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Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Audi, Rumormill Audi Q5 Custom Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery Once upon a time the in-house performance studios of Germany's finest automakers wouldn't have anything to do with crossovers and SUVs. But several Mercedes-Benz G55 AMGs and BMW X6 Ms later, Audi's quattro GmbH is reportedly looking to join the fold with a pair of super-tuned Q5s. The reports claim that Audi is preparing an SQ5 and an RSQ5, both backed by versions of the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 found in the latest S4 sedan, offering 333 horsepower in the SQ5 and as much as 408 in the RSQ5. Along with the engine upgrades, we could expect commensurate chassis, brakes and appearance enhancements as well. For better or worse, these appear to be simple rumors at the time, but we'll be keeping our eyes open for more info, so stay tuned. Gallery: Audi Q5 Custom Concept [Source: L'Automobile Magazine]Rumormill: Audi working on high-performance Q5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Etc.We couldn't blame you for thinking that all of the 'Of the Year" awards were finished for the 2010, but there's still at least a few key bits of shiny hardware that have yet to be handed out - the World Car of the Year and World Performance Car of the Year. And while we're not yet sure who will take home the big prizes, we do have a short(er)list of nominees for both accolades. The field has been whittled down by 59 jurors to 10 possible winners in each category, and the top three finalists will be announced next month at the Geneva Motor Show ahead of the actual award ceremony at April's New York Auto Show. The nominees are... 2010 World Car of the Year Audi Q5 BMW X1 Chevrolet Cruze Kia Soul Mazda3 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Opel/Vauxhall Insignia / Buick Regal Porsche Panamera Toyota Prius Volkswagen Polo Given the company it's in, we're not altogether sure why the Panamera isn't in the World Performance Car running instead, but we digress. Speaking of which... 2010 World Performance Car of the Year Aston Martin V12 Vantage Audi R8 V10 Audi TT RS Coupé / Roadster BMW Z4 Ferrari California Jaguar XFR Lotus Evora Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Nissan 370Z Porsche 911 GT3 Porsche Boxster / Cayman Lest we forget, there's also the 2010 World Green Car of the Year award to be handed out, and you can check out that verdant bunch of shortlisters over at Autobloggreen.For 2009, the Volkswagen Golf and Nissan GT-R brought home the bacon in their respective categories. Which cars would make the best picks for both awards? Have your say in Comments.[Source: World Car of the Year]2010 World Car of the Year finalists announced... is your favorite represented? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments