Audi Q3 Vail Concept is Basically Production Ready Q3

Alongside the new S4, Audi's big reveal during the North American International Auto Show was the Q3 Vail Concept, which even Audi's executives admitted is almost precisely what the car will look like when it goes on sale in the US in late 2013. 

The Q3 Vail Concept is a compact SUV that looks like a smaller Q5 or Q7. Audi is aiming the vehicle at young professionals who want a smaller but still capable SUV. Audi painted the concept Energy Red, which it says has gold, pearlescent flecks to catch the light. However, the effect is hard to see in pictures. It also has the most modern version of Audi's waterfall grill that is now made up of vertical, aluminum struts. The wheel arches has a slight flair to accent to the Q3's off-road demeanor, and the entire body is outlined in quartz trim to protect the body panels. 

Audi went with a mixture of materials on the inside. The seat surfaces are cloth, while the bolsters are leather, and all of it is trimmed in red piping. Along the gearshift and door panels are diamond-printed, stainless steel trim pieces. The instrument backgrounds are made from pieces of aluminum. 

The Q3 Vail Concept uses a turbocharged five-cylinder engine rated at 314hp and 295lb-ft of torque. IT can get to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds. Audi did not say if the production version will use this powerplant, but it could come in a higher spec version of the Q3. 

It is hard to say how many of these expensive items will make it to the production car. While the shape will stay the same, expect some cheapening of the materials on the inside at least for more basic versions. 

The Q3 will be avialable in the US in the late part of 2013.