The winter-themed Audi Q3 Vail was unveiled this week at the 2012 NAIAS in Detroit. The Audi Q3 Vail is not yet a production vehicle. The Ingolstadt carmaker says the Q3 Vail is just a "potential variation on the SUV concept". Developed for customers who're into skiing and snowboarding, Audi Q3 Vail is named after the famous winter sports event, which takes place in the United States. Audi's Q3 Vail is powered by the 2.5-liter five-cylinder TFSI engine, which develops 231 kW (314 hp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to the seven-speed S tronic transmission. Powered by this engine, the Q3 can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 262 km/h (162.80 mph).
However, power and performance are not the focus point of the Q3 Vail, which has several bespoke features. It's covered in a specially developed Energy Red paint, which contains golden pearlescent particles. Some parts of the Vail Audi Q3 are painted in a matt gray quartz-based paint, while others are covered in high-gloss black or are made from aluminum.
The Audi Q3 Vail features a bespoke front grille, wider fenders, and aluminum roof rails with integrated LED lights for lighting the SUV's surroundings.
To perform better on the snow, Audi fitted the Q3 Vail with large 8.5 J x 20 alloys, which are covered in 255/45 off-road tires. The front and rear tracks of the Q3 Vail are 40 millimeters (1.57 inches) wider than the ones of the standard vehicle, while its ride height has been increased by 30 millimeters (1.18 inches). For a more dramatic look, the Audi Q3 Vail was fitted with a bespoke exhaust system with tailpipes integrated into the rear diffuser.
At the interior, the Audi Q3 Vail features leather and Alcantara upholstery, red velvet accents and various aluminum trim parts. One interesting feature of the Q3 Vail is its MMI system. It now displays an animation showing the longitudinal and latitudinal tilt angle of the Audi Q3 Vail. Being a winter sports oriented vehicle, the Vail Q3 also features various other parts meant to make life easier on the slopes. There's a charging station integrated into the sidewall of the boot, and a Thermos bottle located between front seats. Audi also equipped the Q3 Vail with a set of specially designed flashlights with infrared heating, which can be used for warming your hands or ski boots. The Q3 Vail also features a boot mat with integrated heated seat cushions.
Watch a video presentation of the Audi Q3 Vail lower down this page.
Audi Q3 Vail video:
