2018 Audi SQ5 Updated With New Goodies And 350-HP Twin-Turbo V6

Unfortunately, the US still doesn't get the incredible diesel model.

Audi's US lineup is quite different from its European offerings. The US doesn't receive as many RS models, so S models like the SQ5 are sometimes the best we have to aspire to. The SQ5 is a perfect example, and Audi has just given this insanely fast family-mobile a nice update. The 2018 SQ5 ditches the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 for a twin turbocharged unit. Output is now 354 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque through a broad 1,370 to 4,500 rpm range. The only transmission on offer will be an eight-speed automatic that sends power to all four wheels.

The SQ5 will rocket a medium-sized family to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. Not only is this SUV quick in a straight line, it should be fast around the bends thanks to active torque distribution through a sport differential. For the 2018 model, the SQ5 will also have new suspension with an optional sport adaptive air suspension which can raise the ride height by 30 mm compared to the standard suspension. The SQ5 has four drive modes, comfort, auto, dynamic and individual and models equipped with air suspension will also have a special off-road lift mode. These modes affect the car's variable steering system which makes slow-speed maneuvering easier while retaining a sporty feel.

The inside of the SQ5 is differentiated like most Audi S models with a flat-bottom steering wheel, stainless steel or carbon fiber inlays, S badging, and sport seats with diamond stitching. Technology is improved for 2018 with MMI touch and available virtual cockpit technology, which replaces traditional gauges with a screen. There's also an available full-color HUD and Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility. The SQ5 is the closest thing that we will get to an S4 Avant in the US, but we still wish that Audi would give us the diesel SQ5 that's available in Europe. In the US, the SQ5 is the only sporty Audi SUV that is currently offered, so for now it is the coolest family-cruiser in the range.

The New Audi S8 Will Receive The Porsche Panamera's Twin-Turbo V8

Nothing like keeping things in the VW family.

Only days ago did Audi reveal its all-new A8 large luxury sedan, but we didn’t hear anything about the upcoming S8 performance-oriented version. Fortunately, Evo has learned that Audi has asked fellow VW Group family member Porsche for some assistance in the form of its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, the same engine powering the new Panamera Turbo. Wicked. Under the Panamera Turbo’s hood, this engine produces 542 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, allowing the big Porsche to go from 0-62 mph in only 3.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 190 mph.

Evo claims Audi will slightly detuned the engine to around 530 ponies, with its own 0-62 time of, give or take, 4.0 seconds. Top speed is said to also be slightly down, say around 185 mph. And that’s all just for the S8; there’s also the S8 Plus. Once again, this same engine will be called upon, only Audi will add a plug-in hybrid powertrain, also present in the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. The S8 (E-Hybrid?) will, once again, have slightly less output than its distant Panamera cousin, but it certainly won’t be any slouch. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid’s setup delivers 550 hp along with another 136 hp courtesy of its electric motor, and a combined 627 lb-ft of twist.

Zero to 62 happens in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph. Audi won’t officially announce the new S8 and S8 Plus until sometime in early 2018, just after the A8 arrives in dealerships. One awesome thing at a time, as is typically the case.

Audi Set To Reveal R8 With Porsche-Derived Twin-Turbo V6

Don't worry, Audi will still keep the lovely V10 model.

Ever since Audi released the all-new, second generation R8 in 2015, we've been wondering if there would be a base engine below the 5.2-liter V10. The original R8 was available with a 4.2-liter V8, but thanks to downsizing we knew that this engine would probably be excluded from the new car. A V6 version of the R8 has been rumored for a long time now, and Autocar has just spotted a test car which could be the new base R8. The R8 will borrow the 2.9-liter V6 that is shared with a few other cars from Audi and Porsche.

The twin-turbo V6 is the same engine found in the Porsche Panamera, Audi RS5 and RS4. This engine is also rumored for an upcoming RS Q5. The motor was codeveloped between Audi and Porsche and is known as the 'KoVoMo' engine. For Audi, this engine directly replaces the old 4.2-liter V8. The old RS4 and RS5 both used the old V8, and now use this new twin-turbo V6. In the RS4 and RS5, the V6 develops 450 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. This is the same amount of horsepower as the old V8, but the engine develops 125 more lb-ft of torque. In the new Panamera, this engine is tuned more for comfort and develops 434 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque.

Audi will tweak the engine to develop more than 500 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque for the R8. The exact power figures have not been decided on as of yet, but Audi can confirm that more than one power output will be available. We expect the V6 R8 to be a great car, but it won't make the same amazing wail as the V10 engine. At least the V6 versions of the car will be a bit more affordable. The current base R8 starts at $162,900. This new V6 versions should be revealed some time this year, with an expected launch in 2018.

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The New Audi S8 Will Receive The Porsche Panamera's Twin-Turbo V8

Nothing like keeping things in the VW family.

Only days ago did Audi reveal its all-new A8 large luxury sedan, but we didn’t hear anything about the upcoming S8 performance-oriented version. Fortunately, Evo has learned that Audi has asked fellow VW Group family member Porsche for some assistance in the form of its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, the same engine powering the new Panamera Turbo. Wicked. Under the Panamera Turbo’s hood, this engine produces 542 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, allowing the big Porsche to go from 0-62 mph in only 3.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 190 mph.

Evo claims Audi will slightly detuned the engine to around 530 ponies, with its own 0-62 time of, give or take, 4.0 seconds. Top speed is said to also be slightly down, say around 185 mph. And that’s all just for the S8; there’s also the S8 Plus. Once again, this same engine will be called upon, only Audi will add a plug-in hybrid powertrain, also present in the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. The S8 (E-Hybrid?) will, once again, have slightly less output than its distant Panamera cousin, but it certainly won’t be any slouch. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid’s setup delivers 550 hp along with another 136 hp courtesy of its electric motor, and a combined 627 lb-ft of twist.

Zero to 62 happens in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph. Audi won’t officially announce the new S8 and S8 Plus until sometime in early 2018, just after the A8 arrives in dealerships. One awesome thing at a time, as is typically the case.