Audi RS Q3 concept

At Auto China 2012 in Beijing, Audi is presenting a themed vehicle based on the Q3 the RS Q3 concept. Its engine, a 2.5 TFSI with 360 hp of power, and its body lowered about 25 mm and widened with sharp visual details explore the potential of the Q3 model series in a new way.

The Audi RS Q3 concept’s single-frame radiator grille is framed by brushed and polished aluminum and the black honeycomb grille insert creates a distinct three-dimensional effect. A silver quattro signature is integrated into the lower area of the grille. The headlights are slightly tinted with parts in dark chrome and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The bumper was also redesigned. The inner sections of the air intakes have honeycomb screen inserts while their outer sections are made of CFRP. The front spoiler is also made of CFRP.

A combination of black and blue tinted areas features on the front as well as on the sides of the Audi RS Q3 concept. The door mirror housings consist of black CFRP, The roof spoiler is painted in the body color Ordos Blue – a matt blue with a slight yellow tint and its middle section has been slightly shortened.

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.

In the interior of the Audi RS Q3 concept, which gets plenty of light through a glass sunroof, cool black is the dominant color. The seat upholstery consists of Fine Nappa leather while dark blue Alcantara is used as a contrasting element on the seat covers and door trim panels.

The contrasting blue color is used in an inventive way in the CFRP decorative panels by weaving brilliant blue luminescent glass fibers into the material. The steering wheel has large control stalks made of CFRP, which are framed by aluminum accents. Most of the wheel is covered with dirt repelling black Velvet leather for a secure grip. 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.

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 360 hp of power. The car catapults itself from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, and its propulsive force takes it to a top speed of 265 km/h. A seven-speed S tronic transfers the forces of the sonorous 2.5 TFSI to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

The 20-inch alloy wheels of the Audi RS Q3 concept are not exactly typical for an SUV, but certainly for an RS model.