Audi will present the first RS model in the successful Q series at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The new Audi RS Q3 combines excellent practicality for everyday use with dynamic driving performance.
Under the hood of the RS Q3 model, a high-performance 2.5 TFSI gasoline engine, turbocharged and equipped with direct injection, provides 310 horsepower in the range of 5200 – 6700 rpm. The maximum torque of 420 Nm is available between 1500 and 5200 min-1. The Audi RS Q3 accelerates to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, which is the fastest in its segment. The car's top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The five-cylinder Audi in the RS Q3 model cooperates for the first time with the Start-Stop system, which is part of the standard equipment. Other efficiency-enhancing measures such as an electronically controlled oil pump that operates depending on current needs also contribute to the low average petrol consumption of 8.8 liters per 100 km , which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 206 g/km.
The driving force is transmitted by a seven-speed S tronic transmission . Drivers can let the dual-clutch transmission work automatically in D or S mode, or they can shift manually using the paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever in the unique RS design. Launch Control makes efficient use of available traction to ensure maximum acceleration from rest. The driver can influence the control of the flap in the exhaust system and the characteristics of the accelerator pedal by selecting one of the Auto, Comfort and Dynamic modes via the standard Audi Drive Select system. In Dynamic mode, the engine response is sharper and the engine sound more intense.
The heart of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive is a hydraulically operated and electronically controlled multi-plate inter-axle clutch located in front of the rear differential. Its task is to ensure the appropriate distribution of torque between the front and rear axles. The Audi RS Q3 leaves a great impression with its dynamic and stable driving characteristics without compromising on comfort. The RS sports chassis lowers the body of the high-performance compact SUV by 25 mm. The battery is located in the luggage compartment to achieve a more favorable weight distribution. The rear wheels are independently suspended via four arms on each side.
The Audi RS Q3 will be equipped as standard with 18" light alloy wheels for the Czech market. 19" and 20" wheels are also available. The internally cooled, drilled disc brakes on the front wheels of the RS Q3 have a special design with corrugated outer edges, which has saved approximately one kilogram of weight. The discs have a diameter of 365 mm and are clamped by black lacquered eight-piston calipers with RS logos. The electronically controlled ESC stabilization system has a sport mode and can also be completely deactivated.
The Audi RS Q3 will offer body trim and longitudinal roof rails in matt aluminium, special door sills and trim in the door panels, a gloss black honeycomb grille at the front, an RS front bumper and the quattro logo in the front air intake. The rear is highlighted by a large roof spoiler, a rear bumper with a distinctive inset diffuser, a large elliptical tailpipe and the RS Q3 logo. With a length of 4410 mm, the dynamic top model is 25 mm longer than the Audi Q3 . Its operating weight is 1730 kg.
The interior design follows the sporty lines of the exterior. The instruments have gray backgrounds with white scales and red hands. Rock gray contrast stitching adorns the three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with a flattened lower part of the bezel and selector lever. Through the RS menu in the information system, the driver can also display the fuel pressure indicator, oil temperature and a stopwatch for measuring the times achieved while driving on the circuit. The standard equipment also includes sports seats with embossed RS Q3 logos, upholstered in a combination of black Alcantara and leather. The luggage compartment has a basic volume of 356 liters , which can be increased to 1261 liters by folding down the split backrests of the rear seats. A practical rotating floor is supplied as standard.
Other features of the standard equipment of the Audi RS Q3 include, in addition to the driver's information system in the specific RS version, Parking Assistant Plus, the Audi Sound System with ten speakers, Xenon Plus headlights and LED rear lights. If the rear lights are not lit, they have a dark red color. There is a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to infotainment systems with a modular concept. At the top is the MMI Navigation Plus navigation system with a hard disk. The Bose audio system creates surround sound through 14 speakers powered by a 465 W amplifier, while the Bluetooth car phone online together with the WLAN hotspot connects the high-performance compact SUV to the Internet, providing access to the Audi Connect Internet services, among other things.
The price for the Czech market is not yet known, in Germany the base price was set at 54,600 Euros (about 1.39 million crowns in conversion). Deliveries of the Audi RS Q3 to customers will begin in autumn 2013.
Source: Audi
