Audi Q5 and A4 Allroad Quattro Get New Entry-Level Engines

A new entry-level diesel is available for both the Audi Q5 SUV and the A4 allroad quattro crossover while the Q5 also gets a new base gasoline unit in the form of the 2.0 TSI. The diesel engine is a 2.0-liter TDI with common rail high-pressure injection that produces 143HP and a maximum torque of 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. The base 2.0-liter TSI makes 180HP and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque from 1,500 to 3,900 rpm. Both engines are linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Audi claims that the 2.0 TFSI accelerates the Q5 from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 8.5 seconds while returning an average fuel consumption of 8.4 liters per 100km or 28.0mpg US. With the 2.0 TDI, the Q5 goes to 100 km/h from rest in 11.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 190km/h or 118mph while averaging 6.5 liters of diesel fuel per 100km (36.19mpg US).

The A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TDI with the six-speed manual transmission consumes an average of 6.2 liters per 100km (37.94mpg US). The German automaker said it reaches the 100km/h mark (62mph) in 10.3 seconds and can accelerate up to 200 km/h or 124 mph.

In Germany, prices for the Audi Q5 start at €36,800 for the 2.0 TFSI petrol and €36,500 for the 2.0 TDI diesel, while the base price for the A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TDI is €37,100.

READ MORE - Audi Q5 and A4 Allroad Quattro Get New Entry-Level Engines

Euro NCAP: Q5, Jazz, i20, Soul and 3008 Achieve 5-Star Rating, Suzuki Alto gets only 3-Stars

European car safety testing body Euro-NCAP has announced its latest batch of results for six new cars. Five of these models, the Audi Q5, Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20, Kia Soul and Peugeot 3008 received Euro NCAP's maximum five star award while Suzuki's made-in-India Alto scored only three stars, its rating limited by its performance in adult occupant protection, child protection and safety assistance technologies. Euro NCAP made a special note on the Honda Jazz and the Hyundai i20 as both cars managed to achieve a high score in pedestrian safety.

"We would like to commend the Honda Jazz and the Hyundai i20 for their impressive pedestrian scores that not only meet current requirements, but also meet Euro NCAP's future requirements," Euro NCAP said in a statement.

All six vehicles were tested with Euro NCAP's new overall rating scheme that was introduced in 2009 and covers Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and a new area of assessment, Safety Assist. Under the new testing regime, vehicles are awarded a single overall score from one to five stars with the overall rating being based on the car's performance in each of the four main areas and the scores are weighted with respect to each other.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - Euro NCAP: Q5, Jazz, i20, Soul and 3008 Achieve 5-Star Rating, Suzuki Alto gets only 3-Stars

Audi Q5 Concept with Modded 408HP 3.0TFSI V6 from S4

Every year about this time, Worthesee in Austria plays host to the annual GTI meeting of Audi and VW enthusiasts alike. For this year's gathering, Audi has prepared a high-performance customized variant of its new compact SUV, the Q5, equipped with a retuned version of the S4's 3.0-liter V6 TFSI producing an output of 408HP and a maximum torque figure of 500Nm or 369lb-ft, up from the standard engine's 333HP and 440Nm. The result is a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of just 4.4 seconds while the SUVs top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h or 155 mph.

Furthermore, the Q5 Concept's track was widened by 90mm (3.54 in) and the ride height lowered by 60mm (2.36 in). The customized version of the German SUV rolls on 21-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels while other features include the orange accents on the outside and the S-Line interior treatment with sport seats and stainless steel-plated pedals.

Alongside the Q5 Concept, Audi will also showcase many other production and concept cars like the new TT RS, R8 5.2 FSI quattro and the A1 supermini concept that is slated to enter the market in 2010.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Overview of the Audi Q5 custom concept

• Engine: 3.0 TFSI, V6 gasoline engine with supercharging and FSI gasoline direct injection
• Max. power output in kW (hp): 300 (408) at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm
• Max. torque in Nm (lb-ft): 500 (369) at 3,000 – 5,500 rpm
• Drivetrain: quattro permanent all-wheel drive
• Gearbox: 7-speed S tronic
• Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) (governed)
• 0 - 100 km/h (0 - 62 mph): 4.4 seconds
• Paint: Daytona Gray matt with red applications on the rims, roof rails, front skirt and rear spoiler
• Special features and selected equipment: power-enhanced 3.0 TFSI engine from the Audi S4 with 408 hp (normally 333 hp), ceramic brakes, active sound exhaust system, 90 millimeter wider track, 60 millimeter lower ride height, 21-inch wheels of 7 twin-spoke design, modified air intake, cooling water strut brace in engine compartment, stainless steel-plated pedals, S line sport seats, panorama roof system, "Wörthersee 09" adhesive film, textile floor mats with "Wörthersee 09" print application, Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, parking aid with rearview camera, voice control, Audi lane assist lane change assistant, headlight range control with cornering lights

