When the engineers and designers with ABT Sportsline intend to tune an SUV, you can be sure that the result will be an extraordinary vehicle. That has been the case with the Touareg, AS7 and Tiguan - and that will be continued with the new ABT Q5. The elegant crossover vehicle is by concept a premium model in the category of compact SUVs, but “such a wonderful car always spurs us to create something really special,” says Hans-Jürgen Abt. The managing director of ABT Sportsline emphasizes that it is about “blending our philosophy with the character of the car.” With the ABT Q5, this worked perfectly: The Allgäu SUV is fast, beefy, sleek, extravagant, extremely versatile - and therefore evokes five wows.

The ABT Q5 is impressing, harmonic and superior from every angle. The front skirt with the integrated underride protection finds its equivalent in the rear skirt, which, in a very elegant way, also hides the tow bar extendable for use. The mighty front grille, the fender extensions and the dynamic door strip attachments form a unit. The rear wing, the 4-pipe-rear muffler and the BR wheel rim in size 20-inch also fit in optimally into the elegant overall picture. The ABT Q5 is indeed a car for all occasions: No matter whether in front of a luxury hotel or a beer garden, this vehicle fits in everywhere.

The Q5 follows its bigger brother from Kempten, the AS7, suit: the “S” in “SUV” means “particularly sporty”. A genuine ABT always has significantly more power, even more so when all four wheels are powered. The two diesel engines sparkle with energy: thanks to ABT Power, the 2.0 TDI delivers potent 190hp (140kW) instead of 170hp (125kW). The 3.0 TDI delivers the most powerful performance for the ABT Q5: with ABT Power S, it achieves 310hp or 228kW (Series: 240hp/177kW) on any terrain. Particularly impressing: its maximum torque of 610Nm. Also the 2.0 TFSI is suited perfectly for the SUV from Kempten: thanks to ABT Power, 211hp (155kW) are turned into sporty 240hp (177kW).

When a power upgrade is made, suspension and brakes, too, have to be adjusted to the increased power. That is why Abt is offering a fine tuned package for the Q5: suspension springs, lowering of the car’s center of gravity or also the well-proven ABT Level Control, an electronic lowering for the CDC air suspension (Continous Damping Control). Regarding deceleration, the ABT sports brake system provides for a maximum of safety, which meets the increased requirements: the brake disks with a diameter of 380mm are strong enough for the fast SUV - and behind the 20-inch-wheel rims type BR or AR, they also look extremely good. The ABT Q5 is going to be available within the first quarter of 2009.

The new Audi Q5: Sporty and versatile

* The performance SUV from Audi raises the bar
* Innovative technologies for dynamic driving excitement
* Spacious interior with a myriad of intelligent functions

The new Audi Q5 combines the dynamism of a sports sedan with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure-time and family use. Strong and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear have been brought together to create a superior technology package for both on- and off-road driving. Highlights such as the innovative seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and the Audi drive select control system are proof of Audi's Vorsprung durch Technik. The sportiest SUV in its class is dynamic, multifunctional and comfortable.

The dimensions alone indicate that this is a SUV of all-new proportions. Measuring 4.63 meters (15.19 feet) long and 1.88 meters (6.17 feet) wide, the Audi Q5 is just 1.65 meters (5.41 feet) high - making it sportier than any of its competitors. What's more, this SUV sets another benchmark in its class with a low drag coefficient of 0.33.

With its sporty elegance and artfully sculpted forms, the design of the Q5 is perfectly in tune with the character of Audi as a brand. The front end is dominated by expressive headlights on both sides of the large single-frame grille; on request, they can be outfitted with bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights. Viewed from the side, the large wheels and rising edges are especially prominent features.

Crowned by a railing, the elegant slope of the roof underscores the slim, coupe-like styling. At the rear, the wraparound tailgate - made from aluminum just like the hood - clearly identifies this SUV as a relative of its older brother, the Audi Q7. The taillights are available in eye-catching LED technology as well.

Audi offers three different options for the external trim of the Q5 - black (standard), contrasting color or full paint finish in the color of the car. Two body packages are available as well. The S line exterior package imparts a decidedly sporty look to the performance SUV, while the alternative off-road style package with underbody protection in the front and back and 19-inch wheels gives this SUV a robust flair.

