The 2014 Audi RS Q3 has officially been introduced today at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
According to the German carmaker, the first RS Q model demonstrates its special status within the Q3 lineup with a number of visual highlights, such as modified bumpers, quattro emblem in the front air intake, revised side skirts and a rear diffuser. There's also a high-gloss black honeycomb front grille, matte aluminum trim and a single elliptical tailpipe. The crossover has also been equipped with high-performance brakes with eight-piston calipers, a 25 mm reduced ride height and standard 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the cabin comes with black Alcantara / leather sport seats, a flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel and alloy pedals. Other highlights include an RS-specific MMI and driver infotainment system, a revised instrument cluster and aluminum race, piano black or carbon fiber trim. The cargo area has a base capacity of 356 liters and can be increased to 1,261 liters by folding down the split rear seat backs.
Motivation is provided by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that develops 310 hp and 420 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the quattro all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed S tronic transmission, which allows the 1,730 kg car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and hit an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. In terms of efficiency, it returns 8.8-liter per 100 km (26.7 mpg US or 32.1 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 206 g/km.
Set to go on sale this fall, the Audi RS Q3 has a starting price of €54,600 in Germany.
