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The Sights and Sounds of Audi's Q3 RS

Audi had a little surprised for the lucky journalists Zurich, Switzerland for the European press launch of the 2012 Q3. We’re not sure what to call it yet, but we’ll tell you it has four-wheel drive, a crossover body, plenty of chrome on the grille and... a 2.5-liter engine under the bonnet.

Yes, it’s probably the upcoming Audi Q3 RS, a sporty version of the crossover, with 300 horsepower on tap, four-wheel-drive quattro system and a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission. The car features a distinctive blue body finish, sportier looking bumpers and bigger alloys that look like they came off the S5. The great thing is we also get to hear the engine rev throughout the video we’ve posted below.

The world’s journalists are turning their attention to the sporty crossover right now, but we think it’s not going to be called an RS. First off, the turbocharged 2.5-liter straight-five under the bonnet is detuned from the 340 hp it usually makes in the RS3 Sportback and TT-RS. So, it’s actually the Q3 S?

Secondly, speaking at the launch of the Audi Q3 crossover in Switzerland, Quattro GmbH boss Stephan Reil told Inside Line that the RS badge will not be used on crossovers and SUV, due to their un-sporty high center of gravity. This also means there will not be an even more powerful version, or a Q5 RS for that matter.

At the event, the Quattro boss also said a final decision on whether a spiritual successor to the original Quattro legend will enter production will be made before the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. We believe a new concept car is ready, and limited production will start in two or three years.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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