Long wheelbase, roomy interior

At 2.81 meters (9.22 feet), the wheelbase is the longest in its segment - creating a roomy interior on board the Audi Q5. The vehicle comfortably accommodates five persons in ergonomically designed seats that can be flexibly arranged. The backrests for the rear seats are angle-adjustable and especially easy to fold down by activating the remote release lever in the luggage compartment. This compartment, offering access to a second storage area under the floor, then expands from 540 to 1,560 liters (19.07 to 55.09 cubic feet) in volume. Optional extras include a rail mounting kit for luggage, a net partition and a luggage compartment liner.

The Audi Q5 is a multi-talent for sport, leisure-time and family activities. As an option, Audi offers the "rear bench seat plus", which slides 100 millimeters (3.94 inches) lengthwise to provide a load-through facility. The front passenger's seat can be outfitted with a folding backrest for transportation of long objects such as surfboards. Numerous practical storage compartments, drink holders, bottle holders and onboard power outlets are supplied ex works. On request, Audi even offers a climate-controlled drink holder to keep drinks hot or cold. The optional storage package features another clever detail as well - an attachment point in the passenger-side footwell to which various storage fixtures can be attached.

Top-of-the-line safety equipment is a matter of course for Audi cars. On the front seats, the belt force limiters and airbags work together in a new and especially intelligent manner. Much of the body of the Audi Q5 is made of high- and ultra-high-strength steel components assembled with maximum precision. They reduce weight while at the same time improving crash safety as well as rigidity and vibration patterns.

The Audi Q5 employs design elements typical of the brand in the interior, but adds its own unique variations - the driver-oriented cockpit is set higher, for example, in keeping with the upright sitting position. The ergonomics are exemplary, boasting the uncompromising craftsmanship one expects from Audi - a little treat for the senses in terms of look and feel. The clear-cut interior takes on even more charisma with fine materials such as aluminum, exclusive woods, chrome, leather and Alcantara as well as a large selection of optional design packages.

The Audi Q5 comes standard with an electromechanical parking brake, an intelligent chip key, a climate control system and a display screen in the instrument cluster depicting, among other things, the recommended ideal gear for efficient driving in the given situation. A large, central monitor is part of the standard equipment as well. When an onboard navigation system is added, many of the controls are shifted to the MMI panel on the center console. This is the next generation of the best operating system on the market - with even more intuitive graphics and control via the large rotary pushbutton.

Strong and efficient - the engines

The Audi Q5 is rolling off the production line in three engine variants - one gasoline engine and two TDI units. All of the engines are direct-injection models with a turbocharger - characterized by outstanding performance, hefty propulsive power and cultivated running while at the same time offering impressive fuel efficiency.

The 2.0 TFSI has been entirely redesigned. The four-cylinder engine unites three high-tech features - turbocharging, gasoline direct-injection technology and the innovative Audi valvelift system for variable control of valve lift.

The high torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) is available at 1,500 rpm and remains constant up to 4,200 rpm, with performance peaking at 155 kW (211 hp). The Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph). On average, the vehicle consumes just 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (27.67 mpg).

Drawing on four cylinders and two liters of displacement as well, the 2.0 TDI is superbly refined thanks to a new common-rail fuel injection system; like the gasoline engine, it has two balancing shafts. With 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) (between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm), this diesel engine delivers strong propulsive power at an outstanding 125 kW (170 hp). Average consumption of just 6.7 liters per 100 km (35.11 mpg) is proof of Audi's successful efficiency strategy. The two-liter TDI catapults the Audi Q5 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.5 seconds, peaking at a top speed of 204 km/h (126.76 mph).

The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 3.0 TDI. This V6 diesel engine delivers a gratifying 176 kW (240 hp), with 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. With outstanding power flow and cultivated sound, it takes the Audi Q5 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.5 seconds, accelerating to a top speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). On average, the three-liter engine consumes 7.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (30.55 mpg).

Seven speeds - the new S tronic

The 2.0 TDI transfers its power to a six-speed manual transmission. Audi has built innovative technology into both the 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI - the S tronic, a new twin-clutch transmission with seven speeds. This high-tech component can execute gearshifts in just a fraction of a second while offering exceptional comfort and high efficiency. Drivers can let the seven-speed S tronic shift automatically or select gears manually, when desired with rocker switches on the steering wheel.

