Photo: SB-Medien
The updated version of the RS Q3 compact sports SUV has just been photographed for the first time by our spies in Germany, who also sent us new photos of the vanilla Q3 facelift. We believe both models will go on sale in the early part of 2015, offering an all-new front end design, the latest MMI and better engines.
Starting with the RS Q3 prototype, this appears to have Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime running light accents, which will be standard. Squared-off gaping intakes and refreshed black mesh set it apart from the first RS models, which hit the scene in 2013. Our prototype still has the single exhaust pipe at the back, which many fans believe is unworthy of the RS badge. However, a new 19-inch wheel design should lift their sprits come reveal time.
The RS Q3 will continue to use a 2.5-liter turbo engine with five cylinders. But, Audi is expected to add power and lower fuel consumption using the technology developed for the MQB platform and the upcoming RS3. Output should jump from the current 310 PS to 340 PS, still short of the GLA 45 AMG, but still enough for 0 to 100 km/h somewhere between 5 and 5.2 seconds.
New headlights and taillights are visible for the very first time in our spy photos and they appear to have a similar design to the S1 supermini hot hatch. The front units are connected to the hexagonal grille, which in turn flows into the side air vents.
The engine range for the normal Q3 will include the latest EA288 diesel and EA888 petrol units, mostly 2-liter ones, with the exception of the 1.4 TFSI offered on base models. These will include at least two versions of the 2.0 TDI, with either 150 or 185 PS, and two 2.0 TFSI units delivering 180 PS and 220 PS.
With the Paris Motor Show just around the corner, we could be seeing this camouflage come off in the next few months. Audi has remained hush-hush about the Q3 facelift, so it's possible that development might take until the early part of 2015. Either way, America is just now getting its first taste of the Q3 as a 2015 model year and it will be interesting to see if or when they decide to bring the RS Q3.
The RS Q3 will continue to use a 2.5-liter turbo engine with five cylinders. But, Audi is expected to add power and lower fuel consumption using the technology developed for the MQB platform and the upcoming RS3. Output should jump from the current 310 PS to 340 PS, still short of the GLA 45 AMG, but still enough for 0 to 100 km/h somewhere between 5 and 5.2 seconds.
New headlights and taillights are visible for the very first time in our spy photos and they appear to have a similar design to the S1 supermini hot hatch. The front units are connected to the hexagonal grille, which in turn flows into the side air vents.
The engine range for the normal Q3 will include the latest EA288 diesel and EA888 petrol units, mostly 2-liter ones, with the exception of the 1.4 TFSI offered on base models. These will include at least two versions of the 2.0 TDI, with either 150 or 185 PS, and two 2.0 TFSI units delivering 180 PS and 220 PS.
With the Paris Motor Show just around the corner, we could be seeing this camouflage come off in the next few months. Audi has remained hush-hush about the Q3 facelift, so it's possible that development might take until the early part of 2015. Either way, America is just now getting its first taste of the Q3 as a 2015 model year and it will be interesting to see if or when they decide to bring the RS Q3.
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