Synergy effects in the Group: the V engine strategy
Audi and Porsche are closely collaborating on engine development: both premium brands employ the powerful and efficient V6 and V8 spark ignition engines in their models. “While Audi and Porsche have both hit the road in the upper premium market segment, they appeal to different customer groups,” says Nikolai Ardey, Head of Powertrain Development at Audi. “In such a case it’s only logical and consistent to have a strategy of the two brands sharing certain technologies and engineering tasks.”
A broad range of technological modules is available for the supercharged V engines. Among other items, it features many identical and closely related solutions. Theses include the aluminum cast crankcase which is particularly light weight. The cylinder banks are set at an angle of 90 degrees relative to one another in the six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines. For the V8 engines this is the classic bench angle, in the case of the V6 units a balancer shaft in the inside V compensates for the inertial torque.
The 90-degree angle offers great advantages to customers. It affords a low center of gravity, which improves the driving dynamics. The standardized layout leads to many commonalities in the packaging inside the car, the positioning of the catalytic converters near the engine and in the installation locations of the ancillary units.
The development of the new generation of spark ignition V engines is underway in the same project building. The basis was provided by the V8 4.0 TFSI, which was designed in Neckarsulm and launched in 2012 (EA 824). Audi is responsible for the development of the new V6 spark ignition engines (code EA 839), while Porsche is handling the new V8 engine with the internal code EA 825. In its current top stage of development it drives the Panamera Turbo. Audi is also planning to implement it in the new generation of its A8 flagship.
The concept of the new V8 4.0 TFSI thus primarily originated from the previous Audi engine. The two twin scroll turbochargers lie in the inside V. The principle is as follows: the exhaust branches of the two cylinder banks run separately in the exhaust manifold and in the turbocharger housing, and only merge in front of the turbine wheel. This technology improves the flow characteristics so that the turbine responds more spontaneously. This makes a significant contribution to the early and powerful torque build-up. During partial-load operation, contour sleeves on the camshafts shut down four cylinders. This technology is based on the Audi valvelift system (AVS). A new feature is the extremely wear resistant iron coating of the cylinder walls applied by atmospheric plasma spraying. Another innovation is the oil circuit, with different gallery cross-sections for the block and cylinder heads. This quickly brings the oil to operating temperature, contributing to reduced fuel consumption.
A new feature for the V6 TFSI engines, the 3.0 TFSI and its high performance variant, the 2.9 TFSI, whose development Audi headed and which Porsche also uses, is the central location of the injectors in the combustion chambers. This feature can also be found in the 4.0 TFSI. At Porsche the engines are already running in the Panamera. At Audi the 3.0 TFSI drives several models. The RS 5 Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 8.7 l/100 km (27.0 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 197 g/km (317.0 g/mi)) is the first to employ the new 2.9 TFSI.
The central location of the injectors is an important component of the highly efficient B cycle combustion process, employed by both six-cylinder engines. Here too we have an Audi development based on the AVS. With its artificially shortened compression phase, the B cycle enables an engine process with a significantly higher base compression ratio. Combined with a power stroke that, while normal, is longer relative to the compression stroke, this allows for more efficient combustion and increased engine efficiency.
Under partial load, the Audi valvelift system enables a very short intake aperture duration coupled with early closure of the intake valve. This shortens the intake phase. At higher loads, the system switches to a camshaft contour with a longer opening time and a larger valve stroke. The engine then operates with a normal compression ratio and maximum throughput.
In the V6 engines the turbochargers – one in the case of the 3.0 TFSI, two for the 2.9 TFSI – also lie in the inside V. This arrangement allows a compact design and minimizes flow loss, for spontaneous and direct engine response. Another specialty of the V6 TFSI engines is the exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head as an element of thermal management, so that the manifold is flushed by coolant. This helps the engine to heat up quickly. When the engine is warm, the system reduces the exhaust temperature. The result is lower fuel consumption, particularly during sporty driving. As with the 4.0 TFSI, the common-rail injection system builds up to 250 bar of pressure. This high pressure atomizes the fuel very finely to improve the combustion process.
The new V6 and V8 spark ignition engines are also suitable for hybridization – on a high and low voltage basis. At the launch of the next Audi A8 all engine systems will already have a mild-hybrid system on board, designed to operate in conjunction with a new 48-volt main electrical system.
