The Audi RS Q3
At the heart of the new RS Q3 is the 2013 International Engine of the Year in the 2.0-litre to 2.5-litre category – the characterful Audi 2.5-litre, five-cylinder TFSI engine, here linked exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. Producing its 310PS peak at between 5,200 and 6,700 rpm, and maximum torque of 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 5,200 rpm, it gives a gloriously distinctive five-cylinder rasp as it powers this pioneering RS Q model from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed electronically limited to 155mph.
A standard Start-Stop-System, and a regulated oil pump that only supplies lubricant when needed, contribute to fuel economy that sets a new precedent for an RS model – up to 32.1mpg is possible according to the combined cycle test, equating to CO2 output of 206 g/km.
Audi drive select as standard
Drivers can influence the way the RS Q3 feels using the standard Audi drive select system, which offers auto, comfort and dynamic modes controlling throttle response, steering weighting and transmission shift points. In the dynamic mode the engine note takes on an even more bass-heavy tone.
True to Audi RS tradition, quattro permanent all-wheel drive system underpins the RS Q3, in this case the version based on an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch located on the rear axle. The system provides swift and proportionate distribution of torque between the front and rear axles for optimum power management in all weathers. It works with RS-specific sports suspension which lowers the body by 25 mm, and which is tuned to deliver flat cornering without forsaking equally important everyday ride comfort. A specially tailored electronic stabilization control (ESC) also stands guard – it offers a sport mode which raises the limit at which it intervenes, and it can also be deactivated entirely.
Electromechanical rack and pinion steering provides quick and accurate turn-in, and ventilated disc brakes provide progressive and steadfast stopping power. The perforated 365mm front discs have a wave design with wave-shaped outer contours, which saves approximately one kilogram of weight at the front wheels. They are gripped by eight-piston calipers painted black with RS logos. An electromechanical parking brake and hill hold assist are also standard.
The exceptional performance and incisive handling are channeled through striking 20-inch Twin-spoke V-design alloy wheels, and the very special status of the RS Q3 is also underscored by RS-specific body detailing, including a high-gloss black honeycomb front grille and RS bumpers, a special front treatment including a quattro emblem in the air intake and a distinctive rear diffuser insert flanked by large elliptical tailpipes. A roof spoiler, roof rails in matt aluminium and special door sill plates and door trim strips also add emphasis.
For even more differentiation, RS Q3 customers can choose an exclusive body colour – Sepang Blue pearl effect – from the list of eight available, and can also add one of two optional styling packages – matt aluminium or black. In each case the chosen colour enhances the flaps in the side air intakes, the trim on the diffuser and the fins on the roof spoiler.
Additional RS gauges
The RS accents continue inside, where the instrument cluster features grey gauges with white scales and red needles, the heated and Fine Nappa leather-upholstered front sports seats are embossed with RS Q3 logos, the flat-bottomed RS multi-function sports steering wheel with contrasting rock grey stitching is complemented by aluminium race inlays and bright aluminium pedals and the Driver’s Information System includes boost pressure, oil temperature and lap timer modes.
In addition to the RS-specific Driver’s Information System, standard equipment also includes park assist plus, light and rain sensors, the Audi sound system with ten loudspeakers incorporating Audi Music Interface (AMI) iPod connection, a Bluetooth phone interface, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lamps and LED tail lights which have a dark red tint when they are not lit.
In the infotainment area, a modular component system offers a wide range of options, including the hard-drive based MMI navigation plus system and mobile phone preparation with Audi connect, which brings internet access via mobile devices and internet-based services such as Google earth, Google Street View and real time local fuel prices to the car. A BOSE surround sound system driving 14 loudspeakers can also be added, bringing up to 465 watts of output power.
The luggage area has a capacity of 356 litres with the rear seats in place, and 1,261 litres with the seat backs folded. A practical reversible load liner is standard, and customers who have even bulkier loads to transport can specify a towing bracket.
