Audi rules out Q5 RS and Q7 RS models
10-19-10, 08:40 AM
#1
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Audi rules out Q5 RS and Q7 RS models
Audi doesn't feel the need to compete directly against the X5 M and X6 M from BMW
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By Alex Ricciuti
October 19, 2010 5:00 am
Filed Under: Audi, German
[Editor's note: Photos here are of the Q5 Custom Concept.]
Audi has ruled out making RS variants of the Q5 and Q7 SUVs, according to Autoblog.it.
The Italian site has reported that, according to Stephan Reil, Audi's head of Technical Development, the Ingolstadt-based brand has no intention of creating competing models to BMW's X5 M and X6 M.
Reil said that the RS models will be developed only "when it is technically possible," and that the RS badge must continue to represent only the "maximum expression of performance and driving dynamics."
Translation: Audi won't slap an RS badge on any tuned up model just to make headlines. RS models need to deliver on the performance front in a way that can match the excellence of the M division of BMW as well as Mercedes-Benz's AMG unit.
Audi did unveil a Q5 Custom Concept at the Wörthersee Tour in Austria last year. That concept was fitted with a 3.0 TFSI V6 delivering 408 PS (300 kW) and 500 Nm of torque and was believed to have been a precursor to a future Q5 RS variant.
Still, the news doesn't rule out an S-version of the Q5 (SQ5), maybe with the 3.0 liter TFSI V6 of the S4 which produces 333 PS (245 kW) and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque.
email print
By Alex Ricciuti
October 19, 2010 5:00 am
Filed Under: Audi, German
[Editor's note: Photos here are of the Q5 Custom Concept.]
Audi has ruled out making RS variants of the Q5 and Q7 SUVs, according to Autoblog.it.
The Italian site has reported that, according to Stephan Reil, Audi's head of Technical Development, the Ingolstadt-based brand has no intention of creating competing models to BMW's X5 M and X6 M.
Reil said that the RS models will be developed only "when it is technically possible," and that the RS badge must continue to represent only the "maximum expression of performance and driving dynamics."
Translation: Audi won't slap an RS badge on any tuned up model just to make headlines. RS models need to deliver on the performance front in a way that can match the excellence of the M division of BMW as well as Mercedes-Benz's AMG unit.
Audi did unveil a Q5 Custom Concept at the Wörthersee Tour in Austria last year. That concept was fitted with a 3.0 TFSI V6 delivering 408 PS (300 kW) and 500 Nm of torque and was believed to have been a precursor to a future Q5 RS variant.
Still, the news doesn't rule out an S-version of the Q5 (SQ5), maybe with the 3.0 liter TFSI V6 of the S4 which produces 333 PS (245 kW) and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque.
Read more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/11010192...#ixzz12oskrKPn
10-19-10, 08:47 AM
#2
Lexus Fanatic
I don't see where S or RS versions of these two vehicles are needed. Both of them, IMO, are nice enough vehicles just the way they are. Vehicles of this class are not supposed to be canyon-carvers.
10-19-10, 09:03 AM
#4
Lexus Fanatic
The Audi planners are no doubt aware of that. If they thought that S/RS versions of the Q5 and Q7 would actually sell, they would commit the development funds needed.
These two sentences, right here, say it all:
Audi doesn't feel the need to compete directly against the X5 M and X6 M from BMW.
Translation: Audi won't slap an RS badge on any tuned up model just to make headlines.
These two sentences, right here, say it all:
Audi doesn't feel the need to compete directly against the X5 M and X6 M from BMW.
Translation: Audi won't slap an RS badge on any tuned up model just to make headlines.
10-19-10, 09:31 AM
#6
I'm pretty sure that Audi knows there is a small interest in upping the performance of these cars.
However, I'm pretty sure they also know that it's easier and cheaper to let aftermarket businesses do the job for them, rather than spending R&D and possible warranty repair costs for OEM mods.
However, I'm pretty sure they also know that it's easier and cheaper to let aftermarket businesses do the job for them, rather than spending R&D and possible warranty repair costs for OEM mods.
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10-19-10, 11:38 AM
#9
needed? a lot of cars aren't needed, but they are in production. when you are looking at a lot of high end luxury or performance cars, they aren't needed 
it's more about whether they want to. imho, it's smart that audi is not doing it. there is already the x5m and at a higher price tag the cayenne turbo. those two cars can kill most of its market already. the way i see it, audi isn't sure if their rs model can put enough ding in the market.
i have always questioned about the x5m, but the fact is? i have seen a few on the road (not dealership)
it's more about whether they want to. imho, it's smart that audi is not doing it. there is already the x5m and at a higher price tag the cayenne turbo. those two cars can kill most of its market already. the way i see it, audi isn't sure if their rs model can put enough ding in the market.
i have always questioned about the x5m, but the fact is? i have seen a few on the road (not dealership)
10-19-10, 11:57 AM
#11
Lexus Test Driver
10-20-10, 08:36 AM
#13
Lexus Fanatic
Of course, there have been some recent sales flops, even taking that into consideration....the BMW X6, Acura ZDX, and Lexus HS250, to name a few.
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