Audi unveils twin-turbocharged SQ5 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

The Audi Q5 3.0 TDI, with a potent 3-litre turbocharged diesel engine and Quattro 4WD, is no slouch. In fact, the big crossover can genuinely give some of the full-size performance sedans a run for their money – thanks to over 240PS of power and 500Nm of torque under the hood. Audi, however, thinks otherwise; which is why the German carmaker will launch an even more powerful version of the Q3. 

Based on the Q5 platform, the SQ5 comes powered by a twin-turbocharged 3-litre V6 engine putting out 310PS of power and over 650Nm of torque, enough to propel the big crossover from 0-100kph in just about 5 seconds, beating the likes of Porsche Boxster S, BMW Z4 and Nissan 370Z. The engine is mated to an 8-speed triptonic gearbox which sends power to all four wheels through Quattro 4WD system. To improve the handling and onroad manners, the car has been lowered by 3cm while the suspension has been stiffened up to handle all the extra power.

Design changes to the SQ5 include a sportier front-end with new front bumper and grille, 20-inch alloys shod in wide 255/45 rubber, rear spoiler and some S badges over the bodywork.

The SQ5, interestingly, is the first diesel-powered S vehicle and is expected to go on sale in somewhere around next year with prices in the region of Rs 40-45 lakh.