‘ALL AHEAD WITH EIGHT SPEEDS’
Audi keeps moving ahead in 2011 bringing more innovation and automotive high-technology to all of their vehicles thus making their rides more fuel efficient and more fun-to-drive. The Audi Q5 Quattro is designed to balance on the fine line between utility and desirability, by providing the ride height and visibility of a sport utility and the superior ride quality and competent handling characteristics of an Audi sports sedan. Easily identifiable and built with a distinctly sporty flavor, the 2011 Audi Q5 Quattro is a modern sport utility for today’s driving environment.
The big news for their excellent mid-size Q5 Quattro sport utility in 2011 is the addition of the 2.0 liter turbo-charged inline four-cylinder engine that comes standard with Audi’s new eight-speed Tiptronic automatic/sequential shifting transmission. The acclaimed
2.0 TFSI turbocharged direct injection inline four produces 211hp at 4,300rpm and a remarkable 258lb.ft. of torque (more than the 3.2 liter FSI V6 engine which is optional).
The seamless power delivery of the water-cooled turbocharger allows the 2.0 TFSI to develop peak torque from just 1,500rpm. The result is a driving experience that rewards drivers with an instant rush of power at nearly any engine speed. Thanks to direct injection technology and turbocharged efficiency, the 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro is able nevertheless to achieve a class-leading 20mpg/city and 27mpg/highway rating while blasting out to 60mph from a standstill in just 7sec.
The new Audi Q5 Quattro 2.0T benefits from the all-new eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. More than a traditional automatic gearbox, the eight-speed Tiptronic continues the sporty nature of the Audi Q5 Quattro by allowing you to select gears manually. Quick, precise changes are actuated by simple push and pull movements of the shifter. When you select Sport mode behind the Drive mode in the aluminum clad gate, the Tiptronic transmission holds each gear longer in the rev band to make the most of the instant turbo power for excellent acceleration when you need it to pass on the freeway or to bust through tough off-road trails.
The Audi Q5 Quattro 2.0T has a suspension engineered to set the pace no matter what the terrain. The axles boast a design that allows for more than six inches of travel to overcome obstacles, and a vertical climb limit of 31-degrees delivers proof that this sport utility can go beyond casual trips to the grocery store. A stunning 25-degree approach and departure angle means there are few routes the Q5 Quattro cannot take head on, while a ground clearance of nearly eight inches protects the underside of the vehicle.
The Quattro all-wheel drive system comprises of a front electronically locking hypoid gear (EDL), the center is a self-locking differential providing automatic and variable front to rear power proportioning while the rear features another electronically locking hypoid gear (EDL). Needed torque is quickly transferred to the wheel with the most grip, seamlessly and without any driver input. The front independent suspension features five-links, steel coil springs, gas-charged shocks and a hollow anti-roll bar, while the rear independent suspension setup features trapezoidal links, steel coil springs, gas-charged shocks and an anti-roll bar.
The standard Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted rack & pinion steering system works beautifully guiding the Q5 Quattro 2.0T where you want it to go with excellent feel for the road and great on-center feel. Further enhancing the front suspension’s sporty characteristics and quickness to your steering inputs are two strut tower braces.
An incorporated standard hill-descent assist button located on the center console uses the ESP (electronic stability program) to hold vehicle speed steady between six and 19mph to make descending over uneven, steep or slippery terrain safer. At first, engine compression is used to slow the vehicle in order to maintain traction. If needed, the vehicle’s braking system also can be used to slow descent.
The power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes are large and powerful enabling the new Q5 Quattro 2.0T to quickly and safely slow down from speed. Up front are 12.6 inch vented discs clamped with dual-piston calipers while 11.8 inch solid discs are clamped with single-piston calipers in the rear. Braking control and power are enhanced with standard ABS, EBD and BA.
The new Q5 Quattro 2.0T rides on large, 18X8 inch cast alloy wheels wrapped with Dunlop 235/60R18 inch all-season radial tires for a smooth ride with excellent traction.
The new Q5 Quattro 2.0T sport utility has what it takes to be an excellent on-road or off-road vehicle that comfortable, seats up to five passengers and maintains a smooth ride on-road with excellent capabilities off-road.
With a bold, Singleframe grille and sculpted headlights, the 2011 Audi Q5 is unmistakably Audi. Strong fender arches define the SUV profile along with steeply raked A-pillars and lower side extensions, and offer a subtle hint at the power within. A sleek roofline and integrated body rails help the Q5 Quattro to maintain its class-leading 0.33 drag coefficient, which improves fuel economy and reduces wind noise inside the cabin.
A wide track and low front and rear overhangs give the Q5 Quattro a capable stance, indicating that it is a versatile vehicle, ready to take on anything that you give it. The tailgate makes loading and unloading cargo easy. Bright LED tail lamps draw attention to the rear, flowing along the body lines of the Q5 Quattro to create continuity from front to back. Subtle sport accents, like a small rear spoiler mounted on top of the tailgate, bold dual-exhaust ports and a multitude of available wheel choices keep visual excitement in this midsize sport utility.
With an interior built to the high standards for which Audi is renowned, the 2011 Q5 Quattro offers a quiet and well-appointed sanctuary with seating for five adults. Fit and finish are impeccable, and the leather, aluminum, wood and chrome materials are top-notch throughout the cabin. Twelve-way power/lumber adjustable leather bucket seats are engineered to be both supportive and comfortable for a long or short drive, with plenty of legroom and headroom. An optional panoramic sunroof helps create a more open environment while also brightening the cabin.
Throughout the Audi Q5 Quattro interior, ergonomic and well-executed design abound. With a clean, easy-to-read instrument cluster, the cockpit is designed with you the driver in mind. A large tachometer and speedometer pay homage to the Audi motorsports tradition. The center console is trimmed with a handsome wood inlay and houses controls for the Audi third-generation MMI that features available HD radio and improved trip computer with an all-new efficiency display for 2011. The leather-wrapped/tilt/telescoping steering wheel is thick-rimmed and comfortable to the hands, feeling firm and sporty, yet ideal for long-distance traveling.
With a 9.2 foot wheelbase, the 2011 Audi Q5 Quattro has one of the longest footprints of any vehicle in its segment. This length translates directly into interior roominess, and with the rear seats folded down, a substantial 55 cu.ft. of cargo area with chrome tie-downs to keep cargo secure. Also innovative and functional is the adjustable rear seatback angle and front-to-back sliding that strike the perfect balance between passenger comfort and cargo capacity. Air-outlets behind the center console bring cool or heated air more effectively into the rear and a pull-down center console features dual cupholders. As a final touch of clever luxury, an optional climate-controlled drink holder keeps beverages at the perfect temperature.
Standard features include 18 inch tires/wheels, heated/power remote sideview mirrors and windshield washer nozzles, halogen headlamps, brushed aluminum trim on the functional roof rack and around the privacy-glass side windows, three-zone climate control, storage slots in the doors, center console with storage slots and dual cupholders, rain-sensing wipers/washers, automatic headlight control, 60/40 split rear seatback, grab handles above each door, dual map lights, dual lighted vanity mirrors, electronic cruise control, aluminum/leather wrapped stick shifter, deep/wide/lockable glove box, Audi Concert AM-FM-CD/Satellite radio with nine-speakers, power one-touch express windows, power door locks, map pockets behind each front seatback, cargo light, levers that when pulled will flatten both rear seatbacks for ease of use, thick cut-pile carpeting and front/rear floor mats.
Safety and security features include driver and front-passenger front airbags, driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side airbags, SIDEGUARD curtain airbags, front 3-point safety belts with pretensioners/load limiters, 3-3-point safety belts in the rear that include rear outboard pretensioners, active and passive rollover protection, LATCH system for child seats, side-impact protection, front/rear crumple zones, anti-theft vehicle alarm system and rear child safety locks.
Even in base trim the 2011 Audi Q5 Quattro is one of the best looking, best performing, comfortable and innovative mid-size sport utility vehicles on the market. The base price starts at just $35,200.00.
COPYRIGHT:2011:HARVEY SCHWARTZ
