RS Q3 (Germany, 2013)

AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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first showed the concept for the RS Q3Audi RS Q3 ConceptGermany, 2012 > present14 photos
at Auto China Beijing in April 2012, but the 2013 Geneva Motor Show receives the presentation of the production version. While power is slightly lower than the concept version, it is still the first production Audi ‘Q’ vehicle to get the RS logo.

The production version produces 310hp and 310lb-ft of torque from Audi’s 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine with start/stop. The concept used the same engine, but it produced 360hp and 343lb-ft of torque. The engine was named the International Engine of the Year in its class in 2010. It is also used in the TT RSAudi TT RS CoupeGermany, 2009 > 20004 photos
.

Acceleration is brisk at 5.5 seconds to reach 100km/h and has an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph). Fuel consumption is pegged at 8.8l/100km (26.7mpg US) and 206g/km of CO2 emissions.

Power gets to the all four wheels via a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission, which is also equipped with launch control. It also comes standard with hill hold and an electronic parking brake.

“The RS Q3 transfers the performance philosophy of Audi to the compact SUV segment, thereby creating a new performance class,” said Franciscus van Meel, Managing Director of Quattro GmbH.

To engage drivers, there are multiple throttle modes  - auto, comfort and dynamic. Dynamic offers the sharpest throttle response and opens baffles in the exhaust to make the car sound more aggressive.

The RS Q3 rides on a sport suspension that lowers the body by 25mm (0.98in).

In terms of style, the RS Q3 has aluminum accents on the body, roof rails, door sill plates and door trim. There is also a gloss black honeycomb front grill, RS front bumper, roof spoiler and rear diffuser. It rides on 19in wheels with 20in wheels as an option.

There are also two optional trim packages that add either matt aluminum or black trim around the side air intakes, diffuser and roof spoiler fins. The car is also exclusively available in Sepang Blue pearl effect and seven other colors.

Inside, buyers get a rock gray trim throughout, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminum pedals, black headliner and Audi MMI infotainment system. The system has been modified to display boost pressure, oil temperature and a lap timer. The seats are covered in leather and black Alcantara or optionally in black or lunar silver Nappa leather. There will also be interior trim packages that adds expanded carbon fiber or aluminum trim.