The Hungarian plant at Győr, the largest engine factory in the world, produces the V6 TFSI units on its production line. The V8 TFSI engines are assembled at Porsche in the Zuffenhausen plant. In 2016, over 212,500 six-cylinder and more than 19,500 eight-cylinder engines were produced. The modular concept allows numerous parts to be shared – the oil pump module, the chain drive for the camshafts, the cover of the chain box and the rear sealing flange, to mention just a few. This leads to cost reductions and benefits for the production lines.
Audi has sole developmental responsibility for the diesel engines – the 3.0 TDI and the new 4.0 TDI. Porsche uses the self-igniting diesel engines in various evolutionary stages with slight modifications.
Extensively improved: the new 3.0 TDI
Audi engineers have intensively further developed the new 3.0 TDI engine in many aspects. In the new Audi A5 and Q5 models the V6 diesel outputs 210 kW (286 hp) as well as 620 Nm (457.3 lb-ft) of torque (this engine version is not yet for sale. Since it still lacks an overall type approval, it is not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC), the latter from 1,500 to 3,000 revolutions per minute.
The six-cylinder engine draws power from a displacement of 2,967 cm3 (bore x stroke 83.0 x 91.4 millimeters (3.3 x 3.6 in)). As with all V engines from Audi, its two banks lie at a 90-degree angle from one another. Inside the cylinder crankcase, made of high-strength cast iron with vermicular graphite, a balancer shaft rotates in order to reduce engine vibrations and to improve acoustics. The ignition pressure reaches the 200 bar mark over wide areas of the characteristic map.
The strict lightweight concept from Audi used for the crankshaft, the cylinder heads and the cylinder crankcase increases efficiency. Another aspect which plays a role here is reduced friction at the piston rings and pins thanks to the special cylinder wall coating. The use of a performance-regulated oil pump is also economically beneficial. The thermal management system segregates the circuits of the cylinder crankcase and cylinder heads from one another and supplies each with coolant after a cold start so as to bring the engine oil quickly up to its operating temperature. The cylinder heads have two-part water jackets for needs-based cooling. The oil cooler is integrated in the coolant flow of cylinder heads as needed.
The common-rail system generates up to 2,000 bar of injection pressure. The piezo injectors with their eight-hole nozzles can perform up to nine injections per work cycle. To optimize the air flow and the fuel mixture preparation, the intake ports (one each for swirl and the other for charging) and the exhaust ports have been modified relative to the predecessor engine. Both ports have lower flow resistance. The engine thereby acquires more spontaneous response characteristics and an even more homogeneous buildup of power.
The 3.0 TDI turbocharger operates with 2.3 bar relative boost pressure. The variable turbine geometry (VTG) is designed for low-loss flow. The low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) removes the exhaust gas only downstream from the particulate filter and sends it through a radiator, for driving the turbocharger with the full exhaust-gas mass flow especially at medium and high loads.
The two emission control components are positioned very close to the engine. The first component is a large NOC oxidation catalytic converter (NOx oxidation catalyst). It stores nitrogen oxides until it is full.
It is cleaned by enriching the fuel-air mixture in the engine. To minimize the related extra fuel consumption, the NOC kicks in especially at low exhaust temperatures. Once the operating temperature is reached, the second module of the system – the SCR-coated diesel particulate filter – takes care of NOx conversion during intercity and highway driving (i.e. in the moderate rpm range).
The further developed 3.0 TDI is prepared for mild hybridization, as first introduced in mass production by Audi in 2017 for the A8. The 48-volt vehicle electrical system, which here powers a belt alternator starter (BAS), can also provide the energy for an electric powered compressor (EPC). It supports the turbocharger when starting off and accelerating from low engine speeds, with the benefits of high spontaneity and elasticity for customers.
The currently most powerful series-produced diesel from Audi: the V8 4.0 TDI
320 kW (435 hp) output, 900 Nm (663.8 lb-ft) torque from 1,000 to 3,250 rpm (combined fuel consumption: 9.3 – 7.2* l/100 km (25.3 – 32.7 US mpg); combined CO2emissions: 215 – 189 g/km* (346.0 – 304.2 g/mi)) – the 4.0 TDI is the most powerful V8 diesel engine from Audi. The V8 has the same stroke/bore ratio of 83.0 x 91.4 millimeters (3.3 x 3.6 in) as the V6; its displacement measures 3,956 cm3. It accelerates the Audi SQ7 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds; the top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph) is electronically governed. In the NEDC, however, it consumes just 7.6 – 7.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers* (30.9 – 32.7 US mpg), or 198 – 189 grams of CO2 per kilometer* (318.7 – 304.2 g/mi).
