See all Motoring NewsAudi has unveiled the RS Q3 concept ahead of its world debut at Auto China in Beijing. The show car, powered by a 360hp five-cylinder engine, is thought to preview a new RS version of the compact SUV.
A black-and-blue theme has been used throughout the RS Q3. The main body colour is Ordos Blue, which is described as a matt finish with a yellow tint. Contrasting with that is plenty of black carbon fibre and 'blue clearcoat', which covers large sections of the deeper bumpers and the side sills. Extended wheelarches give the Q3 a sportier stance, and they're complemented by 20-inch alloys and a relatively subtle roof spoiler. A diffuser at the rear houses large elliptical exhaust outlets and the door mirrors feature carbon fibre casings.
The colour theme is carried through to the interior, which looks production ready. Blue Alcantara contrasts with soft black leather, while blue luminescent glass fibres have been woven into the carbon fibre panels to give an unusual blue-black effect. A nod to the country the RS Q3 receives its debut in is the use of Chinese characters on the rev counter.
Carbon fibre is also used on the gearchange paddles, tipped in aluminium. They control a twin-clutch S tronic gearbox with seven speeds. Naturally the RS Q3 features quattro four-wheel drive, though unusually for a contemporary RS model the front wheels are given most of the engine's output until slip is detected. And no doubt slip is inevitable with 360hp available. The five-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit pushes the Q3 to 100km/h from rest in just 5.2 seconds and it doesn't appear to have the usual electronic tether at 250km/h, instead maxing out at 265km/h.
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