Audi S5 Lineup Could Gain 342HP V6 Diesel From SQ5

Despite the Dieselgate saga, oil burners are still being taken very seriously by the Volkswagen Group. In fact, they’re so serious about them that they might launch new diesel-powered sporty cars, through the Audi brand.

The information comes via Automobile Magazine, which claims that the automaker is interested in launching diesel versions of the S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet and S5 Sportback. The French publication states that this is part of Audi’s plans of lowering CO2 emissions across the range.

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So, what’s the engine of choice here? If we were to give credit to the report, then that would be the 3.0-liter V6 TDI with mild-hybrid tech that powers the new SQ5 TDI. The mill is capable of pushing out 347 PS (342 hp / 255 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. It comes with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, permanent Quattro all-wheel drive and an electric powered compressor that debuted in the SQ7 TDI, which promises to get rid of the turbo lag completely.

As we already know, the 3.0-liter petrol engine of the outgoing S5 family is good for 354 PS (349 hp / 260 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, and is connected to an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

Now, the report doesn’t say when the alleged TDI-powered S5 models will hit the market, but Audi’s already working on the facelifted A5, which is thought to debut in late 2019 or early 2020. This could mean the revamped S5 is perhaps 1-2 years away.