The Audi Q5 is a compact crossover to be released by German automaker Audi for the 2008 model year. It will be built using the new Audi MLP platform (Modular Longitudinal Platform) which debuted in the 2007/2008 Audi A5 luxury coupé. The Q5 will be the second Audi model in the "Q" range, after the full-size Q7, and will compete with the Acura RDX, [ulr=http://www.desktopcar.net/bmw/x3/]BMW X3[/url], Infiniti EX, Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class and Volvo XC60. The Q5 will slot belowed the Q3, which will be based on the Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Q5 will eventually be offered with multiple engine configuations including gasoline/petrol, TDI, and Hybrid gasoline/electric. Audi's new 7-speed S-Tronic branded Direct-Shift Gearbox transmission technology will also make its debut in the Q5.

The new vehicle will be built in Audi's home town of Ingolstadt. It will need an investment of about US$400 million in production tooling and expansion. The Q5 will also be produced in Changchun, China for the Chinese market. The first public introduction of the Audi Q5 was at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show on April 19, 2008, although a convertible concept car named Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro was shown at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. Powertrain options include a base 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, a 3.2L variable valve lift gasoline engine, a 2.0L and a 3.0L TDI diesel, as well as a hybrid petrol/electric version for future model years. The only powertrain available for the USA market as revealed at Beijing for the first model year will be a 3.2L 6 cylinder petrol engine mated to Audi's 6-speed Tiptronic Automatic transmission driving Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive.

Expected delivery dates to dealers are late Summer 2008 for Europe, and early 2009 in North America as a 2010 year model.

View also:

Audi TT

Audi A4

Audi Sportback

Audi S4

Audi Allroad Quattro

Audi R8

Audi A8

Audi A5

Audi A6

Audi Q7

Audi Motorsport

Audi 80

Audi A3

Audi A2

Audi Quattro

Audi RS2

Audi RS4

Audi RS6

Audi S2

Audi S3

Audi S6

Audi V8

Check out the Audi Q5 wallpapers and Audi Q5 Pictures (pics) collection below: