Designed for folks that like the RS Q3 but want a touch more oomph, the all-new RS Q3 Performance joins the RS6 and RS7 Performance models in the growing RS Performance family. It packs more of everything an RS owner wants: power, speed and acceleration. This compact crossover has the soul of a hot hatch.
Using a modified fuel pump and increased cooling capacity, Audi gives the RS Q3's 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder an extra 27 hp over the standard RS. That means the engine is good for 362 hp, along with 343 lb-ft of torque (up from 332 lb-ft on the RS Q3).
The extra output channeling through the sport-tuned seven-speed S tronic and quattro permanent AWD equates to a claimed 4.4-second 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time, cutting four-tenths of a second off the standard RS Q3's time. The RS Q3 Performance is able to reach 168 mph (270 km/h) and manages an estimated 27.4 mpg US (8.6 l/100 km).
Subtle exterior tweaks distinguish the RS Q3 Performance from the standard RS Q3. The car is available in Performance-exclusive Ascari blue metallic paint and features a slew of matte titanium-look accents around the front grille, air inlets, side window trim, mirror caps, roof rails, diffuser and roof-edge spoiler. It rides on Performance-exclusive matte titanium-finish 20-in RS wheels.
The RS Q3 Performance's sporty interior includes sport seats; instruments with gray faces, white dials and red needles; blue stitching; and carbon twill blue inlays.
The RS Q3 performance will debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and is available for order in Germany now from €61,000 (approx. US$68,300). Deliveries will begin in the second quarter.
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