjustable exhaust flaps. The driver can individually vary the operation of these components between the three modes comfort, auto and dynamic. The same is true for the optional RS sport suspension plus with adaptive damper control. Wheel-selective torque control, an intelligent software feature of the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC), rounds off the work of the all-wheel drive. In fast cornering it slightly brakes the inside wheels, which are under a reduced load. In this way it can transmit greater lateral power, making handling more fluid and stable. In addition, the RS-specifically tuned ESC comes with a sport mode for controlled drifting. The ESC can also be fully deactivated for even more engaging driving characteristics. Progressive steering, a four-link rear axle, a tight setup and lowered by 25 millimetres relative to the standard model – the chassis of the RS 3 Saloon is the perfect partner for the powerful drive system. From its stable centre position, the RS 3 Saloon deftly tackles curves and exits with superior precision. The front brake discs have a diameter of 370 millimetres, while eight-piston calipers with large-area linings provide optimal deceleration. Alternatively, Audi supplies carbon-fibre ceramic discs upfront. The rear axle is fitted with brake discs which are 310 millimetres in diameter. Standard on the RS 3 Saloon are 19-inch wheels and 235/35 tyres. 255/30 tyres are optionally available for the front axle. Distinctive RS design outside and inside The Singleframe grille with its three-dimensional honeycomb design bears the quattro logo along the bottom. Underneath, a blade extends across the entire width of the front into the side air inlets, where it forms narrow funnels for better air flow through the wheel arches. LED headlights with their distinctive daytime running light signature are standard; Audi also offers matrix LED headlights as an option. Compared with an A3, the front track of the RS 3 Saloon is wider by 20 millimetres – the front wheel arches are accordingly flared wider as well. At the rear axle the wheels are spaced 14 millimetres further apart compared with the standard model. A fixed spoiler lip on the luggage compartment lid improves the separation of air flow. A distinctive diffuser insert with vertical struts and the large oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system terminate the rear. Audi exclusively offers the RS-specific paint colors Nardo grey and Catalunya red as options. The dark-toned interior welcomes the driver and passengers with illuminated door sills bearing the RS 3 logos as a standard feature. Black fine Nappa leather sport seats with RS logos on the backrests are standard. Optionally available are more contoured RS sport seats with integrated head restraints. Their covers are also diamond patterned and colour-perforated. The RS sport leather steering wheel is flattened at the bottom. Inlays at the instrument panel and at the doors complete the customary Audi Sport touches. Intuitive operation and high-definition displays The flat hierarchies and intelligently linked context menus make operation of the Audi RS 3 Saloon intuitive and ergonomic. The main control element is the rotary/push-button control on the console of the centre tunnel. With the top infotainment system MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, the terminal includes a touchpad for scrolling, zooming and writing. Additionally included is a free text search feature that automatically completes the user’s input after entering just a few letters. The voice control processes questions and commands formulated in everyday language. As standard, a seven-inch electrically extending MMI screen is fitted. The two circular instrument dials are black with red needles and white scales. The centrally positioned driver information system includes a boost pressure indicator, an oil thermometer and a lap timer. The fully digital Audi virtual cockpit is optionally available. On its high-resolution 12.3-inch monitor the driver can choose between three display modes. They include a special RS screen that moves the tachometer to the centre. On the left and right information appears on tyre pressure, torque and g-forces. When the transmission is operating in manual mode, a scale with a colour background prompts the driver to use the steering wheel paddle or selector lever to upshift when approaching maximum revs. Always online with Audi connect and Audi smartphone interface An LTE module gets the Audi RS 3 Saloon online. It brings on board the various services of Audi connect, including navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View, as well as information on fuel prices, the weather, travel and traffic. The information is displayed directly in the MMI, and operation is by way of the standard-equipped RS multifunction steering wheel, the rotary/push-button control and touchpad or by spoken command. Data is transmitted via