Just like in the new Audi A4, pronounced the best midsized sedan by the trade press, the position of the component units in the drivetrain has been altered in the Audi Q5 - the differential is located in front of the clutch, directly behind the engine. This solution, which made it possible to move the front axle much further forward, creates a long wheelbase and optimum distribution of axle load. It is precisely these features from which the Audi Q5 derives its unique strengths - good directional stability, high comfort and impressive dynamics.

The pioneer of all-wheel drive, Audi builds the Audi Q5 standard with quattro permanent all-wheel drive - the only logical solution for a dynamic SUV. In normal running conditions, the transfer case distributes the power to the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio for a rear-focused style that enhances driving pleasure. When needed, the quattro driveline can deliver up to 65 percent of the power to the front axle and a maximum of 85 percent to the rear axle.

The running gear in the Audi Q5 further emphasizes its sporty nature. The five-link front axle and trapezoidal-link rear axle are made primarily from aluminum, the steering box below directs the steering impulse directly to the wheels. Large brakes ensure high retardation. The vehicle comes standard with 17-inch lightweight forged wheels in size 235/65. Audi offers even larger wheels of up to 20 inches in diameter on request.

The new performance SUV from Audi is sportily precise, spontaneous, safe and comfortable at the same time. Its electronic stabilization program (ESP) has been re-designed and enhanced with innovative functions not available from the competition. A sensor "tells" the ESP if a roof rack has been mounted, causing the Audi Q5's center of gravity to be shifted higher in keeping with the roof load of up to 100 kilograms (220.46 pounds). If a roof rack is present, the ESP engages earlier in the handling limit. Without a roof load, the driver is free to tap the full dynamic potential of the Audi Q5.

The Audi Q5 is suitable for all purposes and driving surfaces. Capable of towing up to 2.0 tons, this powerful vehicle delivers excellent performance in rough terrain as well. The standard hill descent control system makes it safe to navigate down steep inclines by regulating the preselected speed when driving at under 30 km/h (18.64 mph). The ESP and its sub-function, the ABS, have special ranges for off-road driving. The ESP focuses on achieving maximum traction in off-road driving; the ABS automatically recognizes the consistency of the driving surface and selects the ideal strategy for sand, gravel or loose rocks.

The numbers speak for themselves: The Audi Q5's climbing capability of 31 degrees of incline is exceptional. The overhang angle is 25 degrees thanks to the short front overhang. The ramp breakover angle, determined by the wheelbase, is 17.5 degrees. Ground clearance is an impressive 20 centimeters (7.87 inches), with a fording depth of up to 50 centimeters (19.69 inches) when driving through water.

Audi drive select - for more driving pleasure

A large package of high-end technologies makes the Audi Q5 driving experience even more fascinating. The optional control system Audi drive select guides the operation of various technology components and is available in several upgrade variants. At the touch of a button, the driver determines whether the system should work in a comfortable, an especially well balanced or a sporty mode. The MMI operating system offers a fourth mode, which can be individually programmed.

Audi drive select is available with two innovative components. One is an electronic controller for the shock absorbers, the other is Audi dynamic steering. Outfitted with a superposition gear, it continuously varies the steering ratio and the power steering assistance depending on the speed driven - which means less steering effort is required when parking, and firm steering with low sensitivity at higher speeds. At the handling limits, the dynamic steering stabilizes the Audi Q5 in conjunction with the ESP by means of instantaneous steering interventions.

The new performance SUV from Audi is rolling off the production line with a generous range of standard equipment including an audio system with eight speakers. A highly contemporary modular system of components is available for multimedia options - the highest upgrade level features a Bluetooth telephone, a DVD drive, a TV tuner, an intelligent speech control system, an iPod interface and a top-of-the-line sound system from the Danish specialists Bang & Olufsen. The excellent navigation system boasts a high-resolution monitor for new, three-dimensional representation of maps. The hard disk from which the system reads can also save music files in MP3 format.