Audi RS Q3 concept
April, 2012- The blue painted Audi RS Q3 concept is a vehicle based on the theme of thrilling
dynamic performance. Its engine, a 2.5 TFSI with 265 kW (360 hp) of power, and
its body – lowered about 25 mm (0.98 inches) and widened with sharp visual
details – explore the potential of the Q3 model series in a new way.
Brushed and polished aluminum trim frames the Audi RS Q3 concept’s single
frame radiator grille. Its black grille insert exhibits a new geometry – the
honeycombs are slightly offset to one another deeper inside, creating a distinct
three-dimensional effect. The lower area of the grille integrates another sculpted
feature – a silver quattro signature. The headlights are slightly tinted; inside them,
some chrome parts are dark or covered by panels of carbon fiber-reinforced
polymer (CFRP).
The bumper was redesigned; there are now powerful edges around the outer air
intakes. They are subdivided into two segments – the inner sections have
honeycomb screen inserts, while their outer sections, made of CFRP, have a
smooth funnel shape. The front spoiler is also made of CFRP. Its lower section is
matt black. The entire lower section of the bumper is coated with blue clearcoat
paint.
The same combination of black and blue tinted areas is repeated on the sides of
the Audi RS Q3 concept – on the trim strips of the doors and sills and on the add
on parts of the wheel housings. The door mirror housings consist of black CFRP,
while matt aluminum trim frames the side windows. The roof spoiler runs a long
way towards the rear; its middle section has been slightly shortened compared to
its outer sections. It is painted in the body color Ordos Blue – a matt blue with a
slight yellow tint.
At the rear, the lower bumper section has a sporty and angular style. The diffuser
insert, which integrates the two large elliptical tailpipes in typical RS look, has
been shifted far upward. Here too, Audi designers chose a combination of blue
clearcoat and black CFRP. The rear lights and auxiliary lights in the bumper are
tinted in anthracite and are made of clear glass
Blue and black: the interior
In the interior of the Audi RS Q3 concept, which gets plenty of light through a
glass sunroof, cool black is the dominant color – on the roofliner, floor carpet,
floor mats, leather-upholstered instrument panel and on large areas of the seat
upholstery, which consists of Fine Nappa leather. Dark blue Alcantara is used as
a contrasting element on the seat covers.
The contrasting blue color is used in an inventive way in the CFRP decorative
panels – the panel material was produced by weaving brilliant blue luminescent
glass fibers into it. The steering wheel has large control stalks made of CFRP,
which are framed by aluminum accents. Most of the wheel is covered with black
Velvet leather – a leather that gives the hands a secure grip and repels dirt very
well. In the door trim panels, there are surfaces in blue Alcantara.
The inside door handle has a perforated lightweight construction look as in every
RS model. In the tachometer, Chinese characters replace the usual Arabic
numerals. RS Q3 badges adorn the instrument cluster, the seatbacks, door sill
plates and floor mats.
The styling of the engine compartment is also extremely sporty in appearance. A
layered-carbon trim panel covers the area around the five-cylinder engine that
sports a red valve cover, and two laterally arranged ventilation screens feed air to
the engine. As is the practice in car racing, the cylinder numbers are marked on
their spark plug covers. An aluminum housing holds the open sports air filter, and
the filtered air tube is made of stainless steel.
Powerful: the drivetrain
The extremely powerful 2.5 TFSI in the RS Q3 concept combines two classic
Audi technologies – gasoline direct injection and turbocharging. From 2,480 cc of
engine displacement, it generates 265 kW (360 hp) of power. The car catapults
itself from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.2 seconds, and its propulsive force
takes it to a top speed of 265 km/h (164.66 mph)
A seven-speed S tronic transfers the forces of the sonorous 2.5 TFSI to the
quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Generally, it directs these forces almost
exclusively to the front wheels. When slip is detected there, it can redistribute
forces to the rear axle via a hydraulic multi-plate clutch with electronic control –
instantaneously and variably.
The alloy wheels of the Audi RS Q3 concept continue the dynamic RS Q styling
and have the dimensions 8.5 J x 20. The front surfaces are high-gloss, while the
sides are sandblasted. The tire size of 255/30 is not exactly typical for an SUV,
but certainly for an RS model