the new Audi connect SIM, which is factory-installed in the car. With the corresponding data flat rate the customer can immediately use the services for up to three years free of charge – even in other European countries. In addition, the navigation systems include a Wi-Fi hotspot enabling passengers to surf the web with their tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices. The free Audi MMI connect app offers many other features, such as transferring your smartphone’s calendar to the MMI. Through Aupeo! and Napster it affords access to countless music tracks and audio books. Destinations from Google Maps, points of interest (POIs) and the entries from the “Travel” service can be transferred from your smartphone to your car’s navigation system using the app. The Audi smartphone interface brings Apple Car Play and Android Auto into the car. Selected apps for the phone, navigation and streaming services, for example, are then directly displayed on the MMI screen. The driver can control the apps using the various operating options in the car. Attractive supplementary components complete the infotainment lineup. The Audi phone box inductively charges the smartphone according to the Qi standard and connects it to the car antenna via near-field coupling for optimal reception quality. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System produces an excellent sound experience with 705 watts of power and 14 speakers. New portfolio of assistance systems The RS 3 Saloon is also at the top of its class when it comes to driver assistance systems. They keep the car at the desired distance from the vehicle in front, assist the driver when changing lanes and staying within the given lane, detect traffic signs and help avoid rear-end collisions and pedestrian accidents. New are the traffic jam assist, which briefly takes over the steering in slow-moving traffic up to 37mph, the emergency assist, which automatically stops the car if required, and cross traffic assist rear. The latter system looks out for crossing vehicles when pulling out of a parking space. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 8, 2013 Last year at the Paris Motor Show, Audi unveiled a high performance Q5 model called the SQ5 that used a 3.0L twin-turbo diesel V6 producing 313 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque that could reach 60 MPH in five seconds and get 32.67 MPG. For the Detroit Auto Show, Audi will unveil the North American version of the SQ5. Before you ask, it will not be the diesel version. Instead, Audi is dropping in the 3.0L supercharged V6 producing 354 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque going through a eight-speed automatic down to all four wheels via the Quattro AWD system. This combination can propel the SQ5 to 60 MPH in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 155 MPH. Other changes to the SQ5 include a lowered and stiffened suspension, twenty-inch wheels, platinum gray grille, unique bumpers, roof spoiler, and some interior changes. The SQ5 arrives in dealerships this summer. Source: Audi William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 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 INGOLSTADT, Germany, Jan 7, 2013 - 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. View full article

November 19th, 2012 Drew Dowdell Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com Ahead of the 2012 LA Auto show Audi is releasing news of four new TDI clean diesels bound for the U.S. Starting in spring of 2013, Audi will first introduce the TDI in the A8 flagship luxury sedan. Preliminary estimates put the A8 3.0 V6 TDI's fuel economy at 24mpg city and 36mpg highway while the 240 horsepower and a stump ripping 406 lb-ft of torque allow the 4300+ lb. sedan sprint to 60 in about 6.4 seconds. Following along in fall of 2013, the A7, A6, Q5 will join in on the diesel fun using the same 3.0 V6 TDI as the A8. While BMW is only rumored to be planning diesel availability across much of the rest of their lineup, Audi has gone ahead and beat them to an actual product announcement. We're okay with that, because in the end it means more diesels for everyone. Source: Audi USA News Drew Dowdell is Managing Editor of CheersandGears.com and can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter as @cheersngears View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 22, 2012 Porsche's new Macan crossover will be using the platform from the Audi Q5 and Porsche is saying the Macan will not be a Q5 in Porsche clothing. “Everything has been modified. Engines, transmissions, suspension — it’s all new. Audi can’t believe what we’ve done,” said Porsche’s R&D chief, Wolfgang Hatz. Hatz went onto say that the Macan will be the first Porsche in a long time to have a four-cylinder. “Not from the beginning, but in the medium to longterm, for sure,” he said. Source: Autocar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster View full article