Audi's Q5 SUV debuts a new 3.0-litre diesel powertrain at this year's Le Mans 24-hour race.
The Audi Q5 has already been given a facelift for 2012, but it seems Audi are still looking to enhance the SUV further as it adds a new diesel engine that is more powerful than the Q5's V6 petrol engine.
Get a FREE quote on your next AUDI Q5
Click below and save up to 30% on a new AUDI Q5
The new diesel sits between a 2.0-litre TDI, which returns a combined 47.1mpg, and a powerful 3.0-litre V6 petrol, which produces 268bhp.
The new diesel powertrain is a 3.0-litre bi-turbo TDI that produces 309bhp and 650Nm between 1,450rpm and 2,800rpm. With the new TDI the Q5 can sprint from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph.
It is matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and returns a combined 39.2mpg.
With these performance figures the new 3.0-litre TDI offers slightly lower fuel economy than the 2.0-litre TDI, but offers more power than the V6 petrol.
The new diesel engine transforms the Q5 into a high-performance SUV that sets it apart from any other SUV on the market.
As the model features the equipment from the S trim level and a new diesel engine, Audi have labelled it the SQ5 TDI.
The SQ5 TDI also offers a sport suspension which lowers its ride height by 30mm. The Audi drive select system, which makes the Q5 more versatile on the road and includes variable steering ratio, is optional.
Although the SQ5 TDI's equipment is based on the S line trim level, Audi adds a few aesthetic upgrades on top of the S line features. Key upgrades include a platinum grey single-frame grille, roof spoiler and two new 'crystal effect' black and blue paint jobs.
Its interior stays true to the S line trim with leather sport seats, aluminium inlays and up to 1,560 litres of storage space.
The new diesel powertrain puts the SQ5 TDI in a whole different league of its own as its performance figures are similar to that of a sports car, making it a 'hot SUV', if there is such a thing.
As other manufactures attempt to combine diesel technology with high-performance credentials, like Citroen and its 200bhp Hybrid4 DS5, it seems Audi has succeeded. An SUV that can reach 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds is definitely something to feel proud about.
Orders for the new Audi SQ5 TDI open in October ahead of first deliveries in spring 2013. It is expected to cost around £45,000.