Audi RS Q3 Performance
Audi's powerful compact crossover just
became more interesting with a new Performance addition, which brings a power
boost and exclusive equipment.
The 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder engine
has had its cooling capacity increased in the main radiator and fuel pump
optimized in order to squeeze an extra 27 PS, to a total of 367 PS and 465 Nm of torque.
Thanks to the extra oomph, the Audi RS
Q3 Performance needs 0.4 seconds less for the 0-100 km/h sprint, at 4.4
seconds, while top speed has also increased from the previous electronically
limited 250 km/h to 270 km/h.
Audi's engineers have tuned the standard
7-speed S tronic transmission too, which sends power to both axles. The
automaker offers the RS sport suspension plus with damper control as an option,
for this model.
Exterior features include updated
bumpers with large air inlets up front and "heavily profiled diffuser
insert" at the rear, honeycomb grilles, matt titanium-look finish for the
add-on parts, Quattro logo, roof edge spoiler, roof rails, RS-specific 20-inch
wheels with five twin-spoke V design and the Ascari Blue metallic paint.
Inside, the four-ring brand offers sport
seats in black and blue, blue contrast stitching on the RS sport
leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear lever, center armrest and floor mats, gray
faces for the dial instruments, white dials and red needles.
The Audi RS Q3 Performance is already
available for order in Germany, where costs € 61,000 (US$ 66,900), while the
"regular" RS Q3 starts from € 56,600 (US$ 62,000). In the UK, it's
expected to open for order later this month priced from £ 49,175 OTR. Customer
deliveries will begin in the second quarter of this year.