The 4.0 TDI is designed as a biturbo with sequential turbocharging, each turbocharger supplying both cylinder banks with fresh air. As is typical among Audi V engines, the turbochargers lie in the inside V – the short gas flow paths support the spontaneous response characteristics. They feature a variable turbine geometry and produce up to 2.4 bar of pressure (relative). They are controlled by the Audi valvelift system (AVS): electromagnetic actuators move sleeves onto the camshafts to switch on or off one of the two exhaust valves on each cylinder.
The exhaust gas flows through separate channels in a two-flow manifold system – each valve supplies one of the two turbochargers. At low and intermediate loads and engine speeds, the AVS keeps one valve of the exhaust valves closed so that the full exhaust flow reaches the so-called “active” turbocharger. If the engine speed increases to the range between 2,200 and 2,700 rpm, the AVS opens the second valve in each case and then switches in the second turbocharger. The cooperation between the two turbochargers enables the 4.0 TDI to attain its maximum power.
Other AVS units lie on the intake camshafts, where they optimally charge the combustion chamber in any operating situation. At low engine speeds, they stabilize combustion, and at high rpms optimize the cylinder charging. The common-rail system generates up to 2,500 bar of injection pressure. This enables the specific output of the 4.0 TDI engine, while keeping emissions low in the partial load range through atomization of the fuel. The ignition pressure reaches up to 200 bar.
Continuously variable thermal management and selected measures in the crankshaft and camshaft drive keep friction low in the eight-cylinder engine. As with the V6 diesel engine, the combination of a NOx storage-type converter with an SCR converter integrated in the diesel particulate filter ensures effective and efficient exhaust treatment. A sound actuator in the exhaust system amplifies the sonorous V8 sound.
In the Audi SQ7 (combined fuel consumption: 7.6 – 7.2 l/100 km* (30.9 – 32.7 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 199 – 189 g/km* (320.3 – 304.2 g/mi)) the 4.0 TDI operates in conjunction with an electric powered compressor (EPC), which hauls its 7 kW of power from a 48-volt electrical subsystem. The EPC supports the two turbochargers when starting off and at low revs. The EPC lies in a bypass behind the charge air cooler. Instead of the turbine rotor, it integrates a compact electric motor that accelerates the compressor wheel to 70,000 revolutions per minute in less than 250 milliseconds. The very sporty SQ7 TDI can then benefit from even more spontaneous response characteristics and a more dynamic start-up performance from a stationary position.
Versatile powerhouse: the new 3.0 TFSI
With the new 3.0 TFSI Audi is continuing the success story of its spark ignition engines. The turbocharged V6 combines powerful performance – high performance, lush torque at low revs, spontaneous response and sonorous sound – with a new level of efficiency. Developed in Neckarsulm, the engine made its debut in the new S models. But larger vehicle categories, including the Audi A8, will also be featuring the unit. During development, Audi engineers also designed the 3.0 TFSI for hybridization in the high and low voltage ranges. These engines are accordingly prepared for use of a belt alternator starter or an electric-powered compressor.
While the new six-cylinder engine still shares the bore size (84.5 mm (3.3 in)) and stroke (89.0 mm (3.5 in)) with its compressor supercharged predecessor, the cylinder gap has grown by 3 mm (0.1 in) to 93 mm (3.7 in). The V6 turbo draws 260 kW (354 hp) of power from its 2,995 cm3 displacement (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 – 7.3 l/100 km* (27.7 – 32.2 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 195 – 166 g/km* (313.8 – 267.2 g/mi)). At 1,370 revolutions per minute it already reaches its full torque of 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft), which remains constant up to 4,500 revolutions per minute. In the Audi S4, S5 Coupé and S5 Sportback it consumes only 7.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (32.2 US mpg) as per NEDC standard, a CO2equivalent of
166 grams per kilometer (267.2 g/mi).
The crucial success actor in the efficiency of the TFSI engines is the new B cycle combustion process from Audi (see section 1.1 Synergy effects in the Group: the V engine strategy), a further development of the so-called Miller cycle. In the induction tract the intake valves close well before the piston reaches its bottom dead center. This unusually short opening time keeps the fresh gas flow comparatively small, artificially creating a smaller displacement.
