Photo: SB-Medien
Audi is going straight for the jugular with an RS version of its all-new Q3 crossover. This Nurburgring test prototype with dual exhaust pipes leaves zero room for doubt as to whether a 400 horsepower model is on its way.
To say that the RS3 is successful would be an understatement. Americans love their sedan version while Europeans have been enjoying the five-cylinder soundtrack for a while longer. However, the RS Q3 had a less fortunate debut.
This is the first confirmed sighting of the 2nd-generation RS Q3, though it comes only months after the RS Q8. With that flagship model in mind, we can see a similarity in the design of the two, with clear geometric shapes outlining the grille and air intakes.
While we have no information about the new RS model, there's no reason for Audi to use anything other than the 2.5 TFSI. The 5-cylinder unit has a distinctive sound which makes a world of difference in this highly-competitive performance vehicle market.
Up until this point, this has produced 367 HP while under the hood of the Q3, but a 400 HP version is its likely replacement. We should know more after the TT RS facelift hits the market. Normally, we'd suggest power bumpers, but emissions regulations have put a serious damper on a lot of VW cars, like the Golf R and Leon Cupra.
Even with 400 ponies, the RS Q3 will be one of the quickest SUVs in the world. The V8 monsters we all know and love have a significant weight penalty, plus the lower torque of the 2.5 TFSI allows Audi to use a twin-clutch gearbox instead of an auto with inferior launch characteristics.
Considering the RS Q3 has only now been seen for the first time, its debut should be at least another year away, plenty of time to figure out what the quattro engineers have cooking.
This is the first confirmed sighting of the 2nd-generation RS Q3, though it comes only months after the RS Q8. With that flagship model in mind, we can see a similarity in the design of the two, with clear geometric shapes outlining the grille and air intakes.
While we have no information about the new RS model, there's no reason for Audi to use anything other than the 2.5 TFSI. The 5-cylinder unit has a distinctive sound which makes a world of difference in this highly-competitive performance vehicle market.
Up until this point, this has produced 367 HP while under the hood of the Q3, but a 400 HP version is its likely replacement. We should know more after the TT RS facelift hits the market. Normally, we'd suggest power bumpers, but emissions regulations have put a serious damper on a lot of VW cars, like the Golf R and Leon Cupra.
Even with 400 ponies, the RS Q3 will be one of the quickest SUVs in the world. The V8 monsters we all know and love have a significant weight penalty, plus the lower torque of the 2.5 TFSI allows Audi to use a twin-clutch gearbox instead of an auto with inferior launch characteristics.
Considering the RS Q3 has only now been seen for the first time, its debut should be at least another year away, plenty of time to figure out what the quattro engineers have cooking.
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