Auto Channel

Audi Q5 dominated the headlines over a month ago when several so-called ‘first images’ of the five-seater SUV found their way through various websites online. It was initially reported to make its world debut at Geneva, but this speculation was quashed when Audi announced its Q7 V12 TDI sometime later instead. After a month of silence, rumours over the debut of the Q5 are now surfacing again.

Autoweek reports that the Q5 will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show next month, packed with Audi's new seven-speed DSG/S-Tronic. It will be based on Audi’s MLP platform (which apparently will also underpin Porsche’s upcoming five-seater SUV), with a longitudinally placed engine. The new gearbox can handle up to 405 lb-ft of torque and 8,500 rpm of engine revs; and will initially appear in future Quattro models as well as in the new A4, and subsequently in all front-wheel-drive models.