When the piston moves back up again after reaching the bottom dead center, the compression phase starts later than in a conventional engine. This allows a high geometric compression ratio of 11.2:1 – the combustion takes place in a relatively small combustion chamber. Compared with the compression phase, the expansion phase has been extended, and the longer expansion of the gas increases efficiency.
Audi supplements the Miller cycle with innovative technologies: the turbocharger presses the air into the cylinders with up to 1.5 bar of overpressure. The common-rail system injects the fuel into the combustion chamber with 250 bar of pressure; the high injection pressure ensures a homogeneous spray pattern and consequently a uniform propagation of the flame front. Because the injector lies at the center of the combustion chamber, the developers were able to realize a geometry in the area of the intake valves which in interplay with intake ports precisely swirls the incoming air – and thereby cools the walls of the combustion chamber. This prevents so-called combustion knocking, and enables Audi to achieve high compression in its TFSI engines. The quality of combustion, thermodynamic efficiency and thus engine efficiency improves as well.
Each of the four camshafts of the 3.0 TFSI can be adjusted up to a crankshaft angle of 50 degrees. At higher loads the two-stage Audi valvelift system (AVS) closes the intake valves later. The opening time increases from 130 to 180 degrees crankshaft angle, while at the same time the lift of the intake valves increases by 6.0 to 10.0 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 in). The cylinder charging also increases considerably – the 3.0 TFSI revs up powerfully with a lush output.
The turbocharger of the new 3.0 TFSI operates according to the twin scroll principle: the exhaust branches of the two cylinder banks run separately in the exhaust manifold and in the turbocharger housing, and only merge immediately in front of the turbine wheel. This technology avoids annoying interactions between the two gas columns, and thus makes a major contribution toward early and powerful torque build-up. The turbocharger is placed inside the 90 degree “V” of the cylinder banks – the exhaust side thus lies inside at the cylinder heads and the intake side outside. This layout allows a compact design and short gas flow paths with minimal loss. The 3.0 TFSI responds spontaneously and directly to the movements of the gas pedal.
Thanks to a thorough overhaul, the powerful V6 aluminum engine barely weighs 172 kilograms (379.2 lb). The cylinder crankcase, manufactured from aluminum silicon alloy in the elaborate sand cast method, integrates steel cylinder liners 1.5 mm (0.06 in) in thickness. The so-called “deep-skirt” design extends the walls of the cylinder crankcase far downwards, which also saves weight. In combination with the newly developed rings for the aluminum pistons, this reduces friction. Assembly of the V6 in the Hungarian Győr plant employs so-called plate honing to prevent stress to the cylinder heads during their installation.
Thermal management also contributes to the high efficiency. The crankcase and the cylinder head have separate coolant circuits. The V6 engine comes with split cooling, allowing disconnection of the cylinder crankcase circuit from the remaining engine cooling circuit. At a cold start the water pump switches off the complete coolant flow through the engine. When the operating temperature of the cylinder head is reached, the water pump turns on the water circuit through the complete engine – including the separate cylinder crankcase circuit. The latter is included only after the coolant in the cylinder crankcase reaches its limit temperature. The exhaust manifold is integrated in the cylinder head and bathed in coolant. This helps the engine to heat up quickly. When the engine is warm, this technology reduces the exhaust temperature, thereby significantly reducing fuel consumption, especially with a sporty driving style. The three-way catalytic converter is located very close to the engine and therefore reaches its operating temperature very soon.
The same applies to the spark ignition engine particulate filter, which Audi is introducing at mid-year initially in the A5 Coupé 2.0 TFSI (combined fuel consumption: 6.5 – 5.1 l/100 km* (36.2 – 46.1 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 148 – 117 g/km* (238.2 – 188.3 g/mi)) and it will be successively employed in further model series.
Other high-end technologies also contribute to the high efficiency of the new 3.0 TFSI. The fully adjustable oil pump only builds up as much pressure as necessary. The power required for the chain drive has been reduced by a new concept: the crankshaft drives the balancer shaft via gears, with the shaft lying far down in the V of the cylinder banks. From here chains run to the four camshaft sprockets. They have a tri-oval shape (slightly triangular), to compensate for power spikes and to ensure harmonious engine running. The balancer shaft rotates on low-friction roller bearings.