The assistance systems: Straight from the luxury class

On request, the Audi Q5 comes with a spectrum of high-tech, onboard systems taken directly from the premium class to make driving an even more superlative and relaxed experience. These include the Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera, Audi lane assist (the lane departure warning system) and Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes. Adaptive cruise control maintains a constant distance between the performance SUV and the vehicle in front.

Additional high-tech extras for the Audi Q5 include the advanced key for keyless access to the vehicle, a tire pressure monitoring system, the large panoramic glass sunroof with additional tilting function, the triple-zone climate control system, sun blinds for the rear side windows, the dynamic cornering light system known as Audi adaptive light, an electric tailgate and a swiveling trailer hitch. The high-beam assistant automatically switches between the high and low beams. On request, the front seats can be electrically adjusted, heated and ventilated - Audi offers the extras from the luxury class in its new performance SUV here as well.

...to see the midsized suvvie completely unclad of the anti-spy photo cladding. Wonder with wonderment as you remember it's slated to go into production as a 2009 model year product in Europe with a US debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Astound yourself and the other eleven people waiting in anticipation for the new Audi crossover as you force yourself to have to manage with only these shots for the time being. [WorldCarFans]

Other details we could glean are the the split on the differential may be 40:60, and er, 2008 is the year of the Q5? Help us out here if you're a speaker cause they're probably telling the Q5 will be powered by its driver's sense of self satisfaction and thus they've created perpetual motion. [via Autobild.de (translated)]

The document claims the new S-uperpowered TT is rated at a mere 269 HP, much lower than the predicted 280 horses sources claimed the new up-powered TT would achieve with the 2.0-liter TFSI engine found in the S3. Will TT-heads still buy it? Our bet is yes — but it surely disappoints given the previous conjecture. Well, who knows — maybe it's just Audi low-balling their HP numbers again.

Audi Q5 [Car]

Related:
Shanghai Auto Show: Audi Cross Coupé Concept Reveal; Porsche To Add Lightness, Insanity: The Roxster Is Nigh; New Audi Q5 Ute Confirmed for Inglostadt Production [internal]

Update: And now we're under the back fence. Porsche has just released a statement claiming nein, there will be no baby-SUV. However, if they did indeed grad the moniker Roxster, we have some advice for them. Stuff the twin-turbo V8 into the middle of the Cayman. That's a Roxster.

No Small Cayenne SUV, Porsche Says [Road & Track]

Yeah, so, Autobild is reporting Porsche has registered the name Roxster and will be launching a baby Cayenne/Audi Q5 sibling and BMW X3 competitor. Unlike big brother Cayenne, the Roxster shall have no off-road ability whatsoever. However, it will get stuffed with engines from the Cayenne. (So keep your eyes peeled for a 550+ horsepower Roxster Turbo S.) In other Porsche/Audi news, Autobild claims Porsche will share some Boxster/Cayman technology with Audi so the latter can release a mid-engined roadster. Audi is nowhere near as slick as Porsche when it comes to names, so they're just going to call it the R4. And if this little Audi goes to market, it will have the latest iteration of AAI (Awesome Audi Interior) as well as (probably) the DSG. We can hear Farago's breath quickening from over here. – Jonny Lieberman

Porsche baut den Baby-Cayenne [via Autobild]

Related:
A Pinch of Cayenne: More Talk on Porsche's Small SUV; Over the Back Fence: An Audi R4? [Internal]

We popped down the river's edge last night to check out the debut of Audi's Cross Coup Concept, which seems to be a big, throbbing hint at the direction the Q5 crossover will take. Audi desing honcho Stefan Sielaff pointed out that the tallights are of the "utmost precision," while we seem to recall that company boss Rupert Stadler (resplendent in pink tie) said something about Shanghai being the turbo on Audi's cherry. They flew in the cast of STOMP! to introduce the car and then had some really terrible Chinese band play a few songs, one of which we swore was going to be Rosanna by Toto. Quote of the night goes to Stadler: "China is set to become Audi's second home market, I assure you." – Davey G. Johnson

Related:
Shanghai Motor Show: Audi Cross Coupe ? Concept [Internal]

