Surely, making cars in China is nothing new for Audi, but recent reports of a new assembly plant in Changchun, northern China, intended for Q5 production, puts the Q5 as the first German model made in China for export. As a result, the sanctity of the “Made in Germany” slogan which has become synonymous with quality products could now be threatened by another new slogan, “Made in China”.
The new Audi Q5 claims to be the sportiest SUV in its class and somehow, we don't have much difficulty believing it. Highlights include the innovative seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with rocker switches on the steering wheel and the Audi drive select control system. The Q5 boasts of having the lowest drag coefficient in its class mainly as a result of it's long, wide and low body dimensions which again, Audi states is a class leader. Bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights and LED taillights dominate the front and rear visual expressions.
The Q5 is available in three exterior trim levels – the black (standard), contrasting color or full paint finish in the color of the car. Additionally, two body packages are available as well including the S line package for a sporty look and an off-road style package with under body protection shields which are mounted in the front and back. Available wheels sizes range from 17-inch lightweight forged wheels in size 235/65 up to 20-inch while the off-road package gets 19-inch wheels.
Available engines from launch include one gasoline engine and two TDI units all of which are turbocharged direct-injection units. Thanks to Audi's MLP body structure which is also used in the A5 and A4 models, the engine gets to be mounted longitudinally. Such a configuration enhances overall body balance which improves stability and handling effects.
Starting with the petrol, the 2.0-liter TFSI has been re-engineered producing 211 hp (155 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque available from 1500 to 4200 rpm. 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) arrives in 7.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 137.94 mph (222 km/h). Fuel consumption is 8.5 liters per 27.67 mpg (100 km). The TDI units start with the 2.0-liter unit making 170 hp (125 kW) with 258.15 lb-ft (350 Nm) between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Naturally, top speed and 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) aren't quite as good as the petrol units at 126.76 mph (204 km/h) and 9.5 seconds, however, average fuel consumption of just 6.7 liters per 100 km (35.11 mpg) is significantly better than the TFSI engine. The strongest engine is the 3.0-liter V6 TDI unit which delivers 240 hp (176 kW) with a whopping 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in an impressive 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).
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIXp_JmPn-4[/youtube]
In: WorldCarFans.com
só é pena o : made in china :S :S
