Turbo-five mini-ute.
Audi is hopping on the bandwagon of unveiling new cars in the Chinese market with the new RS Q3 Concept at Auto China 2012 in Beijing. The new high-powered crossover proudly wears Audi’s RS badge and sports a host of upgrades to make it more of a hot hatch than an SUV.
The Audi RS Q3 is powered by the turbocharged 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine that has been used in a number of concept models and performance variants. The engine is able to provide a healthy 360 horsepower output while achieving better fuel economy and emissions than V-8s with similar power figures. The turbo-five is mated to a quick-shifting seven-speed S-Tronic transmission that can send power to all four wheels. The front two wheels normally receive the power, but if slippage is detected power is sent instantly to the rear wheels to achieve maximum grip. The combination of the powerful engine and quick transmission help the RS Q3 scoot to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 164.66 mph.
The sporty crossover, hot hatch, performance SUV, or whatever automotive niche the Audi RS Q3 Concept falls into, is built for speed. The German automaker engineered the chassis to be more precise and lowered the entire car by 25 mm (0.98 in.) for a better center of gravity. A new set of alloy wheels in an 8.5J x 20 fitment sit at all four corners and feature high-gloss faces and sandblasted contours. A set of four 255/30 tires help to achieve superb contact with the road.
The new RS Q3 Concept wears a coat of new Ordos Blue paint that combines a smooth matte blue finish with a hint of yellow. Much of the body was redesigned with sport in mind, with downforce-inducing components and sexy carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). The brushed aluminum trim on the black grille is flanked by two generous air intakes along with tinted headlights with dark chrome and CFRP trims.
New CFRP components such as the side mirrors adorn each side of the Audi RS Q3 Concept, and are complemented by matte aluminum window trims and tinted body trim strips and door sills. The rear sports a new roof spoiler and new diffuser insert with dual oval tailpipes. Just like the headlights, the rear taillights get the tinted look with the use of clear glass and anthracite coloring.
The interior may not be the minimalistic racing environment of a true performance car, but it offers a smooth blend of sport and luxury refinement. Each RS sport seat wears silky black nappa leather and dark blue alcantara side accents. The roof liner, carpet, mats, and instrument panel all wear the same black nappa leather. Facing the driver is a steering wheel with grippy black velvet leather, and a new instrument panel with Chinese characters instead of traditional numbers on the tachometer. New CFRP panels are used throughout the interior of the Audi RS Q3 Concept and are made by weaving blue glass fibers into the lightweight material.
The Audi RS Q3 Concept will make its debut at Auto China 2012 in Beijing. There are currently no plans to produce the concept model, but we could see a few of the sporty upgrades make their way into the Audi Q3 or Q5 models.
Audi RS Q3 Concept Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 2.5 liters
Number of Cylinders: Inline-five
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 360 (265 kW)
Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed S tronic
Drive: All-wheel with electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 5.2 seconds
Top Speed: 164.66 mph (265 km/h)
Wheels, Tires, and Suspension:
Wheels: 8.5J x 20 with high-gloss face and sandblasted contours
Tires: 255/30
Suspension: Sport-tuned; 25 mm (0.98 in.) lower
Audi RS Q3 Concept Gallery
[Source: Audi]
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