Audi Answers Questions about its 2009 Q5 SUV

Audi didn't hide much about its new 2009 Q5 during its unveiling at the 2008 Beijing show, but the automaker has now revealed a few additional details about the North American-spec SUV that we previously didn't know.

Although global markets will receive Q5s in gas- and diesel-powered forms, the U.S. is slated only to receive a gas motor. Q5s destined for America will use a direct-injection 3.2-liter V-6, good for 270 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. The V-6's power will be channeled through a six-speed Tiptronic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Audi claims it currently has no plans to add the diesel motors or the S tronic gearbox from the European Q5 range, but says both "will be considered" for future offerings. Not in the cards, however, is a front-drive Q5; like the Q7, it too will use only Quattro.

Also not in the cards is an S or RS sport version. Although the Q5 shares some of its modular construction with the A4 sedan and A5 coupe, none of the performance bits from the S4 and S5 will transition to the SUV.

Like the A4 and A5, the Q5 will be built in Audi's plant in Ingolstadt, Germany. Production is scheduled to begin this fall, but U.S. deliveries won't begin until March or April of 2009. Audi won't talk about projected sales volumes, but it expects 28 percent of Q5s to find homes in North America.