High-performance engine: the new 2.9 TFSI
With the new 2.9 TFSI Audi is following on from where the legendary 2.7-liter V6 performance unit left off; the latter delivered 280 kW (380 hp) in the first RS 4 Avant (2000 through 2001). The new six-cylinder engine greatly outdoes the old one. It delivers 331 kW (450 hp) and releases a torque of 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm (combined fuel consumption: 9.6 – 8.7 l/100 km* (24.5 – 27.0 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 224 – 197 g/km* (360.5 – 317.0 g/mi)), catapulting the new Audi RS 5 into the sports car league: zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in
3.9 seconds, with an optional top speed of 280 km/h (174.0 mph). In the NEDC cycle the 2.9 TFSI consumes 8.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (27.0 US mpg), equivalent to emissions of 197 grams of CO2 per kilometer (317.0 g/mi).
The new high-performance six-cylinder engine from Audi directly derives from the 3.0 TFSI. Because of the greater forces in the interior, the stroke has been shortened by 3 millimeters (0.1 in) to 86 millimeters (3.4 in). To increase resilience, we further increased the crankshaft main bearing diameter by 2 millimeters (0.08 in). The most important technological components are the same for both engines: the aluminum crankcase with steel cylinder liners, the new TFSI combustion process with central injector location and thermal management with the exhaust manifolds in the cylinder heads.
In the 2.9 TFSI the exhaust side lies in the inside V. Instead of the mono twin scroll turbocharger, two turbochargers compress the intake air, as formerly in the RS 4 engine. Each of them is responsible for a cylinder bank and builds up to 1.5 bar of boost pressure. In the intake system of the V6 biturbo, stainless steel components allow the air to flow almost unimpeded, while in the exhaust system switchable flaps modulate the sound according to the load and the driver’s request. With its growling sound, the RS 5 (combined fuel consumption: 8.7 l/100 km (27.0 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 197 g/km (317.0 g/mi)) thus recalls the engine sound of the RS 4 (B5).
Dynamic and emotive: the new Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI
As the sportiest model of the Q5 model series, the new Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 – 8.3 l/100 km* (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg); combined CO2emissions: 195 – 189 g/km* (313.8 – 304.2 g/mi)) combines powerful performance with further increased efficiency and exemplifies more than ever the emotively charged concept of the all-around SUV.
The engine
With a displacement of 2,995 cm3, the Audi SQ5 (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 – 8.3 l/100 km* (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 195 – 189 g/km* (313.8 – 304.2 g/mi)) delivers a performance of 260 kW (354 hp). The turbocharged aluminum engine delivers a constant 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of torque from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) is completed in 5.4 seconds and the top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h (155.3 mph). In the NEDC, the new Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI consumes just 8.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (28.3 US mpg) – a CO2 equivalent of 189 grams per kilometer (304.2 g/mi).
New combustion process: greater efficiency
A new combustion process developed by Audi makes the 3.0 TFSI particularly efficient. It is based on the so-called “B cycle” process in combination with high-pressure injectors centrally located in the combustion chambers. With its artificially shortened compression phase, the method enables an engine process with a significantly higher base compression ratio. Combined with a power stroke that, while normal, is longer relative to the compression stroke, this allows for more efficient combustion and increased engine efficiency.
Under partial load, the Audi valvelift system enables a very short intake aperture duration of 130 degrees of camshaft angle coupled with the early closure of the intake valve. This shortens the intake phase. At higher loads, the system switches to a camshaft contour with a longer opening time and a larger valve stroke. The engine then operates with a normal compression ratio and maximum throughput.
The turbocharger: separate exhaust columns
The turbocharger, which replaces the mechanical compressor of the previous engine, operates according to the twin-scroll principle. The exhaust branches of the two cylinder banks run separately in the exhaust manifold and in the turbocharger housing, and only merge before the turbine wheel. This technology improves the flow characteristics so that the turbine responds more spontaneously. This makes a significant contribution to the early and powerful torque build-up. The turbocharger is located within the 90-degree V of the cylinder banks. This arrangement enables compact construction and minimal flow losses, so that the 3.0 TFSI responds spontaneously and directly.
Another efficiency factor: innovative thermal management
The crankcase and the cylinder head have separate cooling circuits. After a cold start, the switchable water pump controls the flow of coolant through the engine so that the oil attains its operating temperature as quickly as possible. The exhaust manifold is integrated in the cylinder head and bathed in coolant. This helps the engine to heat up quickly. When the engine is warm, the system reduces the exhaust temperature. The result is lower fuel consumption, particularly during sporty driving.
