Audi has started testing the high-performance RS
version of the upcoming Q4 SUV, which is expected to feature the company’s
iconic turbocharged five-cylinder engine under the bonnet. The 2020 Audi RS Q4 will be
essentially a twin sibling to the RS Q3, using the same 2.5-liter engine paired
to a dual-clutch transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.
According to the latest reports, power output will
be increased to 414 hp, in order to make the new generation of RS
compact SUVs more challenging to the also upcoming Mercedes-AMG GLA 45. The test car you see in the
pictures appears to be wearing its final production body, which apparently is
finished in a very bright green paintjob judging by the uncovered area on the
wheel fenders.
The aesthetic revisions over the standard Q4 include
the redesigned front and rear ends, deeper side sills, dual exhaust pipes and a
set of bigger alloy wheels to create the necessary clearance for the
performance brakes. We expect Audi Sport to offer a set of
carbon rotors for the front axle as an option. Both the dual-clutch transmission
and the Quattro all-wheel drive will be optimized for the new RS Q4, which will
also ride on a specially tuned adaptive suspension. Front and rear tracks will
also be slightly wider than standard Q4 models, to help Audi’s latest
coupe-like SUV to better cope with bends.
Inside the 2020 RS Q4 you’ll get a set of
body-hugging seats, lots of contrast stitching and RS logos, and various other
sporty bits to help the driver and passenger to feel more special, with the
dashboard expected to be shared with the Q3 models.
