More word from Europe on engines and models that car companies should be bringing to these shores. Audi, maker of all things all wheel drive and quick, has just announced some new engines for the euro market that would be really nice to see here in America (along with a model we should see too).

The most interesting of the new mills is an entry-level diesel that will be available for both the Audi Q5 SUV and the A4 Allroad Quattro crossover. It’s a 2.0-liter TDI with a nifty common rail high-pressure injection setup that cranks out 143 HP and a maximum of 236 lb-ft of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Pretty impressive grunt for such a small engine. There’s also a new base 2.0-liter gasoline fueled that puts out 180 HP and 236 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 3,900 rpm for the Q5 SUV. Both engines get a 6-speed manual gearbox.

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Ah-HA! Remember what I said about the new for 2010 VW’s Touareg Hybrid already sharing a platform with it’s corporate siblings, the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q Series, and that we could expect other hybrid SUVs?

Turns out that will be happening for Audi in 2010 as well.

Audi’s hybrid program was on again/off again but now it seems like it is definitely on, with a production launch coming as soon as late 2009 as a 2010 model. And curiously, the upcoming Q5 hybrid is expected to launch in the U.S. market before the rest of the world gets it. Makes sense, since the U.S. is the 2nd largest hybrid market in the world at the moment (Japan is first).

The new Q5 hybrid is needed to compete with the likes of the Lexus RX450h and the upcoming BMW X6 hybrid, according to Audi powertrain development boss Wolfgang Hatz.

Despite moving to hybrid production, Audi would prefer to go the diesel route, due to manufacturing costs. According to Wolfgang Hatz, it costs 50 percent more to develop a diesel powertrain versus a conventional petrol system. Hybrid powertrains costs 3-4 times as much to develop. So, if the demand for hybrids begins to significantly increase, the business case could change, but for now, Audi’s focus will remain on TDI.

Source: AutoBlogGreen

The new Audi Q5:
• The Audi Q5 builds on the foundation established by the Audi Q7, and strengthens Audi’s presence in the SUV segment.
• The Audi Q5 will be offered in the USA as a 3.2 V6 FSI direct injection with quattro® all wheel drive and a six speed Tiptronic transmission.
• The Audi Q5 will be the first Audi offering with Generation 3 MMI, and navigation with real-time traffic information.

Ingolstadt – The new Audi Q5 combines the dynamism of a sports sedan with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure-time and family use. Strong and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear have been brought together to create a superior technology package for both on- and off-road driving. The sportiest SUV in its class is dynamic, multifunctional and comfortable. Read the rest of this entry »