Last summer, Audi introduced its first ever S model powered by a diesel-engine, the SQ5 SUV sporting 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 TDI with a power output of 308hp (313PS) and peak torque of 650 Nm (479 lb-ft).
At the time, the Ingolstadt-based brand said that the TDI will only be offered in Europe. Audi hasn’t changed its mind about the availability of the SQ5 TDI, but at the upcoming Detroit auto show, it will reveal a second iteration of the SQ5, this time powered by a supercharged gasoline engine.
Audi says this model was created specifically for the following markets: United States, Canada, China, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and the Ukraine, and will not be offered in Europe.
At the heart of the new SQ5 lies Audi’s 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with a compressor featuring two rotors that spin at over 20,000 rpm. The TSI unit generates 349hp (354PS) between 6,000 and 6,500 rpm, and delivers 470Nm (347 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 4,000 and 4,500 rpm.
An eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive transfer power to the road.
According to Audi, the SQ5 TSI completes the 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in 5.3 seconds and has an electronically limited speed of 250km/h (155 mph), while returning an average fuel consumption of 8.5 lt/100km in the NEDC (equal to 21mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 199g/km.
That compares to the AQ5 TDI’s 5.1-second sprint time, 250 km/h (155mph) top speed and a fuel economy of 7.2 lt/100 km (32.7 US mpg).
The gasoline-powered SQ5 rides on a 30mm (1.2-inches) lowered chassis with tauter springs and shock absorbers, and new 20-inch alloy wheels (21-inch are optional) shod in 255/45-series tires. Audi also offers an optional dynamic steering with a ‘steplessly variable ratio’.
As you would imagine, the SQ5 TDI and TSI share the same bespoke styling cues both inside and outside, with the only visible difference being the U.S. market model’s colored turning signals up front.
As a refresher, exterior appointments include a platinum gray radiator grille with aluminum-look bars, a gloss package and exterior mirrors in aluminum look, a rear diffuser and side skirts, while Audi also offers two exclusive crystal-effect finishes named Estoril Blue and Panther Black.
In the cabin, you will find gray dials and white numerals for the instruments, sports steering wheel and seats trimmed in leather, and aluminum-look décor.
Audi said the new SQ5 TSI will arrive at U.S. dealerships in the third quarter of 2013 with pricing to be announced.
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