Photo: SB-Medien
We called the Q3 Sportback pointless, all the time knowing that the RS Q3 Sportback was going to be extremely desirable. It's not good value, but if you're into crossovers that go fast, this is the one you should save up for.
The Corvette and Toyota Supra dominate automotive streams right now. They are big, powerful traditional sports cars, one with mid-mounted V8 and the other a BMW 3-liter. The RS Q3 Sportback should cost more, at least when base models are targetted, and there's no getting around how weird that is. But we'd be lying if we said something like this wouldn't make us happy.
Sportback or not, the RS Q3 is going to be powered by a unique engine - five cylinders in a row with an odd firing order and a sound that puts some Porsches to shame. The 2.5 TFSI already makes 400 horsepower when under the hood of the RS3 sedan/hatch, so you'll forgive us for expecting a little more. German media says 420 HP happening, and they've been right about a lot of things this year.
Design-wise, it's a definite improvement over the old RS Q3. You've got a grille that's bigger than on the Q5, added side air intakes, massive wheels, and angry body kit. Somehow, the Audi looks more aggressive without the extra aero you get from an A45 S or its other sister cars. This latest set of spyshots lets us gaze at the red brake calipers and a potential Audi Sport optional exhaust system (black tips give it away).
Just because it's coming out this year doesn't mean it will be available in America straight away. In fact, the normal Q3 Sportback isn't there yet. Over in Europe, the model with the slanted roof will set you back about €50,000 for the 230 horsepower 2-liter turbo and an S line body kit.
As we said, it's no value king, but if Chevy wanted to make the big crossover money, they should have jacked up the Corvette. So what would your $60,000+ go towards, this or the mid-engined V8 beast?
Sportback or not, the RS Q3 is going to be powered by a unique engine - five cylinders in a row with an odd firing order and a sound that puts some Porsches to shame. The 2.5 TFSI already makes 400 horsepower when under the hood of the RS3 sedan/hatch, so you'll forgive us for expecting a little more. German media says 420 HP happening, and they've been right about a lot of things this year.
Design-wise, it's a definite improvement over the old RS Q3. You've got a grille that's bigger than on the Q5, added side air intakes, massive wheels, and angry body kit. Somehow, the Audi looks more aggressive without the extra aero you get from an A45 S or its other sister cars. This latest set of spyshots lets us gaze at the red brake calipers and a potential Audi Sport optional exhaust system (black tips give it away).
Just because it's coming out this year doesn't mean it will be available in America straight away. In fact, the normal Q3 Sportback isn't there yet. Over in Europe, the model with the slanted roof will set you back about €50,000 for the 230 horsepower 2-liter turbo and an S line body kit.
As we said, it's no value king, but if Chevy wanted to make the big crossover money, they should have jacked up the Corvette. So what would your $60,000+ go towards, this or the mid-engined V8 beast?
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