Audi’s powerful compact crossover just became more interesting with a new Performance addition, which brings a power boost and exclusive equipment.
The 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder engine has had its cooling capacity increased in the main radiator and fuel pump optimized in order to squeeze an extra 27PS (27hp), to a total of 367PS (362hp) and 465Nm (343lb-ft) of torque.
Thanks to the extra oomph, the Audi RS Q3 Performance needs 0.4 seconds less for the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint, at 4.4 seconds, while top speed has also increased from the previous electronically limited 250km/h (155mph) to 270km/h (168mph).
Audi’s engineers have tuned the standard 7-speed S tronic transmission too, which sends power to both axles. The automaker offers the RS sport suspension plus with damper control as an option, for this model.
Exterior features include updated bumpers with large air inlets up front and “heavily profiled diffuser insert” at the rear, honeycomb grilles, matt titanium-look finish for the add-on parts, Quattro logo, roof edge spoiler, roof rails, RS-specific 20-inch wheels with five twin-spoke V design and the Ascari Blue metallic paint.
Inside, the four-ring brand offers sport seats in black and blue, blue contrast stitching on the RS sport leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear lever, center armrest and floor mats, gray faces for the dial instruments, white dials and red needles.
The Audi RS Q3 Performance is already available for order in Germany, where costs €61,000 ($66,900), while the “regular” RS Q3 starts from €56,600 ($62,000). In the UK, it’s expected to open for order later this month priced from £49,175 OTR. Customer deliveries will begin in the second quarter of this year, but the vehicle will debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, in March.
PHOTO GALLERY
