Audi’s Q5 is a relatively nimble and fleet-footed compact SUV, as we discovered 12 months ago at its international launch (see here), but the Ingolstadt mob has crafted an altogether more extreme one-off version for the 2009 Worthersee Tour, Austria’s now legendary GTI meet for enthusiasts from all over Europe.
The Q5 custom concept’s radical makeover starts in the engine bay, with Audi’s skunkworks having slotted in the same supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 engine that until now has been reserved for the S4, S5 Cabriolet and A6.
Cranking out 300kW from 6000-7000rpm and 500Nm from 3000-5500 rpm, the blown V6 enables the lairy all-terrainer to leap from standstill to 100km/h in a BMW M3-bashing 4.4sec, while top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
As per the rest of the Q5 line-up, drive is relayed to all four wheels via a 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch sequential gearbox and Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
The dynamic makeover extends to ceramic brakes, an ‘active sound’ exhaust system and custom suspension that lowers ride height by 60mm. The track has also been widened by 90mm.
The Q5 custom concept isn’t exactly easy to miss, thanks to “Wörthersee 09” decals and splashes of orange paint on the front spoiler and on the 21-inch, seven-spoke wheels.
Other mods include a high-volume air intake, cooling water strut brace in the engine compartment, stainless steel-plated pedals, S line sport seats and a panorama roof.
Audi’s 3000sq m stand at the customising expo is designed to commemorate the brand’s 100th anniversary and, in addition to historic models from various decades, the Ingolstadt carmaker is also displaying the TT RS, the R8 5.2 FSI quattro (more here) and the A1 Sportback.
An “architectural” timeline will guide those visiting the stand through the history of Audi as a carmaker. This timeline ends at a stage in the form of a banked curve, upon which are perched the Q5 custom concept and its contemporaries.
Along the timeline itself are vehicles such as the Audi 50, the iconic Ur-quattro and the mould-breaking A2. Audi will show a total of 20 vehicles on its stand.
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