Audi’s high-performance compact SUV, the 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. As before, our 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.
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Why SUV needs such a high performance? Btw, will Audi cheat the hp n nm like the diesel scandal?
On the contrary, Audi seems to like to under quote the output figures of its twin-turbo engines. Independent dyno tests on models such as RS5 and RS6 have shown the actual figures are higher than claimed.
To me, the GLA/GLA45 isn’t really an SUV per se. More like a slightly raised hatchback. The Q3 on the other hand, is a proper SUV. Decent ground clearance and more commanding view of the road ahead. On paper, the GLA should have a slight dynamic advantage, being lower to the ground. But Audi is master of designing AWD system for sporty driving. So they could overcome the taller ride height with some torque vectoring. This should be interesting. Unless BMW M starts “M”ifying a FWD based platform, ie the X2, looks like it’ll just be between MB and Audi.
This Q3 has a 2.5 liter/5 cylinders engine. To say it is a rival to AMG GLA45 that have only 2.o liter/4 cylinders means the Merc is better in squeezing Horse Power compare to the Audi.
it doesn’t matter squeeze or not. performance and comfort (switchable) is the way forward now. it goes by segment, not go by the cubic centimeter u ‘smart’!