The day has come for Audi to reveal the high-performance version of their small SUV - the RS Q3. So far, the Audi RS Q3 is still a concept, which is going to be premiered at the 2012 Beijing auto show. However, the car is not far from the production form, so expect the Q3 RS to go on sale sometime towards the end of this year. To power the RS Q3, Audi chose the 2.5 TFSI engine, which is good for 265 kW (360 hp) and 332 lb-ft of torque. This is the same 2,480 cc engine as the one powering the TT RS. The Audi RS Q3 is heavier than the TT RS, which means it has less impressive performance figures. Audi rates the RS Q3 with a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 164.66 mph (265 km/h).
As expected, the Audi Q3 RS is equipped with the quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system. During normal use, all the power of the engine is sent to the front wheels. In case the car detects a slip, the power is redistributed to the RS Q3's rear wheels via a hydraulic multi-plate clutch with electronic control.
The Audi Q3 RS comes with various distinctive design features, including a 0.98-inch (25-mm) lowered ride height. The RS is also wider than the regular Q3, which gives it better stability during cornering.
In comparison to the regular Q3, the RS features a carbon fiber front bumper, with huge air vents, and a unique front grille. The red RS Q3 badge is also present. The rear of the Audi RS Q3 shows a new apron, with an integrated diffuser and a roof spoiler. The trademark oval dual tail pipes, which tell the "RS" story, could not be left out.
The Audi RS Q3 Concept also has a few design features, which might not get transferred top the production vehicle, These include the "quattro" lettering you see on the lower part of the front spoiler, the carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and the carbon side mirror casings.
The most striking interior feature of the Audi RS Q3 includes the front sport seats, which are covered in Fine Nappa leather with Alcantara accents. There's an extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the cabin. Some parts have various blue luminescent glass fibers integrated into them for a special visual effect.
We'll have more details about the Audi RS Q3 Concept as spoon as they're available.
