2009 Audi Q5 tuned by Abt Sportsline

Let's face it: unlike most recent Audi's, the 2009 Audi Q5 compact SUV is so dull and uninspiring you can crack your jaw yawning. So, it's no wonder that some respected tuners are eager to introduce a body kit or two to give the crossover more interesting look. The German Abt Sportsline tuning house does the fit with mixed results.



The 2009 Audi Q5 tuning program comes in three parts, consisting of engine upgrades for all the three available engines, a body kit, and minor updates to the SUV's suspension and brakes.

With the help of the Abt Power tuning module, the vehicle's base 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine gets its power upgraded by 20hp to 190hp; the Abt Power S kit increases 3.0-liter TDI engine's power output by 70hp to 310hp; and the 2.0-liter TFSI engine gets its total power output raised from 211hp to more impressive 240hp.

In its press release, Abt doesn't say a word about any increase in acceleration or a top speed, but I guess it must be marginal.

The body kit consists of a Chinese-looking front fascia with huge air intakes and an el cheapo corporate grille. Non-painted wheel arches cover 20-inch wheels.

The suspension kit lowers the Q5's ground clearance making it more stable and more fuel efficient in the highway cycle, and the new sports brake system features Abt's 380mm brake disks. Yawn. Sorry.

See also: 2009 Audi Q5: a new photo set