Audi announced today that it is offering two new entry-level engines on the 2009 Audi Q5 and the 2010 Audi A4 allroad quattro.

Effective immediately, customers can order the 143-hp 2.0 TDI 4-cylinder with common rail high-pressure injection on the Audi Q5 and the A4 allroad quattro. The 2.0 TDI allows the Q5 to average an estimated fuel-economy of 36 mpg while the A4 allroad quattro with the 2.0 TDI averages 38 mpg.

Those buying the Q5 can also opt for a new 180-hp 2.0L TFSI 4-cylinder engine. The 2.0 TFSI gives the Audi Q5 the ability to go from 0 to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds while averaging a fuel-economy of 28 mpg.

Make the jump for the press release for more details.

2009 Audi Q5:

2010 Audi A4 allroad quattro:

Press Release:

New entry-level engines for Audi Q5 and A4 allroad

- 2.0 TFSI with 132 kW (180 hp) and 2.0 TDI with 105 kW (143 hp) in the Audi Q5
- 2.0 TDl with common rail technology also in the Audi A4 allroad

Effective immediately, two new entry-level engines are available for the Audi Q5: the 2.0 TDI and the 2.0-liter TFSI, both in conjunction with the 6-speed manual transmission. The diesel version is now also available in the A4 allroad quattro. These powerplant options expand the Audi product line with fuel-efficient models at attractive prices.

Effective immediately, Audi customers can order the 2.0 TDI with common rail high-pressure injection and 105 kW (143 hp) as an entry-level diesel for the Audi Q5 as well as for the Audi A4 allroad quattro. There is also a new entry-level gasoline engine available for the Q5 – the 2.0-liter TFSI with 132 kW (180 hp). All new models are equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

Both the gasoline and the diesel versions are impressive in-line four-cylinder engines with direct injection. The supercharged TFSI gasoline direct-injection unit with 2.0 liters displacement exerts an impressive 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque throughout the broad range from 1,500 to 3,900 rpm. This powerplant is equipped with the Audi valvelift system on the exhaust side. With this variable control, the Audi engineers were able to substantially reduce fuel consumption while further increasing the efficiency of the engine. The 2.0 TFSI accelerates the Audi Q5 from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 8.5 seconds. Its average fuel consumption is 8.4 liters per 100 kilometers (28.0 US mpg).

In the high-tech diesel engine with the common rail injection system, the maximum torque of 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) is exerted between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. In the Audi Q5, which – like with the Audi A4 – has recently passed the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) safety test with the maximum rating of five stars, the engine averages a thrifty 6.5 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers (36.19 US mpg). The SUV accelerates to the 100 km/h mark (62 mph) in 11.4 seconds and has a top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph).

The Audi A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TDI with six-speed manual transmission consumes an average of 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers (37.94 US mpg). Thanks to its higher torque level it reaches the 100 km/h mark (62 mph) in 10.3 seconds and can accelerate up to 200 km/h (124 mph).

Selling prices for the Audi Q5 start at EUR 36,800 for the 2.0 TFSI and EUR 36,500 for the 2.0 TDI. The base price for the Audi A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TDI is EUR 37,100.

- By: Kap Shah

The new 2009 Audi Q5 crossover has just earned the Top Safety Pick award for 2009 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2009 Q5 received a rating of “good” in side impact, offset frontal and rear impact tests.

The 2009 Audi Q5 also received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA for frontal, side and rear crash tests.

“Audi engineers place unwavering emphasis on the protection of motorists and their passengers,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “These outstanding ratings for the Audi Q5 confirm our intent to meet the most rigorous safety standards found anywhere in the world.”

The 2009 Q5 joins the A3, A4, A6 and Q7 as Audi models that have merited IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.

2009 Audi Q5:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Joining the eight Hyundai ad spots last night during the 81st Academy Awards were two Audi 30-second spots featuring the new 2009 Audi Q5.

For us, the Audi commercials beat the Hyundai ads this time around with their clever use of the identity theft theme. The two ad spots take a direct shot at the Lexus showing every-day individuals lost in a world of RX SUVs until their fears are aliveated by the arrival of a brand-new Audi Q5.

The 2009 Audi Q5 is now available at Audi showrooms across the nation with prices starting at $37,200 for the Audi Q5 Premium. Audi Q5 Premium Plus and the Q5 Prestige are priced at $41,500 and $48,200 respectively (prices do not include a destination charge of $825).

Follow the jump for the two commercials.

2009 Audi Q5:

2009 Audi Q5 Identity Theft Commercial – School:

2009 Audi Q5 Identity Theft Commercial – Parking Deck:

2009 Audi Q5:

Following the details on the U.S. spec 2009 Audi Q5, Audi has dropped the pricing info on the all-new compact crossover that will hit showrooms next week. The 2009 Audi Q5 will be available in three equipment levels with pricing starting at $37,200 for the Audi Q5 Premium. The Audi Q5 Premium Plus and the Q5 Prestige will start at $41,500 and $48,200 respectively (note that all prices do not include a destination charge of $825).

Standard features on all 2009 Audi Q5 models include the automakers signature LED tail lights, roof rails with aluminum cross bars, three-zone climate control and reclining and sliding rear seats. The 2009 Audi Q5 will also be the first Audi vehicle with the optional MMI Navigation Plus. The MMI Navigation Plus offers 40 gigabytes of memory (10 GB for media storage), DVD drive and an automotive grade NVIDIA chip for graphics processing.

Power comes from a 3.2L V6 FSI direct-injection unit making a total 270-hp with a peak torque of 243 lb-ft. The 2009 Q5 returns segment leading (the AWD, gasoline-powered crossover segment) fuel-economy with 20 mpg – along with 23 mpg highway mileage.

Follow through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2009 Audi Q5:

Press Release:

Audi sets 2009 model-year prices for all-new Q5 crossover
- Audi Q5 will change views on how a luxury crossover should look and perform
- Segment-exclusive features include three-zone climate control, standard LED tail lights, reclining and sliding rear seats and available Audi drive select
- Best-in-class EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city/20 mpg combined

HERNDON, Va., Feb 6, 2009  -  Audi set the base price for its all-new and segment-redefining 2009 Audi Q5 crossover vehicle at $37,200. The Audi Q5 will begin to arrive in U.S. dealerships next week and will be offered in three equipment levels. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the 2009 model-year Audi Q5 Premium starts at $37,200. Pricing for the Audi Q5 Premium Plus starts at $41,500, and the Audi Q5 Prestige starts at $48,200. Prices do not include a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges.

With the new Q5, Audi will have its first crossover vehicle for luxury car buyers who otherwise might have considered buying the Lexus RX, the BMW X3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLK.

The launch of this new vehicle allows Audi its first opportunity to surpass those, and other, contenders in the popular luxury crossover vehicle segment. The new Audi Q5, with its combination of head-turning exterior and interior design, comprehensive safety features expected of a premium luxury vehicle, technological innovation and responsive Audi performance, more than achieves that goal.

“Luxury crossover vehicles appeal to a wide audience seeking both practicality and performance,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “But monotony has developed in that segment – sameness we’re certain the Audi Q5 now disrupts with its array of distinctive styling cues and forward-thinking features.”

The Q5 indeed offers plenty of unique features that give it a balance of functionality, luxury and performance. The Q5 will be the only vehicle in its segment with three-zone climate control, which lets drivers and passengers select their own comfort levels. It is the only vehicle in its segment with 40/20/40 rear seats that recline and offer fore-aft adjustment for the comfort of passengers and for balancing cargo-carrying capabilities.

Audi is also equipping the Q5 with its signature LED tail lights as standard equipment, including running lights, brake lights and turn signals. The Audi Q5 will offer standard hitch preparation for 4,400-pounds of towing capacity, which puts it at the head of its class. Also standard are roof rails with aluminum cross bars that sync with the Audi ESP system to adapt accordingly.

Audi has a strong reputation for outstanding automotive interiors and that tradition carries through in the Q5 with standard twelve-way power front seats, leather seating surfaces throughout and genuine wood or brushed aluminum inlays. Available exclusive luxury touches on the Audi Q5 include the Bang & Olufsen Sound System and the exclusive Audi drive select system that allows motorists to choose among four distinctive driving configurations.

The Audi Q5 will be the first model sold in the U.S. with available MMI Navigation plus, the third generation of Audi’s acclaimed MMI (Multi-Media Interface) system, which manages entertainment, communications and navigational information.

The new MMI Navigation plus offers a high-capacity hard disk with 40 gigabytes of memory (including 10 GB for media storage), DVD drive and an automotive grade NVIDIA™ chip for graphics processing. The added processing power allows MMI Navigation plus to render 3D maps of the entire U.S., including branded points of interest, and detailed images of buildings while offering real-time traffic information. The system also features a new, larger screen that measures seven inches from corner to corner, a vocal command recognition system that understands complete words in a variety of languages and improved joystick controls.

The Audi Q5 is derived from the same Audi-exclusive platform first developed for the A4 model range. The versatility of that vehicle platform gives the Q5 the driving comfort and performance characteristics of a luxury performance automobile and the longest wheelbase in its class. The efficient engineering and design of the Q5 also translated into shorter front and rear overhangs for better weight distribution to help stability. Audi also widened the vehicle platform to increase shoulder room inside the Q5 and to optimize the driver’s seating position for a more commanding view of the road.

