Photo: SB-Medien
If you like big power in small German compacts with hatchbacks, you've probably already heard about the RS Q3. It's the first Audi SUV to receive the RS badge, launched last year, during March's Geneva Motor Show.
With a large oval exhaust, aggressive body kit and beefy alloy wheel wrapped in low profile tires, it's pretty cool to look at. And yet because Mercedes-Benz has just launched their GLA 45 AMG with a 360 PS engine, Audi now needs to make changes to the RS Q3 that aren't just minor touchups.
These are the very first photos of the RS Q3 facelift, which we expect will come out in early-to-mid 2015. There are visible cosmetic changes that we need to talk about, but first let's focus on the engine. Currently, the one under the bonnet is a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder TFSI turbo making 310 PS, 30 less than an old TT RS or RS3. It's not only underpowered compared to the AMG, but also struggles to comply with the new Euro 6 standard scheduled for September 2015.
That's why the RS Q3 facelift has to be powered by the new 2.5-liter turbo they're developing for the RS3. In that car, reports suggest 367 PS is the Merc-killing magic number, but the Q will probably "settle" for 340 PS. Torque should also be increased from the current 420 Nm to about 450. Thanks to improved thermal management and the latest technology developed for the EA888 family, fuel consumption should be down about 10%.
With this modded engine and quattro all-wheel drive, the baby Audi will be able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. It's not mind-blowingly fast, but it's enough to overtake at absurd speeds on the highway, just as long as you stay under the 250 km/h (155 mph) speed limiter.
Sweeping cosmetic changes are also visible from underneath the camouflage and they include a new grille design and refreshed taillights and headlights.The short strip of white light has to be an LED daytime running light system. A new grille will be installed, larger than before and connected to the headlights, like we've talked during our Q3 facelift story.
These are the very first photos of the RS Q3 facelift, which we expect will come out in early-to-mid 2015. There are visible cosmetic changes that we need to talk about, but first let's focus on the engine. Currently, the one under the bonnet is a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder TFSI turbo making 310 PS, 30 less than an old TT RS or RS3. It's not only underpowered compared to the AMG, but also struggles to comply with the new Euro 6 standard scheduled for September 2015.
That's why the RS Q3 facelift has to be powered by the new 2.5-liter turbo they're developing for the RS3. In that car, reports suggest 367 PS is the Merc-killing magic number, but the Q will probably "settle" for 340 PS. Torque should also be increased from the current 420 Nm to about 450. Thanks to improved thermal management and the latest technology developed for the EA888 family, fuel consumption should be down about 10%.
With this modded engine and quattro all-wheel drive, the baby Audi will be able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. It's not mind-blowingly fast, but it's enough to overtake at absurd speeds on the highway, just as long as you stay under the 250 km/h (155 mph) speed limiter.
Sweeping cosmetic changes are also visible from underneath the camouflage and they include a new grille design and refreshed taillights and headlights.The short strip of white light has to be an LED daytime running light system. A new grille will be installed, larger than before and connected to the headlights, like we've talked during our Q3 facelift story.
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