Audi RS Q3 has
been spotted undergoing high-speed tests again at the Nurburgring, seen here
with bodywork that is likely more representative of the eventual model that
will make it to showrooms. Since that sighting, the base Q3 had made its debut,
which will also indicate that more versions are due to join its line-up.
This second outing also appears to confirm that the
forthcoming RS Q3 will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor in foregoing
significantly widened bodywork over the standard model range, as the RS4 Avant
features over the standard A4. It does however feature a more aggressive
pattern in its grille and side intakes in its front bumper, which were not seen
on the previous test mule.
As before, the RS Q3 should feature a chassis that
rides lower on a specific wheel-and-tyre combination which house what appear to
be carbon-ceramic brakes, along with its own suspension setup. Around the back,
large oval exhaust outlets continue to make their mark as an RS model
distinguisher. Paultan's spy photographers note that it emits the
distinctive five-cylinder sound, and is likely to top the 400 hp mark.
That powerplant will likely be a development of the
outgoing RS Q3, which produced 367 hp and 465 Nm of torque in top performance
guise, which is 27 hp and 15 Nm more than the ‘standard’ RS Q3. This
development will put the RS Q3 closer in the numbers race with the rivalling
Mercedes-AMG GLA 45, which outputs 381 hp and 475 Nm of torque. With the Q3
tipped to reach European dealerships in November, the RS Q3 will likely debut
in 2019.