READ MORE - Audi Q5 Concept with Modded 408HP 3.0TFSI V6 from S4

ABT's Tuning Packages for the Audi Q5 SUV

The self-proclaimed world's largest tuner of VW Group vehicles, ABT Sportsline, has published new photos of its modified Audi Q5. The German firm offers various performance packages for the compact SUV with power and style treatments across the range of trims. On the outside, ABT's bodykit that includes front and rear aprons, rocker panels, new grille, a relatively large roof spoiler plus various alloy wheels (up to 22-inches in diameter) work to create an aggressive look for the German SUV.

For the interior, ABT's tuning program includes a series of accessories ranging from the decorative inserts made of carbon-fiber to a full leather trim.

The more important news is under the hood as ABT's "power-kits' boost the 2.0 TDI diesel's output from 140 to 170HP, the 3.0 TDI diesel's from 240 to 310HP and the 2.0 TSI gasoline engine from 211 to 240HP with a 275HP version following in the next few months.

The engine upgrades can be complemented by a sport brake system with 380mm disc and a sport suspension that brings the SUV closer to the ground.

READ MORE - ABT's Tuning Packages for the Audi Q5 SUV

ABT AS5-R: Modified Audi S5 with 510HP set for Geneva Debut

The Audi S5-based AS5-R from ABT Sportsline will be making its worldwide debut at next month's Geneva Show. ABT's tuning proposal for the most powerful variant of the A5 coupe includes an updated version of the current S5's 344HP 4.2-liter V8 engine that has been modified to produce an output of 510-horsepower. For the record, Audi is planning to replace the S5 Coupe's V8 with the recently introduced S5 Cabriolet's new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine that develops 333HP.

ABT did not disclose any more information on the car, but aside from the engine-tune up, the AS5-R will also benefit from a new bodykit and larger alloy wheels along with a modified suspension and a more powerful braking system.

The German tuner's Geneva booth will also host the firm's latest creations including the ABT VW Sciorcco Coupe and the ABT Audi Q5 and R8.

READ MORE - ABT AS5-R: Modified Audi S5 with 510HP set for Geneva Debut

Audi Prices the new Q5 SUV from $37,200 in the U.S.

Just a week ahead of its U.S. market launch, Audi announced pricing for its new BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK rival, the 2009 Q5. In the States, the luxury compact SUV will be offered initially with a 270-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine is mated to a six speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and, three different equipment levels. Pricing for the entry-level Q5 Premium starts at $37,200 while the better equipped Q5 Premium Plus and Q5 Prestige begin from $41,500 and $48,200 respectively. Keep in mind that the above prices do not include a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges.

READ MORE - Audi Prices the new Q5 SUV from $37,200 in the U.S.

New Porsche Small SUV Confirmed by VW Group CEO, Says it May be Called "Cajun"

According to Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn himself, there's a new baby Cayenne in the works. In an interview with German magazine Der Spiegel, Winterkorn said Porsche "will get a new SUV, a smaller brother to the Cayenne which might be named Cajun."

I guess the name is appropriate if Porsche insists on spicing up its lineup with controversial vehicles. Should this be the case, can we expect the Panamera coupe to be called the Tabasco? Or perhaps the Texas Pete? Name game in the comments below.

As for the ragin' Cajun, why would Porsche bother building it at all? For the same reason that it's said to be building a new entry-level VW-based roadster: to piss off purists and elitists alike.

Well, actually, it's because Porsche is now controlled by VW, and the people's car manufacturer can and will do anything to help attain its lofty sales goals of 150,000 Porsche models sold (in the "medium" term).

A new Porsche cute ute will do just that, and will also help spread out some of the Q5's development costs. If this little sports car SUV does make it to production, it'll probably just be a smaller version of the Cayenne (which shares its platform with the latest Touareg). If true, that's a shame.

...deep breath...

It's a shame because a small 5-door SUV is exactly what's expected, and Porsche doesn't seem crazy enough to put out more than one version (double-dog dare to you, Porsche).

If Stuttgart's fastest were to go a little zany, though, could we recommend a three-door SUV variant (with an emphasis on the sport) to tackle the Range Rover Evoque? Clearly Land Rover is willing to commit to a unique new segment, so why not Porsche?

By Phil Alex

Source: Autoweek

*Opening Photo: Sketch of current generation Cayenne SUV

READ MORE - New Porsche Small SUV Confirmed by VW Group CEO, Says it May be Called "Cajun"