The Audi Q5 will also lead the segment of AWD, gasoline-powertrain crossover vehicles in fuel economy. According to the U.S. EPA, the Audi Q5 achieves 18 mpg city mileage and 20 mpg combined – both tops in the category – along with 23 mpg highway mileage.

Note: Audi defines the segment for the 2009 Audi Q5 as luxury AWD, gasoline-powered crossover vehicles.

Audi has released all the details on the 2009 Audi Q5 for the stateside. The compact SUV or Crossover or whatever you want to call it will arrive in U.S. showrooms in March 2009 and will be available with a choice of only one powertrain like its main competitor the BMW X3.

Power will come from a 3.2L V6 FSI direct-injection unit making a total 270-hp with a peak torque of 243 lb-ft. The engine will be mated to Tiptronic 6-speed automatic transmission that transfers power to the quattro AWD system. 0 to 60 seconds will come in 6.7 seconds with a top speed limited at 155 mph.

Audi says that the 2009 Q5 will have the best-in-class fuel-economy and towing capacity. Audi estimates fuel-economy to come in at 18/23 mpg (city/highway) - keep in mind that’s with the quattro AWD. Along with the longest wheelbase in its class, the 2009 Audi Q5 has a towing capacity of 4,400 lbs. Oh yes, the Audi Q5 will be the first Audi offering with Generation 3 MMI and navigation with real-time traffic information

Pricing for the 2009 Q5 will be announced closer to launch but Audi says that the numbers should be in line with the compact SUVs key competitors which include: Acura RDX, BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2 HSE, current generation Lexus RX350, Mercedes Benz GLK350, and the upcoming Volvo XC60.

Follow the jump for the full details and the high-res image gallery.

2009 Audi Q5:

 
Key Summary Points

• The Audi Q5 builds on the foundation established by the Audi Q7, and strengthens the brand’s presence in the SUV segment.
• The Audi Q5 will be offered in the USA in March 2009 (2009 model year) with a 3.2 V6 FSI direct injection engine, quattro® all wheel drive, and a six speed Tiptronic transmission.
• The Audi Q5 will be the first Audi offering with Generation 3 MMI, and navigation with real-time traffic information.
Competitive Advantage Summary

• Best-in-class city fuel economy of 18 mpg with 23 mpg highway (amongst AWD traditional powertrain competitors).
• Best-in-class 4,400 pound towing capacity (most have 3,500 lbs or less).
• Longest wheelbase in its class.
• Audi drive select option (unique to segment) helps the driver customize engine/throttle mapping, transmission shift characteristics, steering, and suspension.
• 3-zone climate control standard (the only competitor in the segment w/ rear zone climate control).
• Standard reclining / sliding rear seats.
• 40/60 split rear seats fold from levers located inside cargo area.
• Ski/snowboard pass-through within the split fold rear seats (unique amongst German luxury competitors).
• Clamshell shape trunk opening allows low and wide rear cargo entry point, and a very clean design execution for exterior rear lighting area.
• Standard 12-way power front seats with leather seating surfaces throughout.
• Innovative ESP system recognizes when roof rail cross bars are in place and adjusts accordingly.
• Electronic dipstick allows customers to check the oil from inside the cabin.
• 3G MMI shows latest evolution of 3D navigation.

Market

• The Audi Q5 belongs to the IHG Small SUV segment, which is forecasted to grow dramatically over the next few years as new entrants arrive and customers replace their luxury sedans for luxury crossovers.
• Key competitors are the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2 HSE, current generation Lexus RX350, Mercedes Benz GLK350, and the upcoming Volvo XC60.

Design

• Based on the current Audi A4 platform.
• Sporty proportions and muscular stance due to long wheelbase and wide body design.
• Reduced front overhang adds to visual sportiness.
• Elimination of roof joint strip, which lends to a high visual quality and minimized airflow noises.
• Typical Audi interior design is modern and sophisticated, with clear attention to detail
• Standard 18” wheels (235/60 all-season tires), full body monochromatic paint, LED taillights, and aluminum exterior trim.

Dynamics

• New modular chassis architecture with longer wheelbase and wider track
• Blending four cars into one, Audi drive select adapts the dynamics of the Audi Q5 to suit the driving experience you desire.  The system controls the adaptive suspension, the dynamic steering, the transmission shift characteristics, and the engine response.  Four operating modes are available: Comfort, Automatic, Dynamic, and Individual, which allows a custom response profile.
• Consistent use of high-strength and ultra-high strength steel grades for a highly rigid occupant cell with optimized deformation properties.
• Hood and tailgate made from aluminum for lower weight and reduced opening and closing forces.
• Extensive aluminum suspension componentry to reduce unsprung weight and enhance steering feel.
• Compact trapezoidal-link rear suspension which enables a low cargo load floor and high luggage capacity.