Handling
A fast and smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmits the power in the new Audi SQ5 (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 195 – 189 g/km* (313.8 – 304.2 g/mi)). The lower gears feature short, sporty ratios, while the upper gears are long so as to reduce the engine speed and fuel consumption. Provided that the function is activated in Audi drive select, the transmission automatically switches to freewheeling mode as soon as the driver lifts their foot off the gas pedal at speeds between 55 and 160 km/h (34.2 and 99.4 mph), ensuring even greater fuel efficiency.
The quattro permanent all-wheel drive contributes to the sporty handling. During normal driving, it distributes the engine power with a slight rear-axle bias. When necessary, the lion’s share of the power is sent to the axle with the better traction. Wheel-selective torque control is active on all types of surfaces. During dynamic cornering, the software function slightly brakes the inside wheels. The car turns itself into the curve ever so slightly. Turn-in behavior remains neutral longer, and handling is stable, precise and agile.
The optional sport differential further optimizes handling by actively distributing torque between the rear wheels via two superposition stages. When accelerating out of a narrow curve, it gives more torque to the rear wheel on the outside of the curve. This increases the agility of the Audi SQ5 even more. The sport differential literally pushes the car into the curve, nipping understeering in the bud. Its management is integrated in the Audi drive select control system, and it runs over a central control unit, the electronic chassis platform.
The sporty handling qualities of the new Audi SQ5 (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 – 8.3 l/100 km* (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 195 – 189 g/km* (313.8 – 304.2 g/mi)) rest on a suspension system with five-link axles at the front and rear. The complex design provides for greater stability at the limit and combines increased agility with significantly improved comfort. The standard damper control features a particularly wide spread between comfort and dynamics. The adaptive CDC dampers (continuous damping control) are integrated in the Audi drive select system along with the engine, steering, tiptronic and optional sport differential. This lets the driver control the characteristics of the engine and suspension over several modes. The S-specific adaptive air suspension is available as an option. This system allows the driver to adapt not just the damping, but also the ride height to the respective driving situation.
An important contribution to the driving dynamics of the SQ5 (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 – 8.3 l/100 km* (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 195 – 189 g/km* (313.8 – 304.2 g/mi)) is also the new electromechanical power steering adjustment. Optionally available is the dynamic steering, which varies its ratio depending on the speed and steering angle.
255/45 tires are mounted as standard on the equally standard 20-inch, cast aluminum wheels. 21-inch wheels are available as an option. Audi Sport offers five exclusive 21-inch wheels for further differentiation. Up front are black (optionally red), six-piston, fixed-caliper brakes with an S logo and 350-millimeter (13.8 in) disks.
Driver assistance systems
The Audi SQ5 also picks up the driver assistance systems from the broad, high-tech portfolio of the Audi Q5. The predictive efficiency assistant provides specific driving tips to help the driver save fuel. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) including traffic jam assist can handle some of the steering work in slow-moving traffic. Audi active lane assist makes it easier to stay in lane. The distance warning display alerts the driver when the distance to another vehicle drops below a safe distance.
The rear cross traffic assist, the exit warning system, collision avoidance assist and turn assist are other new features to improve safety in everyday traffic. The same is true for the pre-sense systems: Audi pre sense city is standard. The system warns the driver about pedestrians and vehicles, and initiates automatic emergency braking within system limits. Park assist, the camera-based recognition of traffic signs and hill descent control round out the features.
Infotainment and Audi connect
The top-of-the-line infotainment system in the SQ5 is MMI navigation plus with MMI all-in-touch and an 8.3-inch display, which is available in combination with the tiptronic. The system recognizes handwritten input as well as touch gestures familiar from consumer electronics, such as for zooming. It also provides haptic feedback to input. One component is Audi connect, which connects the SQ5 (fuel consumption: 8.5 – 8.3 l/100 km* (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 195 – 189 g/km* (313.8 – 304.2 g/mi)) via LTE to the Internet. Audi connect enables convenient roaming in Europe for many connected infotainment services with its permanently installed SIM card – the Audi connect SIM with a flat-rate data package. Users can also book data packages for the Wi-Fi hotspot, which also include EU roaming.
The SQ5 (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 – 8.3 l/100 km* (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 195 – 189 g/km* (313.8 – 304.2 g/mi)) also offers Car2x services in the “Audi connect safety & service including security & convenience” package. In the event of an accident or breakdown, customers in an appropriately equipped vehicle receive help via the emergency call and online roadside assistance services.
