Audi has released official renderings of its Q3 RS concept ahead of this year’s Beijing Motor Show. Basically, the Ingolstadt firm has shoehorned the engine from the TT RS into its smallest SUV offering.
According to Audi’s initial press release, the 2,5-litre, five-cylinder TFSI engine earmarked for this concept develops 265 kW through a combination of direct fuel injection and turbocharging. Coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, this unit propels the Q3 RS from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5,2 seconds and on to a top speed of 265 km/h. Drive is channelled to all corners via a version of the company’s quattro all-wheel drive system that shows a front-wheel drive bias in most conditions but can apportion drive between the front and rear axles when things get demanding.
Stylistic touches include a black honeycomb grille with brushed chrome surround, a more aggressive front valance with enlarged air dams, tinted headlamps, a rear diffuser with ports for two large oval exhaust tips, 20-inch alloy wheels, a smattering of RS badges and a ride height that’s been dropped by 25 mm.
Blue Alcantara seat and door trim inserts, as well as chromed instrument dials, lift what is otherwise a dark cabin kitted out with sports seats finished in Nappa leather, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a full MMI infotainment setup.
Although the Q3 RS concept doesn’t look too far-removed from production, Audi has yet to confirm its intention to market such a model.
