Audi’s S models (S3, S5, S6 etc.) have always offered extra performance over their A model counterparts. Historically, these cars have all been petrol powered, but everybody’s favourite vorsprung durch technicians will soon introduce the first ever diesel-powered S vehicle in the form of the Audi SQ5.
The Audi SQ5 is set to be the sportiest version of the Q5 to date. Its 3-litre BiTDI engine will offer a meaty 313PS (309bhp) and 650Nm of torque, which is 69bhp and 150Nm more than the existing 3-litre TDI Quattro. It’ll hurl itself from a standstill to 62mph in 5.1 seconds and onto an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, so it’s fast enough to hang with the tastiest of sports cars.
Audi says the SQ5 has a specially developed sound actuator in the exhaust system — a flap, essentially — that ‘enriches’ the exhaust note, so it sounds the part, too.
Despite the epic grunt, the SQ5 isn’t particularly thirsty. It’ll return up to 39.2mpg on the combined cycle, which is slightly more than the 37.6 achieved by the 3-litre TDI Quattro. Handling, meanwhile, is unproven, but it promises to be quite capable in the turns. The SQ5 will come with sport suspension, which lowers the body by 30mm, helping — in theory, at least — to keep the car flat and composed while cornering.
You’ll be able to spot an Audi SQ5 thanks to its platinum grey single-frame grille, the roof spoiler, tweaked bumpers, and the fact it’s just hurtled past you at breakneck speed. Audi will start taking orders for the car, which is priced at around £45,000, this October. It’ll go on sale starting in spring 2013.
Do you want one? Do you love it? Hate it? Leave your opinions, as ever, in the comments below or on our Facebook hideaway.
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