LA Debut:2014 Acura RLX

2014 Acura RLX will debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 28 . The RLX Concept first debuted at the New York Auto Show this past April.

The new Acura RLX will come with a range of new technologies unique to Acura, including the Precision All Wheel Steer system, the next-generation AcuraLink Communication System, Lane Keep Assist System, Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System and the all-new Jewel Eye LED headlamps.

The standard powertrain will be a new direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering a reasonable 310 horsepower and powering the front wheels only. It's not clear when the hybrid option will be offered.

The interior of the RLX features an 8-inch display screen and a seven-inch touch screen that uses the latest AcuraLink system with features such as stolen vehicle tracking.



Press Release

Acura to Debut Flagship 2014 RLX Sedan at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

The production model of the all-new 2014 Acura RLX will debut on November 28, 2012, the first press day of the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, it was announced today. The new Acura flagship sedan will employ an array of new technologies unique to Acura, including the Precision All Wheel SteerTM system, the next-generation AcuraLink® Communication System, and the all-new Jewel EyeTM LED headlamps to deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort.

The front-wheel-drive version of the 2014 RLX will utilize Acura's new Precision All Wheel SteerTM system. This system automatically makes slight adjustments to the relative rear wheel (toe) angles by utilizing electrically controlled actuators to deliver an extraordinary level of cornering control and steering precision. The front-wheel-drive RLX will come equipped with an all-new 3.5-liter direct-injected VTEC® V-6 engine producing 310 horsepower (SAE net).

The RLX will feature the first application of the next-generation AcuraLink®, which incorporates built-in two-way cellular communication to deliver a variety of new convenience features, including airbag deployment notification, stolen vehicle tracking, remote locking and unlocking, security alarm notification and concierge service. Acura's exclusive Jewel EyeTM LED headlamps use a dual-stacked array of multiple high-intensity LED lamps, with ultra-reflective optical lenses and high-gloss trim, to provide powerful down-the-road illumination, while simultaneously giving the RLX a distinctive and bright-eyed look in both daytime and nighttime conditions.

The Acura RLX will offer an extensive array of passive and active safety features. These include a Collision Mitigation Braking SystemTM and the first application of Acura's Lane Keep Assist System. In addition, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning will be offered as standard equipment on the RLX. Passive safety features will include front, side and side-curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger, and a driver's knee airbag. The RLX also incorporates the second generation of Acura's Advanced Compatibility EngineeringTM (ACETM) body structure, with reinforced front frame members for further enhanced frontal crash energy management. The RLX is expected to achieve a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA and the new TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS status from IIHS.

Paris Debut: Suzuki S-Cross teaser

Suzuki has unveiling new teaser for the Suzuki S-Cross concept, which will debut at the 2012 Paris motor show on September 27th. The production model, which is set to be launched by the end of 2013, will replace the current SX4 crossover sold in some of the European markets.

The new concept “embodies an “Emotion x Quality x Aerodynamics” design theme”. From the first teaser, we know that this means the five-door S-Cross will blend the looks of the Kizashi saloon with some more rugged styling elements, like a bash plate on the front bumper.

The rear-end image follows a similar preview from August teasing the front-end, which revealed the headlight design, an LED daytime running light strip and a section of the grille, which sits upright and wears a large Suzuki ‘S’ badge.





Press Release

S-CROSS - FURTHER TEASER IMAGE AND WEB INVITATION

The S-CROSS, a concept car heralding a C-segment crossover model from Suzuki will be making its world debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show from 27 September to 14 October*.

Suzuki's crossover concept S-CROSS embodies an "Emotion x Quality x Aerodynamics" design theme, which is typified by distinctive dynamic lines that start on the front bumper, sweep across the doors, and continue to the rear of the body. Design elements which suggest stability and solidity also help create a cutting-edge crossover look.

Further information about the S-CROSS and other Suzuki activities can be obtained at the Suzuki Press Conference, scheduled for 7.30 a.m. on 27 September in Hall 5.2 - Aisle B - Stand 509. http://www.globalsuzuki.com/paris2012-invitation/

*The 2012 Paris Motor Show will be open to the press on 27 and 28 September and then to the general public from 29 September to 14 October.

Paris 2012 Debut: Hyundai i30 three-door

Hyundai announced launch of a new three-door version of its successful i30 hatchback at the 2012 Paris Motor show. The three-door Hyundai i30 joins the five-door hatchback and the wagon to extend Hyundai’s ‘made for Europe’ C-segment range to appeal to even more buyers.

