Sources close to German car manufacturer Audi have recently revealed that the second generation Audi Q5 is to receive an RS model. The new Audi RS Q5 is said to produce more than 450 hp, powered by a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine.
The RS Q5’s first introduction is planned for the second half of 2017 and is being developed by Audi’s Quattro division in Neckarsulm, Germany. At the Neckarsulm plant it will join production of the fourth generation Audi RS4 and second generation Audi RS5, with which the sporty SUV shares the engine, AWD system and the S-tronic dual clutch gearbox.
The development of the Audi RS Q5 follows research pointing out there is a rising demand for performance SUV’s in all of Audi’s key markets, Chairman Rupert Stadler said. To match the competition, it’s the 4.2-liter V8 that needs to clear the field for the new and better performing 3.0-liter six-cylinder. Final assembly of the Audi RS Q5 will take place at Audi’s new $1.3 billion plant in San Jose Chiapa, Mexico.
