New Audi SQ5 crams 354 horsepower into a compact SUV

Audi beefs up its new compact Q5 SUV with a high-performance variant: the 2018 SQ5.

The new model debuted this week at the 2017 Detroit auto show with 354 horsepower in tow.

Zero to 60 mph happens in just 5.1 seconds.

The extra grunt comes by way of a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine building 369 pound-feet of torque.

That engine is mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

The SQ5 sees upgrades that boost its handling and stopping as well.

A new sport adaptive air suspension is 30mm lower than the Q5's air suspension in its resting state.

The ride height and stiffness are adjustable via the four-mode Audi drive select system.

The SUV also boasts some cred in the dirt with elevated and more elevated all-road and off-road ride height settings.

Technologically speaking, the SQ5 inherits its driver aid and cabin technology from the new Q5.

The hotter 2018 Audi SQ5 hits the road in spring 2017.