Essentially an Elantra GT three-door for Europe, the new i30 is part of the Korean automaker’s ‘Made for Europe’ C-segment range. Buyers in Europe will be able to select from six different engines, including a 1.6-liter diesel that claims to have the best power-to-efficiency ratio in the segment.

The rakish hatchback has a more angular glasshouse than the five-door hatch and Tourer estate. It has a revised grille, fog lamps, daytime running strips and a reshaped lower bumper.

The i30 three-door will be offered in Europe with a choice of six engines, together with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Hyundai hasn't announced any plans to bring the three-door i30 to the U.S.



Press Release

NEW GENERATION i30 THREE-DOOR TO DEBUT AT 2012 PARIS MOTOR SHOW

• Third member of New Generation i30 family to broaden range's appeal
• Dynamic styling incorporates new front, side and rear design features
• Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, for Europe

High Wycombe, 14 September 2012 - Ahead of its world debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the New Generation i30 three-door has today been revealed. The third member of the New Generation i30 family, the three-door joins the five-door hatchback and the Tourer to extend the broad appeal of Hyundai's ‘made for Europe' C-segment range to an even wider audience.

Central to the appeal of the three-door is its distinctive, sporty styling. Incorporating Hyundai's ‘fluidic sculpture' form language, the new model's sharply-raked beltline, more angular glasshouse silhouette and longer front doors provide it with a more dynamic profile, and the effect is enhanced by changes to front and rear styling.

A new, black-finished mesh insert and central bar accentuate Hyundai's hexagonal grille, which is flanked by new, sportier fog lamp clusters consisting of round spots connected to LED daytime running light strips. The mesh treatment is continued in the clusters, and the front-end design is completed by a newly-profiled lower bumper.

At the rear, the remodelled lower bumper area includes new horizontal, sculpted fog lamps that contrast with the upright units of the five-door. These lights and a new black insert at the bottom of the bumper create the impression of a wider, sportier rear design. Exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior transformation.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Europe, said: "The New Generation i30 three-door has been conceived solely for Europe, and will strengthen Hyundai's presence further in the segment where we have seen our greatest success since 2007. Just as important, its sporty looks - offering a fresh interpretation of fluidic sculpture - will generate greater brand awareness and enhance consumer perceptions of Hyundai in Europe."

New Generation i30 three-door retains the positive characteristics of the five-door, providing high standards of quality, equipment and comfort. Drivers will experience Europe-tuned ride and handling, and can alter the settings of the FLEX STEER system to change steering assistance depending on their preference and prevailing conditions.

The New Generation i30 is offered with a choice of four engines and five power outputs, together with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The highlight of the powertrain range is the ‘U-II' 1.6-litre diesel engine, generating 128PS yet emitting only 97g/km of CO2. Together, these figures deliver the best power-to-efficiency ratio in the segment.

The New Generation i30 provides the best evidence yet of Hyundai's commitment to producing cars in Europe, for Europe - combining the design and engineering expertise of the team at Hyundai's European R&D Centre in Germany with the proven manufacturing excellence of the company's Czech factory.

Buyers of the New Generation i30 will benefit from 5 Year Triple Care, comprising a five-year unlimited warranty, five years' roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks.

The New Generation i30 three-door will be officially unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show during the company's press conference at 17:00 (CET) on Thursday 27 September 2012, on the Hyundai booth.

Dodge Ram 2013 Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine.

Dodge Ram 2013 Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine

Dodge Ram 2013.
Dodge Ram 2013 Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine - Over the past couple of model years, a number of mainstream vehicles have become not just more fuel-efficient but also more sophisticated, tech-savvy, and comfortable. And don't you think that full-size pickups are getting left behind; now for 2013, Chrysler has given its mainstream line of Ram 1500 trucks some serious upgrades, even though from the outside, there's not much change in evidence.

A 20-percent improvement in fuel economy might sound staggering, but that's what the 2013 Ram 1500 delivers along with a new V-6 engine, a new eight-speed automatic transmission, a new air suspension, and a more carlike interior, with Chrysler's latest Uconnect Touch interface and much-improved materials and trims. And all of these improvements come with towing and hauling ability that's somewhat reduced on V-8 models for now, but boosted on the base six-cylinder trucks.

Chrysler calls the Ram 1500 “the most recognizable pickup on the road,” and we fully agree. Over the years, its scaled-down big-rig look makes it easy to spot from a distance. All that said, on the outside there's not all that much to distinguish the 2013 model from the 2012 unless you're already a Ram or Dodge fan. Designers have made the front grille slightly taller, and added a new upper fascia panel, while the Ram crosshair grille is now flush. New vertically oriented foglamps have been added, while 4WD models get larger openings for the tow hooks. Headlamps also get a new design, with a twin-beam projector design plus LEDs now used in the running lamps, turn signals, side-marker lamps, and tail lamps. Polished stainless steel running boards have been added down below, and a new 6' 4” bed option is offered in Crew Cab models. And there are five new exterior hues, including some two tone themes.

The big news for the 2013 Ram surrounds fuel economy and includes some major powertrain revisions and additional tech. At the low end, Chrysler’s Pentastar V-6 now handles base-engine duties for the 1500 SLT. (The ancient, 310-hp 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 is the base engine for the entry-level 1500 Tradesman; the V-6 is available as an option.) Compared with last year’s 215-hp, 3.7-liter lump of a V-6, the new engine makes 90 more hp and 34 additional lb-ft of torque for new totals of 305 and 269. The Pentastar comes mated exclusively to an equally new, ZF-designed eight-speed automatic transmission Ram has dubbed with some historical pomp the “TorqueFlite 8.” The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 carries over for 2013, but nets an additional five hp for a new total of 395. Both V-8s hook up to a standard six-speed automatic, but the Hemi will receive a version of the eight-speed as an option sometime early next year.

Next is a new, four-corner air suspension, adapted from the one available on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has five ride-height settings: Normal, Aero, Off-Road 1, Off-Road 2, and Park. The Aero setting kicks in automatically at speed, lowering the truck 1.1 inches from Normal. Off-Road 1 raises the truck 1.2 inches, and Off-Road 2 brings a full 2.0-inch rise over the baseline Normal position. Park mode lowers the ride height 2.0 inches below Normal, giving occupants a lower step-in height and also providing easier access to the bed. Any of the five ride-height settings can be manually selected via dash mounted buttons or the key fob from outside the vehicle. The air suspenders also perform load-leveling tricks, helping to maintain a steady ride height front and rear even when the truck is loaded up with cargo or a trailer. Ram does not yet know which 1500 models will be available with the grille shutters, stop-start system, or the air suspension; the features’ availability will be determined closer to the 2013 Ram’s on sale date.

Dodge Ram 2013 Interior :
Interior enhancements include soft trim on the armrest with leather decor inserts on top models, and an upgrade to an 8.4-inch full-color control screen in the center stack and a 7.0-inch one in the instrument cluster. Eight-speed models get a rotary E-shift gear selector on the center console, with range-select buttons (to limit the top gear ratio) on the steering wheel. UConnect is upgraded to accept downloadable apps and to provide a mobile WiFi Hotspot via embedded cellular technology. The integrated trailer-brake controller moves over to the center stack, where it's easier to see and reach, and now includes programming to better interface with the latest electro/hydraulic brake systems used on the biggest trailers.

The extent to which the Ram has been revised after four years on the market indicates the market significance and level of competition in the full-sized pickup segment. Based on this first look, the Ram should be a strong contender for our 2013 Truck of the Year honors next February.

Dodge Ram 2013 POWERTRAIN :
Major changes under the hood of the new 2013 Ram 1500 will help deliver best in class fuel economy and substantial increases in power and performance with the Chrysler Group's award-winning Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine coupled with the first use of an eight-speed TorqueFlite 8 transmission in a pickup truck.

The 5.7-liter HEMI® also will benefit with the first use of an eight-speed automatic transmission. The new, TorqueFlite 8 is available with the V-8 engine and features a higher capacity torque converter and is scheduled for availability in late 2012.

"The coupling of our legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and Ward's 10-best, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 to a new eight-speed automatic transmission led the way to best-in-class fuel economy for the 2013 Ram 1500," said Bob Lee, Vice President, Powertrain and Electrified Propulsion Systems Engineering Chrysler Group LLC. "Although the addition of a new eight-speed achieved double digit percentage gains in fuel economy, we also added a number of segment exclusive technologies such as thermal management, stop-start and active grille shutters to further improve efficiency."