Furthermore, the vehicle security & convenience services enable users to easily lock and unlock the new SQ5 via the MMI connect app on their smartphones. Customers can also check their vehicle’s status and use additional services such as Car Finder and information about the next service appointments or warning messages.
The MMI control logic offers intelligent plain text searching, among other features. The natural-language voice control function also recognizes inputs from everyday speech. In addition, the multifunctional leather steering wheel serves as a third operating level in the Audi SQ5 (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 – 8.3 l/100 km* (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 195 – 189 g/km* (313.8 – 304.2 g/mi)). Audi can deliver a head-up display as an optional extra. This system projects relevant information onto the windshield – including from driver assistance systems – as symbols and numbers that can be perceived quickly.
One highlight of the display and control concept is the Audi virtual cockpit. It displays all key information in razor-sharp graphics on its 12.3-inch monitor. Possible views available include an S-specific sport mode centered on the rev counter.
The Audi phone box, another optional feature, connects the smartphone to the on-board antenna by near-field coupling and simultaneously charges it inductively using the Qi standard. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System with new 3D sound is available for hi-fi fans. The Audi smartphone interface brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the car.
Body and exterior design
The length of the new Audi SQ5 (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 – 8.3 l/100 km* (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 195 – 189 g/km* (313.8 – 304.2 g/mi))measures 4,671 millimeters, the width is 1,893 millimeters and the height 1,635 millimeters (15.3 x 6.2 x 5.4 ft). The wheelbase is 2,824 millimeters (9.3 ft). The unladen weight (without driver) of the SQ5 (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 – 8.3 l/100 km* (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 195 – 189 g/km* (313.8 – 304.2 g/mi)) is 1,870 kilograms (4,122.6 lb). The body features an intelligent material mix of aluminum and extremely high-tensile-strength steels.
Even when stationary, an array of details underline the dynamic characteristics of the new Audi SQ5 (combined fuel consumption 8.5 – 8.3 l/100 km* (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 195 – 189 g/km* (313.8 – 304.2 g/mi)). The bold, sporty bumpers up front and in the rear are complemented by more strongly contoured, S-specific air inlets and the diffuser with a honeycomb grill. Another S-specific feature is the radiator grille with double aluminum slats and contrasting trim elements in matt twilight gray. The S logo with red rhombus is used in numerous locations to set additional accents.
LED technology is standard for all lighting functions. The dynamic turn signals ensure a high recognition factor. On the sides of the vehicle, aluminum-look exterior mirrors gleam and door trim strips in the body color underscore the sporty character. The rear bumper accommodates a diffuser brace in aluminum. An option exclusive to the new Audi SQ5 (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 – 8.3 l/100 km* (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 195 – 189 g/km* (313.8 – 304.2 g/mi))is panther black as the exterior color.
The interior
The dark-toned interior welcomes the driver and passengers with illuminated door sills bearing exclusive S logos. Contrasting stitching on the leather steering wheel and sport seats creates a dynamic and elegant ambiance. The S sport seats in Alcantara/leather can be upgraded to fine Nappa leather with diamond pattern and a pneumatic massage function. Brushed aluminum inlays are standard, with a variety of wood applications and an exclusive carbon inlay available as options. Aluminum-look shift paddles enable the driver to quickly shift the tiptronic’s gears. The pedals and footrest have stainless steel overlays. The rear seat bench plus of the Audi SQ5 (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 – 8.3 l/100 km* (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 195 – 189 g/km* (313.8 – 304.2 g/mi)) is split into three segments. Longitudinal and seat back angle adjustment are optional. The luggage compartment has a basic capacity of 550 liters (19.4 cu ft), which can be increased to 1,550 liters (54.7 cu ft) by folding down the rear seat backrests.
The equipment
The extensive standard equipment of the new SQ5 (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 – 8.3 l/100 km* (27.7 – 28.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 195 – 189 g/km* (313.8 – 304.2 g/mi)) in Germany includes 20-inch, cast aluminum wheels in a 5-twin-spoke star design, LED headlights and S-specific damper control. Also included are quattro permanent all-wheel drive, eight-speed tiptronic, sport seats in Alcantara/leather and a three-spoke, leather-covered multifunction steering wheel. The Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI will arrive at retailers in Germany in mid-2017 with a base price of EUR 64,900. Production is located in the newly established plant in Mexico.