No Audi's not done deriving new models, considering there are still a couple of counting numbers it hasn't yet appropriated. For instance, it's been a year since we've heard anything new about the coming Audi A7/S7, a new coupeish four-door set to challenge the Mercedes CLS by 2009. Ditto for the Q5 small SUV. Now, German news outlets are reporting on the company's raft of new badges it's rolling out in its quest to be a major luxury player. The A7's expected to hit in 2009 for the 2010 model year. It'll be built on the same platform as the A8 and offer a range of engines including the Lambo-derived V10 for the S7 model. MotorAuthority offers a rendering of what it could look like. No word on whether Audi's also considering a two-door sedan, a six-door hatchback or a 12-door airport bus, but insiders say put a sock in it. – Mike Spinelli

Preview: 2009 Audi A7 Cabriolet [Motor Authority]

Related:
Spy Photos: Audi A7 Test Mule?; Spy Photos: 2009 Audi A7 [internal]

It's been so long since we've heard a peep from Audi's Q5 small ute program that we'd almost forgotten it was in play. If you hadn't heard, the company is reportedly building a smaller SUV to slot in below the Q7 and compete with the BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander and on-the-way Mercedes GLK. Now, spies — who caught shots of a mule built from the sheetmetal of an Allroad wagon — say the Q5 will be larger than those rivals, with components derived from the VW Touareg and a platform wrenched from the A4 and A6. That means V8 power for the US market. It also means that when it arrives in early 2008, it'll occupy its own niche of smallish, V8-powered crossover luxury utes. Audi: 1, dead horse: 0.

SPY PHOTOS: New Audi Q5 [World Car Fans]

Related:
More on the Aud Q5 [internal]

We were just sitting here listening to our Bo Bice albums and playing Risk with ourself (we win!), when in comes an e-mail from The German Car Blog. It seems the old Auto Union boys have announced (in German) that the long-awaited little brother to the new Audi Q7, the Q5, will be built At Audi Werk Ingolstadt on the banks of the Danube in Germany. The company's investing Nearly $400 million in the facilities, and hiring allocating 1,700 new employees to swing the hammers. The new crossover SUV, which will be based on the A4, will likely appear in 2007 as a 2008 model.

Audi Q5: Will be produced in Ingolstadt! [The German Car Blog]

Related:
New Audi Q5 Crossover: Definite! Maybe! [internal]

The boys at The German Car Blog found a piece in Germany's Auto Motor und Sport indicating the Audi Q5 "has been officially announced as possible." (We're already popping theoretical bottles of champagne in mock celebration.) Still, we hear the Q5 could make its debut as early as the Geneva show next month, and Automobile has already gone on record that the BMW X3 fighter will debut in the 2007 model year. If we had to predict, a concept Q5 will be unveiled at the show, with a production model introduced in 2008. Consider that a pre-announcement unannouncement.

Audi Q5: Officially announced as possible! [The German Car Blog]

Related:
More on Audi s Q5 Crossover [internal]

Automobile confirmed that Audi is building a production version of the Roadjet concept — a sports sedan slotted between the A4 and A6 — it unveiled at the Detroit auto show this year. While that car won't be available in the US (thanks for nuthin' Awdy), it will be closely related to the long-anticipated Q5 — a taller ute-over (think: Roadjet Allroad). We'd imagine the juiced-up 3.2-liter six, producing 300hp, will likely survive the transition, though the espresso machine mounted in the rear console will be sacrificed to the gods of "take it down a notch."

Audi Roadjet: Likely to be produced, but not for the US! [The German Car Blog]

Related:
The End of the Allroad: Audi Plans for Q5 Crossover [internal]

Edmunds Inside Line is reporting that Audi could launch its new Q5 crossover SUV as a concept model at this year's Frankfurt motor show. According to sources, Audi will convert its Allroad Quattro into a more SUV-like vehicle to directly challenge BMW's X3. But the Q5 — as it will be known — will be built on the same platform as the A4 Avant wagon, not the A6, as is the current Allroad. The Q5 will likely appear in 2007 as a 2008 model.

Audi Firms Up Q5 Sport Ute Plans to Challenge BMW X3 [Edmunds]

Related:
Nissan Sues Audi for Rights to the Letter Q; Spy Photos: Audi Q7 Spotted, Will Get V10; More on Audi s Q5 Crossover [internal]