A German car maker, Audi is for the first time going to cram its well-known ‘ultra-high-performance’ RS badge to its compact SUV range with a New Audi RS Q3 concept. With this RS Q3 concept, Audi is suggesting a high-performance flagship iteration of its premium, small, entry-level Q3 soft-roader. The concept illustrates the character of the compact SUV in an extremely unique – systematically dynamic – way. A New Audi RS Q3 concept themed vehicle is planned to be presented at the Auto China 2012 Motor Show in Beijing and it will be definitely one of the bombshell stars of the 2012. According to Audi, at this stage the New Audi RS Q3 is just a concept intended to explore the potential of the Q3 model line-up; but it is highly anticipated that the German manufacturer will confirm the invention of this exclusive compact SUV in the very near future.
New Audi RS Q3 is a high-performance edition of its Q3 compact crossover packed with 2 classic Audi technologies – turbocharging and gasoline direct injection. Ingolstadt-based automaker used its extremely powerful 2.5-liter straight-five turbocharged gasoline engine in the new RS Q3 concept same as the previous prototypes, but this time it has been tweaked to deliver 265 kW (360 hp) of power from 2,480 cc of engine displacement. This figure will allow the compact SUV to run up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) benchmark in only 5.2 seconds after take-off, and its propulsive force gets it to a peak speed of 265 km/h (164.66 mph).
The RS Q3 is packed with a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission that conveys the forces of the resonant 2.5 TFSI to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. It is distinct from other RS models by means of the AWD system as it directs the forces almost exclusively to the front wheels. And it redistributes the forces to the rear axle using a hydraulic multi-plate clutch with electronic control, only when slip is detected.
There are many changes in Audi Q3 RS version, not only the engines are mounted with RS, but also featured with a stylish and very classy exterior. The bumper has been revamped with a wide aperture and now it has powerful edges around the outer air intakes. They are subdivided into 2 fragments – the outer sections have a smooth funnel shape and made up with CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced polymer), while the inner sections include the honeycomb screen inserts. The front spoiler is composed with CFRP while the lower section of the bumper is matt black, and the whole lower section is layered with blue clearcoat paint.
The Audi RS Q3 concept features a single-frame radiator grille framed with brushed and polished aluminum trim. A new geometry has been shown by its black grille insert and the honeycombs are somewhat offset to each other deeper inside, which produces a distinct three-dimensional effect. A silver quattro signature is one more sculpted feature that is integrated in the lower grille. As far as the headlights are concerned, they are somewhat tinted and some chrome parts inside them are dark or covered by panels of CFRP.
The sides of the Audi RS Q3 concept attribute the combination of blue and black tinted areas – on the add-on parts of the wheel housings and on the trim strips of the sills and doors. The mirror housings of door are composed of black CFRP and the side windows are framed with matt aluminum trim. The roof spoiler has been painted with the body color Ordos Blue, a matt blue along with a slight yellow tint.
The lower bumper section at the rear side has an angular and sporty style. The diffuser insert that is combined with 2 huge elliptical tailpipes in typical RS look, has been budged far upward. Here also, Audi designers opted for a combination of black CFRP and blue clearcoat. The rear lights and auxiliary lights in the bumper are composed with clear glass and are tinted in anthracite.
When it comes to the interior, the Audi RS Q3 concept sports cool black as a dominant color – on the floor mats, floor carpet, leather-upholstered instrument panel, roofliner and on huge areas of the seat upholstery that is composed of Fine Nappa leather. The seat covers also use a dark blue Alcantara as a contrasting color element. The interior gets lots of light by means of a glass sunroof.
The CFRP decorative panels have been made inventive by insertion of contrasting blue color – the panel material has been made by intertwining brilliant blue luminescent glass fibers into it. The steering wheel contains hefty control stalks composed of CFRP that are covered by aluminum accents. The largest part of the wheel is wrapped with black Velvet leather, which repels the dirt very well and gives a secure grip to the hands. The surfaces in the door trim panels are in blue Alcantara.
Like every RS model, the inside door handle boast a perforated lightweight edifice look. The usual Arabic numerals have been replaced by Chinese characters in the tachometer. RS Q3 badges beautify the seatbacks, the instrument cluster, floor mats and door sill plates.
The styling of engine segment is very sporty in appearance, too. The five-cylinder engine contains a red valve cover and the area around the engine is covered with a layered-carbon trim panel. Two ventilation screens are arranged laterally to supply air to the engine. The open sports air filter has been hold by aluminum housing and the filtered air tube is composed of stainless steel.
The Audi RS Q3 concept keeps on the dynamic RS Q styling in its alloy wheels, which sport the dimensions 8.5 J x 20. The sides are sandblasted, while the front surfaces are high-gloss. The sports suspension is lowered about 0.98 inches (25 mm) and new 20-inch alloy wheels wear 255/30 rubber.
At the end, RS Q3 is just a concept at the moment, and Audi has not declared production possibilities yet.
Photos of New Audi RS Q3:
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