Audi recently released details on its European- and U.S.-spec Audi Q5 mid-size SUV, due to slot in below the Q7. While Europeans will be able to choose from three engines, North America is likely to get only one engine option; a revised version of the 2.0-liter inline four used in the GTI and other VW products, ranging from the Tiguan to the Passat. In the Q5, the turbo four will make 211 horsepower and 258lb/ft of torque.
Europeans will be able to choose from that powerplant and two spark-free diesels: a 2.0-liter inline four good for 170 horsepower and the same 258lb-ft of torque as the gas burner, though it will come in earlier in the rev range as well as a 240hp 3.0-liter V6 that cranks out 369lb-ft of torque. The former is due to return 35mpg and the latter about 31mpg. In comparison, the gasoline engine is expected to average nearly 28mpg.
All three use turbochargers and direct fuel injection.
Audi is bringing the new Q5 onto the market equipped with three powerful, sporty engines – one turbo FSI gasoline version and two TDIs, all of which are state-of-the-art units featuring turbocharging and direct fuel injection. The perfect interplay of these two technologies paves the way for downsizing, which involves using supercharging as a means of trimming engine capacity. This enables the Q5 to achieve CO2 emissions of less than 200 grams per kilometer (321.87 g/mile).
Several technologies that contribute to the efficiency of the Q5, no matter the engine under its hood, include an electric power steering system, an isolated part of the cooling system that helps the engine reach optimum operating temperature quicker, and an alternator that converts momentum into electrical energy during braking and coasting. Combined, the technologies increase fuel efficiency by about 15 percent, Audi claims.
The gasoline-powered Q5 will come with a six-speed manual as standard-issue, and the set-up will include a shift-indicator on the dash that tell drivers when to shift into the most fuel-efficient gear. The SUV’s Multi-Media Interface navigation system will also have the option of picking the most fuel-efficient route for the driver. A seven-speed S-tronic (Audi-speak for dual-clutch) transmission will be the optional gearbox.
The drag coefficient of 0.33 is low for an SUV, with Audi claiming its Q5 is the most slippery in the class. Contributing to the achievement are reduced rolling resistance tires that Audi claims give up nothing to conventional rubber in terms of stopping distance or lateral grip.
