VIDEO: BMW X3 vs. Audi Q5 in an all-wheel drive man-made hill climb

Who would have thought that BMW's all-wheel drive systems were enough to shame Audi's famous quattro system? Not the average consumer, that's for sure (though BMW certainly has had enough time to get it right). BMW, which has actually been making AWD cars for the past 25 years, has decided to begin more aggressively targeting consumers who live in harsher climates.

According to this video, BMW's xDrive is vastly superior to Audi's quattro - at least when driving up metal inclines built by BMW... In the clip, we get a glimpse at what appears to be some sort of BMW press event and a hill climb-off between two small-ish diesel-powered premium soft-roaders: Audi's Q5 and BMW's X3.

Although the X3 depicted here may not be the first pick on a lot people's lists, the comparison below is just used as an example. After all, xDrive is now available on a variety of products in BMW's lineup. Could it be that BMW has bested Audi at its own game?

By Phil Alex

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New Porsche Small SUV Confirmed by VW Group CEO, Says it May be Called "Cajun"

According to Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn himself, there's a new baby Cayenne in the works. In an interview with German magazine Der Spiegel, Winterkorn said Porsche "will get a new SUV, a smaller brother to the Cayenne which might be named Cajun."

I guess the name is appropriate if Porsche insists on spicing up its lineup with controversial vehicles. Should this be the case, can we expect the Panamera coupe to be called the Tabasco? Or perhaps the Texas Pete? Name game in the comments below.

As for the ragin' Cajun, why would Porsche bother building it at all? For the same reason that it's said to be building a new entry-level VW-based roadster: to piss off purists and elitists alike.

Well, actually, it's because Porsche is now controlled by VW, and the people's car manufacturer can and will do anything to help attain its lofty sales goals of 150,000 Porsche models sold (in the "medium" term).

A new Porsche cute ute will do just that, and will also help spread out some of the Q5's development costs. If this little sports car SUV does make it to production, it'll probably just be a smaller version of the Cayenne (which shares its platform with the latest Touareg). If true, that's a shame.

...deep breath...

It's a shame because a small 5-door SUV is exactly what's expected, and Porsche doesn't seem crazy enough to put out more than one version (double-dog dare to you, Porsche).

If Stuttgart's fastest were to go a little zany, though, could we recommend a three-door SUV variant (with an emphasis on the sport) to tackle the Range Rover Evoque? Clearly Land Rover is willing to commit to a unique new segment, so why not Porsche?

By Phil Alex

Source: Autoweek

*Opening Photo: Sketch of current generation Cayenne SUV

Audi Confirms Q5 Hybrid (2011) and A7 Sports Sedan (2010)

Audi has published new details on its future product plans that include the introduction of several new vehicles such as brand's first full hybrid model based on the Q5. The Ingolstadt automaker said that by 2015, the brand will have enlarged its vehicle portfolio from currently 34 to 42 models.

In particular, 2010 will see Audi launching a series of new cars like the A1 premium supermini, the A7 based on the Sportback Concept, the new A8 limo and the R8 Spyder. Though no specific details were released, the automaker said that it will unveil the Q5 Hybrid at the end of 2010, with sales beginning in early 2011.

The German company said that it plans to devote around 5.9 billion euros or about 80 percent of its total investment in fixed assets through 2012, to new product development, further optimization of conventional drivelines and the development of electric and hybrid models.

"With our planned investments in new products and mobility concepts, for example electric propulsion, we are creating a basis for our company's future growth," said Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management for Finance and Organization at AUDI AG.

PS: Standard Q5 and Sportback Concept pictured

Euro NCAP: Q5, Jazz, i20, Soul and 3008 Achieve 5-Star Rating, Suzuki Alto gets only 3-Stars

European car safety testing body Euro-NCAP has announced its latest batch of results for six new cars. Five of these models, the Audi Q5, Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20, Kia Soul and Peugeot 3008 received Euro NCAP's maximum five star award while Suzuki's made-in-India Alto scored only three stars, its rating limited by its performance in adult occupant protection, child protection and safety assistance technologies. Euro NCAP made a special note on the Honda Jazz and the Hyundai i20 as both cars managed to achieve a high score in pedestrian safety.

"We would like to commend the Honda Jazz and the Hyundai i20 for their impressive pedestrian scores that not only meet current requirements, but also meet Euro NCAP's future requirements," Euro NCAP said in a statement.

All six vehicles were tested with Euro NCAP's new overall rating scheme that was introduced in 2009 and covers Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and a new area of assessment, Safety Assist. Under the new testing regime, vehicles are awarded a single overall score from one to five stars with the overall rating being based on the car's performance in each of the four main areas and the scores are weighted with respect to each other.

Audi Q5 Concept with Modded 408HP 3.0TFSI V6 from S4

Every year about this time, Worthesee in Austria plays host to the annual GTI meeting of Audi and VW enthusiasts alike. For this year's gathering, Audi has prepared a high-performance customized variant of its new compact SUV, the Q5, equipped with a retuned version of the S4's 3.0-liter V6 TFSI producing an output of 408HP and a maximum torque figure of 500Nm or 369lb-ft, up from the standard engine's 333HP and 440Nm. The result is a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of just 4.4 seconds while the SUVs top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h or 155 mph.