Powertrain

•    3.2L V6 specifications:
    o FSI direct injection
    o Audi Valvelift System (AVS) variable intake valve lift
    o 270hp @ 6500 rpm
    o 243 lb-ft @3000 rpm
    o Track: front – 63.7 inches / rear – 63.5 inches
    o 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds (USA estimated)
• quattro® AWD – latest generation with asymmetric rear-biased torque split (40/60)
• Tiptronic fast-shifting six-speed automatic transmission
• Towing preparation standard; available through dealer

Towing

• All U.S. cars have towing preparation standard, which includes trailer brake controller wiring for use with trailers over 1500 lbs.
• A trailer hitch receiver for the Audi Q5 is available through all authorized Audi dealers with a total capacity of 4,400 lbs.
• Audi Q5 is best-in-class regarding towing capacity.
    o Acura RDX = 1500 lbs
    o BMW X3 = 3500 lbs
    o Land Rover LR2 = 3500 lbs
    o Lexus RX = 3500 lbs
    o Mercedes GLK = 3500 lbs
    o Infiniti EX = towing not recommended
    o Volvo XC60 = n/a

Innovations and available features

• MMI operating logic standard (with central display screen)
• Audi side assist
• Dynamic ESP configuration (on road, off road, and roof cargo configurations)
• Power tailgate
• Audi Intelligent Key – stores service information in the key
• Audi advanced key keyless entry and starting
• Audi music interface – world renowned iPod connectivity
• Bluetooth hands-free telephone interface
• Mercury-free Audi xenon plus headlamps with LED daytime running lights
• LED tail lamps
• Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera
• Electromechanical parking brake
• HDD-based Navigation system with real-time traffic information
• Generation 3 MMI system
• Thermo heated/cooled cupholder
• Bang & Olufsen 505W 14-speaker sound system

Launch Timing and Pricing

• USA Audi Q5 goes on sale in March 2009 as a 2009 model year vehicle, with pricing in line with its competitors.  It will be built in Ingolstadt, Germany.
The next generation MMI from Audi: top-level multimedia and communication
    • Introducing a new generation of the market’s best system
    • Even higher performance and easier operation
    • First appearance stateside in the all-new Audi Q5

The on and off again reports of an Audi Q5 hybrid for the U.S. are on again today after Wolfgang Hatz, head of powertrain development for Volkswagen, said that the hybrid Q5 will come to the U.S. in late 2010. Speaking at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show yesterday, Hatz said that in order to stay competitive, Audi will have to offer the Q5 Hybrid to compete with rivals such as the Lexus RX 400h. BMW is also planning a hybrid version of the X6 for the U.S. later this year.

However, echoing previous reports, Hatz said that he believes diesel has a greater potential.

“If you look at what you have to spend to get the advantage of the hybrid and what you have to spend on other technologies like diesel, the diesel is much more cost-effective,” Hatz said. “We have to do hybrids in order to show people that we are able to do them.”

The gasoline powered Audi Q5 will arrive on U.S roads March.

Source: AutoWeek

Audi has launched a new quirky yet impressive commercial in Europe for the new Audi Q5. “Unbox the Box” features an animated carton character building an Audi Q5 out of a cardboard box  and features the famous American folk singer Woody Guthrie’s “Car Song”.

The ad was created and directed by Aaron Duffy and Russell Brooke. It was developed by Bartle Bogle Hegarty London, a British ad agency. Executive creative director on the project was Nick Gill.

Of course we have no idea who those people are and you probably don’t care. So head over after the jump to see the commercial.

Click through for the video.

Source: WorldCarFans

After killing plans for an Audi Q7 Hybrid earlier this year, Audi has decided to put plans for a Q5 Hybrid on hold – indefinitely. Audi says that it would rather focus on diesel technology for now until it can make nickel metal hydride batteries safer.

“Audi won’t produce a petrol-electric hybrid until we can make nickel metal hydride batteries safer in crash situations, and hybrid technology more efficient overall,” a senior source told AutoCar. ”Until then we will concentrate on producing more efficient diesel engines and aluminium chassis.”

Audi’s Q5 will now be fitted with a stop/start technology and other features that will further reduce fuel-consumption. Audi recently showed off its Q5 3.0 TDI which averaged 38 mpg on a trip from New York to Washington.

Source: AutoCar