Audi, Audi SQ5 Being Considered, Other S and RS SUV Models Possible
Audi could bring a sporty version of the Q5 to market, according to an insider. The company is evaluating a 300-plus-hp version of its crossover model, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter TDI V-6. More impressive than the power rating will be the massive torque, which we estimate to be in the neighborhood of 450 to 500 lb-ft. Combine that with the sharp handling and aggressive steering of the Q5, and you have a winner—especially without any BMW X3 M, Mercedes-Benz GLK AMG, or Lexus RX F in sight. Perhaps Porsche can counter with a similarly powerful and torquey Cajun? The SQ5 moniker is reserved for this vehicle—cross your fingers.
Beyond SQ5, Audi has secured the SQ1, SQ3, and SQ7, as well as the RSQ3, RSQ5, and RSQ7 names in Germany (with U.S. trademarks filed for SQ3, SQ5, and SQ7). Is this only to keep other carmakers from snatching them up for their own products? Anyway, it’s fun to speculate about the possibilities. The upcoming Q3, which shares its platform with the VW Golf and Audi A3, could be powered by the 272-hp, 2.0-liter turbo of the Golf R and S3, and by the 2.5-liter, five-cylinder turbo of the TT RS and RS3. A smaller Q1 on the Polo and A1 platform is a likely addition to Audi’s crossover range, and an SQ1 version could be fitted with the turbo- and supercharged 1.4-liter “Twincharger” engine. And while the Q7 is not available with anything beyond V-6 engines at the moment—at least in the U.S.—a turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 would be befitting of a top model crowning the next generation of the three-row SUV.
Audi could bring a sporty version of the Q5 to market, according to an insider. The company is evaluating a 300-plus-hp version of its crossover model, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter TDI V-6. More impressive than the power rating will be the massive torque, which we estimate to be in the neighborhood of 450 to 500 lb-ft. Combine that with the sharp handling and aggressive steering of the Q5, and you have a winner—especially without any BMW X3 M, Mercedes-Benz GLK AMG, or Lexus RX F in sight. Perhaps Porsche can counter with a similarly powerful and torquey Cajun? The SQ5 moniker is reserved for this vehicle—cross your fingers.
Beyond SQ5, Audi has secured the SQ1, SQ3, and SQ7, as well as the RSQ3, RSQ5, and RSQ7 names in Germany (with U.S. trademarks filed for SQ3, SQ5, and SQ7). Is this only to keep other carmakers from snatching them up for their own products? Anyway, it’s fun to speculate about the possibilities. The upcoming Q3, which shares its platform with the VW Golf and Audi A3, could be powered by the 272-hp, 2.0-liter turbo of the Golf R and S3, and by the 2.5-liter, five-cylinder turbo of the TT RS and RS3. A smaller Q1 on the Polo and A1 platform is a likely addition to Audi’s crossover range, and an SQ1 version could be fitted with the turbo- and supercharged 1.4-liter “Twincharger” engine. And while the Q7 is not available with anything beyond V-6 engines at the moment—at least in the U.S.—a turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 would be befitting of a top model crowning the next generation of the three-row SUV.
No comments:
Post a Comment