Furthermore, the Q5 Concept's track was widened by 90mm (3.54 in) and the ride height lowered by 60mm (2.36 in). The customized version of the German SUV rolls on 21-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels while other features include the orange accents on the outside and the S-Line interior treatment with sport seats and stainless steel-plated pedals.

Alongside the Q5 Concept, Audi will also showcase many other production and concept cars like the new TT RS, R8 5.2 FSI quattro and the A1 supermini concept that is slated to enter the market in 2010.

Overview of the Audi Q5 custom concept

• Engine: 3.0 TFSI, V6 gasoline engine with supercharging and FSI gasoline direct injection
• Max. power output in kW (hp): 300 (408) at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm
• Max. torque in Nm (lb-ft): 500 (369) at 3,000 – 5,500 rpm
• Drivetrain: quattro permanent all-wheel drive
• Gearbox: 7-speed S tronic
• Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) (governed)
• 0 - 100 km/h (0 - 62 mph): 4.4 seconds
• Paint: Daytona Gray matt with red applications on the rims, roof rails, front skirt and rear spoiler
• Special features and selected equipment: power-enhanced 3.0 TFSI engine from the Audi S4 with 408 hp (normally 333 hp), ceramic brakes, active sound exhaust system, 90 millimeter wider track, 60 millimeter lower ride height, 21-inch wheels of 7 twin-spoke design, modified air intake, cooling water strut brace in engine compartment, stainless steel-plated pedals, S line sport seats, panorama roof system, "Wörthersee 09" adhesive film, textile floor mats with "Wörthersee 09" print application, Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, parking aid with rearview camera, voice control, Audi lane assist lane change assistant, headlight range control with cornering lights

ABT AS5-R: Modified Audi S5 with 510HP set for Geneva Debut

The Audi S5-based AS5-R from ABT Sportsline will be making its worldwide debut at next month's Geneva Show. ABT's tuning proposal for the most powerful variant of the A5 coupe includes an updated version of the current S5's 344HP 4.2-liter V8 engine that has been modified to produce an output of 510-horsepower. For the record, Audi is planning to replace the S5 Coupe's V8 with the recently introduced S5 Cabriolet's new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine that develops 333HP.

ABT did not disclose any more information on the car, but aside from the engine-tune up, the AS5-R will also benefit from a new bodykit and larger alloy wheels along with a modified suspension and a more powerful braking system.

The German tuner's Geneva booth will also host the firm's latest creations including the ABT VW Sciorcco Coupe and the ABT Audi Q5 and R8.

Audi Prices the new Q5 SUV from $37,200 in the U.S.

Just a week ahead of its U.S. market launch, Audi announced pricing for its new BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK rival, the 2009 Q5. In the States, the luxury compact SUV will be offered initially with a 270-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine is mated to a six speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and, three different equipment levels. Pricing for the entry-level Q5 Premium starts at $37,200 while the better equipped Q5 Premium Plus and Q5 Prestige begin from $41,500 and $48,200 respectively. Keep in mind that the above prices do not include a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges.

2009 Audi Q5 Caught On Video!

Unlike the bizarre Cross Cabriolet Quattro Concept that made its premier at the Los Angeles Auto Show (click here), the production version of Audi’s BMW X3 adversary has 5-doors and a steady roof-top. Despite the camouflage, the Q5 that’s seen in the video looks production ready. And it better be if the rumours about a Detroit Motor Show debut in January 2008 are real. The Q5 will share many of its underpinnings with the new Audi A4 & A5 models, including the 160 Hp 1.8 TSI, 265 Hp 3.2 V6 FSI and 240 Hp 3.0 TDi units.

Via: Car

New Audi Q5 to be built in Germany

EUR 300 million to be invested in production facilities
Production to start in 2009
Location chosen on strength of high productivity

The decision has been made: the new Audi Q5 will be built in Germany. The new model will start rolling off the production line at Ingolstadt in 2009. To that end, around EUR 300 million will be invested in the production facilities over the next years. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, explained: “The decision demonstrates what potential there is for industrial production in Germany. We are delighted that the Audi Q5 will be built in Ingolstadt, now that we have reached an agreement with the Works Council enabling us to build it at a competitive cost.” A total of some 1,700 workers will be involved in production of the Audi Q5 in Ingolstadt. “This decision will also benefit employment at Neckarsulm, because both plants will be very closely interlinked,” added Winterkorn.

The decision to build the Audi Q5 at Ingolstadt is the third major decision within a short space of time that AUDI AG has reached in favour of a German location. Just a few months ago, it was announced that the new Audi A5 is to be built in Ingolstadt, and the Audi R8 sports car in Neckarsulm. Production of the Audi R8 will commence in the fourth quarter of 2006.

The Audi Q5 will join the Audi Q7 as the Audi brand's second model in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment. “The Audi Q5 will be an overtly sporty vehicle that will add an important product to the Audi model range. The Audi Q5 will take us a big step closer to vehicle sales of 1.4 million per year, a target that we have set ourselves for 2015,” continued Winterkorn.

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