POTENT AUDI RS Q3 CONCEPT HEADS FOR BEIJING

A new performance study by Audi is making an appearance at the 2012 Auto China in Beijing next week. The car is called RS Q3 and is of course, based on the Q3 small SUV/ crossover. This is the same car Audi is launching in South Africa tomorrow. Q3 is targeted at the BMW X1 and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz small SUV.

The concept showcases Audi’s use of a material called carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) which is very light but also strong. CFRP forms the basis for parts like the front spoiler, parts of the front bumper, door mirror casings, rear diffuser, indicator stalks and others.

The interior is a combination of CFRP, nappa leather, Alcantara, normal leather and velvet, as well as some brushed aluminium, all meshed with a sporty blue hue. Paying homage to its hosts, the RS Q3 features some Chinese characters on the speedo.

Thrust is supplied by a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo engine – presumably the same as RS 3 Sportback and TT RS – which pulls out more power than those two. At its peak it makes 265kW of power, sends it all to the four wheels (8.5Jx20 with 255/30 rubber) through quattro, and goes from 0 – 100km/h in 5.2 seconds.

Since BMW does not have an X1 M, this car would be the first of its kind. That’s if Audi fans like it enough to persuade the big bosses they want it and will pay the asking price for it.