Best in class V-6 Fuel Economy Pentastar V-6 Engine :
With best in class standard horsepower rated at 305 at 6,400 rpm and torque of 269 lb.-ft. at 4,175 rpm, the 2013 Ram 1500 goes from zero to 60mph, three seconds faster than the previous V-6 powertrain. The new Ram 1500 becomes the latest vehicle to benefit from the advanced technology Pentastar engine. Features include Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), high-torque over a broad rpm range, low exhaust emissions, E85 capability, exceptional fuel economy, and best-in-class noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Introduced less than two years ago, the new V-6 engine has become the workhorse engine across the Chrysler lineup and has replaced seven previous V-6 engines. The Pentastar won Ward's 10 Best Engines award in its debut year of 2011 and repeated this honor in 2012.

Dodge Ram 2013 Exterior :
The front air dam of the 2013 Ram 1500 has been extended downward to create a 0.6 percent improvement in fuel economy. Engineers used a new thermo plastic material, which is much more malleable, preventing breakage due to contact with curbs, rocks or other objects. A new wheel to wheel tubular side-step design offers aerodynamic improvements over the current version by allowing air to pass around the truck more smoothly. The improvement adds 0.5 percent to fuel efficiency and allows customers easy access to the forward portion of the truck bed. Source: neocarsuv.com, autocarrelease.com.

Dodge Dart 2013 Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine.

Dodge Dart 2013 Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine

Dodge Dart 2013.
Dodge Dart 2013 Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine - The 2013 Dodge Dart is arriving just as the party reaches critical mass. It's an all new (well, to the U.S.) sedan that is one of the fruits of the Chrysler Fiat mind meld, and it's vying for your attention with the promise of Italian roots and Dodge attitude.

Imported From Detroit by Way of Italy :
You probably know by now that the Dodge Dart started life as an Alfa Romeo Giulietta that underwent that very American process of reconstructive surgery. Dodge engineers widened the track, lengthened the wheelbase, retuned the suspension and worked up some new sheet metal in the process. Assembled in Illinois, the Dart fills the void left by the Neon while overlapping somewhat on paper, at least with the Chrysler 200.

Downsized Engine and Manual Gearbox :
Headlining our tester's options list is its Fiat sourced 1.4 liter turbocharged MultiAir four cylinder engine, which promises to deal from both sides of the power and efficiency deck. Power delivery from the little engine that could is at once impressive and frustrating. It's got an unexpectedly rorty exhaust note, delivers plentiful midrange torque when you give it the spurs and spins with little vibration.

If you catch the engine below 2,500 rpm, however, it's flat footed. The little engine doesn't build meaningful boost that low in the rev range. So in situations like leaving a light, or trying to frogger into a hole amid creeping freeway traffic, you're basically trying to accelerate 3,253 pounds of sedan with a normally aspirated 1.4 liter engine, the results of which are predictable. As a result you find yourself holding onto gears longer than you otherwise might in order to avoid being caught out.

You all must be really excited about the new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe because it's our top video. Coming in second is our video covering our great American road trip in the Six-Month Road Test Hyundai Veloster. You also clearly enjoyed our video of the 2013 BMW M5 and M6 being thrashed around Laguna Seca. Rounding out the top five videos this week are our video road tests of the 2013 Dodge Dart and 2012 Toyota Prius V.

Dodge Dart 2013 Interior :
Dodge designers focused on creating a modern blend of precision craftsmanship, state of the art technology, exciting bursts of color and hand-sculpted shapes when designing the Dart's interior, which is crafted with materials and technology typically found in more expensive vehicle segments. Starting with modern Dodge DNA and through the use of innovative ambient interior lighting, high quality soft touch materials and high-tech features, the 2013 Dodge Dart is loaded with cool amenities and unexpected delights for both drivers and passengers.

The Dart's "driver centric" layout is designed to put all controls within easy reach of the driver. Customizable displays and comfort-tuned seats are packaged in an exceptionally spacious, pleasing interior. Packaged in the footprint of a compact car, the 2013 Dodge Dart features the interior spaciousness of a mid-size sedan, and it boasts best in class hip and shoulder room.

"The all new Dodge Dart is the showpiece for Dodge's next generation philosophy of interior design," said Klaus Busse, Head of Interior Design Chrysler Group LLC. "The Dart interior takes the beautiful, precision crafted interiors we rolled out last year and adds a little bit of fun with surprises of color, eye catching ambient lighting and some really cool technology."

Customization was key in the all-new Dodge Dart's development, and with 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim combinations, seven wheel options, three engine options and three transmissions, each Dodge Dart can be personalized by every buyer to fit their individual style. And the combinations are multiplied exponentially, as Mopar® also will offer more than 150 customization options and themed packages specifically developed for the Dart. Source: neocarsuv.com, autocarrelease.com.

