German automobile manufacturer, Audi, has presented the new top model of its recently revised Q5 model series – the Audi SQ5 TDI – at 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the world’s oldest active sports car races in endurance racing.

Boosted by two turbochargers, the 3.0 TDI produces 313 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque between 1,450 and 2,800 rpm.

It is the first S model in the history of Audi with a diesel engine and will be launched in the first quarter of 2013. A Middle East market entry for the TDI is not planned, a statement from Audi said.

The TDI, which displaces 2,967 cc, uses a twin-turbo design in which the two turbochargers are connected in series via a flap. Cylinder head cooling, the timing and lift of the intake cam shafts, the pistons, oil-jet cooling and the piston pins have been specially designed for the high-performance concept, the statement said.

The common rail system develops as much as 2,000 bar of pressure and injects as many as eight shots of fuel into the cylinders per cycle, it said. The 3.0 TDI biturbo sound is further modulated by a sound actuator in the exhaust system – a loudspeaker in short side channel.

The Audi SQ5 TDI sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds; with a top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is on average 7.2 liters per 100km.

The sport suspension lowers the vehicle body by 30 millimeters. The standard 20-inch wheels feature a five parallel-spoke design and are fitted with 255/45 tires.

Audi offers the new top model in the crystal effect paint finishes Estoril Blue or Panther Black. The body includes a high proportion of ultra-high-strength steels, making it very light, safe and rigid, the statement said.

Leather upholstery in a choice of four colours - carbon atlas, piano finish and the new aluminum/beaufort wood black trim panels - is available. Brushed aluminum inlays are standard.

Luggage capacity is as much as 1,560 liters, making it the ideal car for sporty and active customers. It is also a powerful towing vehicle, with a rated towing capacity of up to 2.4 metric tons. – TradeArabia News Service