Sportiness is calling

The Romans knew the importance of a healthy mind in a healthy body. The ideal was an active mind coupled with an athletic physique. Add to that technical capabili­ties, and you have what might be called a model athlete. Viewed in these terms, the Audi SQ5 TFSI truly mirrors the classic ideal. It has it all—power, intelligence and beauty. Its three-liter V6 TFSI engine produces a jaw-dropping 260 kilowatts that packs a real punch in terms of response. From 1,370 to 4,500 revs per minute, it delivers a constant 500 newton-meters of torque and, in tandem with a fast, smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic, can accelerate the car from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.4 seconds. Can is the operative word—it doesn’t have to: Staying balanced in every situation, the high-performance power plant is just as suitable for sprinting as for relaxed cruising. Yet in every respect it’s more efficient than its counterpart in the predecessor model.

This efficiency boost is, among other factors, down to intelligent optimization of engine management. This includes a new combustion process which, thanks to a shortened compression phase, permits a much higher base compression and thus enhances efficiency—as does the innovative thermal management system: The crankcase and cylinder head have separate coolant circuits. This helps the engine to heat up faster after a cold start. As soon as the engine is warm, the system reduces the exhaust temperature. The result is lower fuel consumption, particularly during sporty driving. The six-cylinder aluminum engine’s spontaneous response is facilitated by a turbocharger operating on the twin-scroll principle, in which the exhaust branches merge directly ahead of the turbine to provide improved flow characteristics. Fourteen kilograms less weight in the engine alone also do their bit. Overall, the new Audi SQ5 TFSI is up to 35 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. That also makes itself felt in terms of agility.

The car’s outstanding handling properties make for even more fun behind the wheel. Thanks to wheel-selective torque control, the standard quattro drive sends the lion’s share of the power to the axle with the better traction, providing neutral turn-in behavior. The optional sport differential fine-tunes torque control and handling, sending more torque to the outside rear wheel of the Audi SQ5 TFSI when accelerating out of tight bends. The car’s handling—already agile thanks to the new electromechanical power steering—can be enhanced further with optional dynamic steering. Engine, steering, transmission, optional sport differential and dampers are coupled with Audi drive select and can be individually controlled. With the optional S-specific adaptive air suspension, ride height can also be adapted to any driving situation via Audi drive select.

There is also a range of sophisticated assistance systems on offer: Whether it’s optional adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function, which within system limits can automatically brake and accelerate to keep a steady distance from the car in front, turn assist, collision avoidance assist or cross traffic assist—the spectrum of comfort and safety systems leaves virtually nothing to be desired. Audi pre sense city comes ready fitted as part of the standard package. The system can alert the driver to pedestrians and vehicles and, if necessary, initiate automatic braking within system limits. Park assist, camera-based recognition of traffic signs and hill descent control round out the features.

For all its sporting prowess, the new Audi SQ5 TFSI also makes a compelling statement when it comes to aesthetics. Numerous details underscore the car’s dynamic DNA even before it moves a muscle. Its bold, athletic bumpers at the front and rear are set off by more strongly contoured, S-specific air inlets and the diffuser with a honeycomb grille. Another S-specific feature is the radiator grille with double aluminum slats and contrasting trim elements in matt twilight gray. LED technology is fitted as standard for all lighting functions. The dynamic turn signals ensure a high recognition factor and additional safety. On the sides, aluminum-look exterior mirrors and door trim strips in the body color are unmistakable signs of the vehicle’s sporty genes. The rear bumper houses the S-specific twin exhaust tailpipes of the dual-branch exhaust system and an aluminum diffuser clasp.

The Audi SQ5 black edition combines sporty elegance with sophisticated exterior highlights: They include exclusive quantum gray exterior paint finish, exclusive Manhattan gray sills, wheel covers and bumpers, privacy glass and the titanium black optic package for Singleframe and air inlet grille. For more information on the Audi SQ5 TFSI and Audi SQ5 black, go to audi.com.