As it turns out, the Audi Q3 Vail Concept wasn’t a three-door crossover study as some sketches falsely suggested but a specially themed edition of the Q3 crossover, the regular versions of which are sold in other parts of the world including Europe but not in the States.
What makes this concept that is named after the famous winter sports venue in the U.S. a little more interesting is not so much the cosmetic enhancements as its mechanical hardware.
You see, the Q3 Vail features the same 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that powers the RS3 Sportback and TT RS models and which delivers 314-horsepower and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of peak torque.
The five-pot is paired to a quattro permanent all-wheel drive system and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission allowing for a zero to 100 km/h (62mph) sprint time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 262 km/h (163mph.
The winter sports theme comes in the way of individual design cues such as the add-on body parts in a matt gray quartz-based paint that contrasts the red finish with golden pearlescent particles on the body, the trim elements in aluminum and high-gloss black, and the 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/45 rubber.
The Q3 Vail also gest restyled aluminum roof rails that incorporated wide-angled LED lights.
Inside, Audi’s design team updated the Q3 with new materials and trims including the headlining in titanium gray Alcantara, the black Fine Nappa leather on the dashboard, and the metal dials around the speedometer and rev counter.
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