Wednesday 18th April 2012

Audi RS Q3 concept unveiled

Beijing show reveal for SUV-based RS concept

---

This is the new Audi RS Q3 concept, a car that Audi will present to the world in the metal at the Beijing motor show later next week.

Powering the concept is the oft-used 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine, this time producing the same 360hp as it does in the new TT RS plus, with power channelled to all four wheels via a seven-speed S Tronic twin-clutch gearbox. This is enough for it to haul itself to 62mph in 5.2 seconds and to hit 165mph flat out.

The RS Q3 concept also gets lowered by 25mm, and has been treated to an RS-ification, with all manner of trims and CFRP bits and bobs and redesigned bumpers front and rear. Chunky 355/30 20-inch wheels are also fitted

What's particularly curious about the RS Q3 is that not so long ago none other than Audi's senior technical man, Stephan Reil, vowed that there would be no RS models for Audi SUVs. Do we smell the beginnings of a U-turn?

[loomx]

... that is all

[kambites]

It'll sell.

[Snowboy]

A better choice than the Evoque perhaps.

But also a better choice than sticking your dick into a pile of nettles.

[blunder13]

Is anyone else getting board with Audi RS's?

I used to lust after RS4's and 6's but now each car is.... hmmm... the same.

I am not a big fan on the Q's but this does NOT make me excited.

I am not sure what it is... They just don't do it for me. Sorry for being so vague, I am sure someone knows what I mean.

[arkenphel]

This car answer the same question as the MINI cooper S countryman thingy that everybody was asking for. A taller, uglier, slower version of a half decent hatchback.






Wait, whaddaya mean no one asked for it?

[rlc18]

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should...

[leon9191]

I really quite like the look of that, but i shall dislike it and all it stands for out of principle because i am a car snob.

[Iceman82]

kambites said:

It'll sell.

Sadly it will.

Someone above has said that those who are negative about it are being car snobs. I can't agree with that.

What we have here is a car that, in standard guise, exists purely so that some people who are snobs can state they have an Audi 4x4 even though there are cheaper and superior smaller softroaders out there.

Now we have an RS model which, frankly, shows little respect from Audi for the RS name. Just because it can do a 5.2 0-60 doesn't mean the thing is sporty which is surely what an RS car should be?

Pointless and very sad to see.

[Ali_T]

Never thought of Audi as the Robin Hood type. Robbing thick rich people. They just have to work on the "giving to the poor" part.

[Johnboy Mac]

The new S6 ain't half bad...........

[frosted]

leon9191 said:

I really quite like the look of that, but i shall dislike it and all it stands for out of principle because i am a car snob.

Exactly , sums up PH perfectly

[anonymous-user]

kambites said:

It'll sell.

No doubt I'll be seeing a few of them badly parked at the gym.

[Hammerhead]

Looks bloody stupid on 20s. No thanks.

[Kwistof]

So how long until BMW tart up the X3 and chuck a larger (e.g M3) engine in it?

Also be interested to know how much they can get out of people's pockets for one of these, now it has the RS fancy bits! lol

[Mark-C]

So the SUV is a raised estate car .... what does that make a lowered SUV?

[gofasterrosssco]

Nice attempt at a 'cone' air filter Audi..

Even thats been Audified with its brushed alloy cover thing..

[Eighteeteewhy]

Good getaway vehicle.

[Frimley111R]

Iceman82 said:

kambites said:

It'll sell.

Sadly it will.

In very small numbers though. Talk about a car no-one asked for.. It may just help sales of the std version which is a typically epically dull vehicle from the world's dullest manufacturer.

[Stu R]

Seriously overwheeled, but I quite like it otherwise

[anonymous-user]

I'll admit it! I quite like it!