2013 Cadillac ATS Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine.

2013 Cadillac ATS Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine

2013 Cadillac ATS.
2013 Cadillac ATS Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine - Development of the new 2013 Cadillac ATS was considered such a priority, it was one of the few programs that was not stopped during GM's bankruptcy. Why?... Because the ATS is GM's entree into the largest luxury vehicle segment in the world, a segment basically created by BMW's 3 Series. This is the car that will make Cadillac a global luxury brand.

The ATS is virtually all-new from the tires up. About the only parts that could be considered carryover are the revised 3.6 liter DI V-6 and the 6L45E six speed automatic transmission. It rolls on GM's new lightweight Alpha architecture the base ATS weighs just over 3300 pounds and the chassis has been tuned to deliver razor-sharp steering, precise handling, and buttoned down ride. The car has been optimized around 17- and 18-inch wheels to keep weight down and improve agility.

The first pre production cars rolled down the line at the Lansing Grand River Assembly plant in Michigan just before Christmas. The ATS will launch as a sedan only, but coupe, convertible and wagon versions will be rolled out over the next two to three years. There will also be V-series versions. No official word on powertrain for the ATS-V, but a twin turbo version of the 3.6 liter V-6 looks likely, partly because of the tight underhood packaging, but also because rivals like BMW's next-gen M3 are moving to smaller forced induction powerplants.

The ATS was presented as a true BMW 3 Series competitor, and was benchmarked against what Cadillac says is the best 3 Series ever, the E46. Them's fightin' words, right there. Since then, Cadillac's been running its mouth with Super Bowl commercials, Nurburgring test videos, and more. In the meantime, BMW has returned fire in a very reserved, German way, by introducing the new F30 3 Series, which easily trounced the competition in a recent MT comparison ("The More Things Change...", May 2012).

The singular question, then, is whether Cadillac can back it up. Given Cadillac's boasting and GM's general long standing but finally fading habit of overpromising and under-delivering, I was skeptical. That new 3 Series is damn good, and I should know I'm assigned to MT's long term 328i. Has Cadillac really done it?... The answer is yes. The Cadillac ATS is shockingly good. In fact, here are the four things I don't like about the ATS: the instrument cluster is boring and uninspired; the shift paddles on the steering wheel are too far away from your fingertips; the back seat is too cramped, and the 2.5 liter base engine has no business being in a car aimed at dethroning the 3 Series. That's it. But does that make it better than the 3 Series?...

Without the right running gear, in fine tune, the ATS would fall as flat on its face as the Catera the Caddy that zagged right into automotive history's footnotes, complete with a laugh track. Consider that passage erased. The ATS is brilliantly composed, with electric power steering and a multi link suspension that know each other intimately. It's clear from only a mile or two of driving, that this is the most tossable, responsive Cadillac ever built and that's before you tap the 272 horsepower of the mainstream version's 2.0 liter turbo four, or the throaty 321 hp of the available 3.6 liter V-6. (If you're choosing the base 202 hp 2.5 liter four, you're not even reading this.).

The base ATS, which starts at $33,990 including destination, comes with a 2.5 liter naturally aspirated four cylinder putting out 202 horsepower and 191 pound feet of torque (the 2012 BMW 328i starts at $35,795 with destination, but its turbo 4 puts out 240 hp). Earning 22 city/33 highway/26 mpg EPA combined, this engine is clearly little more than the ATS's mileage and price leader a fact that is obvious the first time you apply real pressure with your right foot. It's quiet and smooth enough, and the six-speed automatic is a worthy companion with its silky operation but, no lie, we checked to see if the parking brake was on a couple of times.

Acceleration testing on a pre production ATS Premium 3.6 at an unfamiliar test venue resulted in 60 mph in 5.7 seconds (5.4 seconds with a 1 foot rollout as at a drag strip) and the quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds at 101.9 mph. For reference, the last BMW 335i we tested, a 2010 sedan with a six-speed manual and a turbocharged inline-6, hit 60 in 5.2 seconds (4.9 with rollout). The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C350 posted a 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds (5.4 with rollout). Translation: As nice as Caddy's V6 is, it's no match in pure numbers or in terms of refinement/usability for BMW's turbo-6. Source: neocarsuv.com, autocarrelease.com.

2013 Audi SQ5 Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine.

2013 Audi SQ5 Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine

2013 Audi SQ5.
2013 Audi SQ5 Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine - Audi is getting serious with its performance line of SUVs. The RS Q3 concept debuted less than two months ago, and now the German premium manufacturer is using the 24 Hours of Le Mans race to launch the production version of a high-performance Q5 diesel called the SQ5 TDI.

Based on the recently face-lifted Q5, the SQ5 TDI is powered by the twin-turbo 3.0 liter diesel V-6 in the A6 TDI Avant. The turbo diesel engine makes 313 hp at 4500 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque from 1450 to 2800 rpm. That’s too much torque for Audi's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is why an eight speed torque converter automatic is used. Audi estimates the sprint from 0 to 62 mph will take just 5.1 seconds, while top speed is a governed 155 mph. These figures stand in remarkable contrast to the SQ5 TDI's consumption habits the SUV gets 33 mpg in the European cycle, a figure that sounds realistic based on our experience with an A6 Avant featuring this very powertrain.

Quattro all wheel drive is standard, as is a torque vectoring system to enhance agility. The SQ5 is equipped with a sport suspension, and stands on 20-inch aluminum wheels with 255/45 rubber a combination also available on lesser Q5 models. But the optional 21 inch wheels are available exclusively on the SQ5. Really, the visual differences between a Q5 equipped with the S-line package and this new SQ5 are rather subtle, which befits a true representative of Audi's S range. The SQ5’s body panels are unchanged differences include a unique grille design with glossy double blades, aluminum look side mirror caps, an altered rear bumper, and quad exhaust tips.

The SQ5 will be powered by the all new V-6 turbo-diesel engine boasting two turbochargers which Audi has been working on for various models in the lineup. This engine produces a total of 313 hp and 479.42 lb-ft of torque between 1,450 and 2,800 rpm. This power is enough to sprint the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph, but also deliver a fuel economy of 32.67 US mpg.

Compared to a standard Q5, the new SQ5 TDI version will be distinguished by a platinum gray single-frame grille with galvanized double bars in an aluminum-look finish, a new roof spoiler, and modified bumpers. The new Audi SQ5 TDI will go on sale in the first quarter of 2013, with prices starting at €58,500, about $78,000 at the current exchange rates.

The Audi SQ5 TDI handles the sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.1 seconds, and its top speed is 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Its combined fuel consumption is only 7.2 liters per 100 km (32.67 US mpg) on average - a value that is also enabled by contributions from the thermal management, energy recovery and start-stop systems as well as the regulated oil pump. An eight-speed tiptronic that shifts quickly and smoothly and the quattro permanent four-wheel drive transfer the engine's power to the road.

The stiff S sport suspension lowers the body by 30 mm (1.18 in), and size 255/45 tires are mounted to the 20-inch wheels in five parallel spoke design. Audi can also deliver 21-inch diameter wheels and size 255/40 tires as an option. The black brake calipers on the front wheels are decorated with S badges. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard. Among the special design details, the platinum gray single-frame radiator grille with its galvanized dual struts in aluminum look, the roof spoiler and modified bumpers are especially eye catching.

The exterior mirror housings are designed in an aluminum look; xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights are included as a standard feature, and the exhaust system dominates at the rear with four elliptical tailpipes. Audi also offers the optional crystal effect exterior colors Estoril Blue and Panther Black on the new top model. The interior is designed in black, and a silver headlining is optional. The electrically adjustable sport seats are upholstered in Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, which are available in three colors. Trim panels consist of brushed aluminum, or CFRP, piano finish black or aluminum beaufort as options.

Audi pulled the wraps off of the 2013 SQ5 TDI at the 24 Hours of Le Mans today, marking the first time the German automaker will make an S-branded SUV and an S car powered by diesel fuel. Unlike the RSQ3 that debuted at the Beijing earlier this year, Audi intends to put the SQ5 TDI into production and begin European deliveries early next year. Most importantly, the SQ5 is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel V-6 that produces 313 hp and a reasonably massive 479 lb-ft of torque that peaks as low as 1450 rpm. The compact crossover will make the sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.1 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Audi also claims that it will be able to return the equivalent of 33 mpg on the European cycle and tow up to 5291 lbs. An eight speed automatic transmission sends that power through the brand’s Quattro all wheel drive system to all four wheels, with automatic torque vectoring between wheels. Source: neocarsuv.com, autocarrelease.com.