- Outstanding performance: SUV and SUV coupe from Audi Sport ?
- Coupe-like silhouette: Audi RS Q3 for the first time also as Sportback
- Award-winning five-cylinder unit: the 2.5 TFSI with more power
Ingolstadt, September 26, 2019 – Audi Sport presents the new edition of the RS Q3 and with the RS Q3 Sportback extends the product range to include an all-new model. The two sport compacts offer outstanding performance, athletic design and maximum everyday usability.
"The first Audi RS Q3 established its own segment. We aim to continue this success story with the new generation of the compact high-performance SUV," says Oliver Hoffmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.
"With the offering of the all-new Audi RS Q3 Sportback, a progressive SUV coupe crossover, we are the trendsetter and are leveraging to the full the phenomenal growth potential for Audi Sport." ?
Athletic: the exterior ?
The Audi RS Q3 and the Audi RS Q3 Sportback are synonymous with strength and outstanding performance – virtues that are also reflected in the design. The Singleframe with no colour-contrasting surround in the compact SUV creates an even sharper impression. The gloss black grille with three-dimensional honeycomb structure is inset deeper and directly into the RS bumper with its large side air inlets. The striking boomerang-shaped blades in the bumper are designed exclusively for the RS Q3 and the RS genes are also apparent in the flat slits above the Singleframe radiator grille. ?
With its downward sloping coupe-like roof line, the RS Q3 Sportback stands is 1557 millimetres, making it 45 millimetres lower than the RS Q3. The rising shoulder line on the Sportback is set farther down than on the sister model, lowering the body's optical centre of gravity. As such, the body appears even more muscular and the wheels larger. Both Audi Sport high-performance sports cars underscore their performance aspiration with pronounced muscles over the wheel arches, which have been flared by 10 millimetres. ?
The rear design also appears very powerful, with the low rear window and the roof edge spoiler in gloss black, the RS Q3 Sportback appears even wider than its sister model. The low-slung roof line culminates in strong, flat sloping D-pillars. The RS-specific long roof edge spoiler in the RS Q3 emphasises the pronounced forward thrust of the high-performance SUV and ensures improved downforce. The new generation of the RS Q3 comes for the first time with a dual- branch RS exhaust system with large oval tailpipes on both sides and chrome-coloured trims. This exhaust system sits in an RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser and horizontal blades in gloss black, while the rear diffuser and blades are available in matt aluminium as an option.
The high-performance SUVs come standard with LED headlights. Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators and RS-specific darkened trims are available as an option. The rear lights also feature LED technology.
Outstanding: the drive
Within the Audi Q3 family, the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback are the sporty flagships. The performance figures for the compact engines are compelling: five-cylinder, 294kW power output, 480Nm of torque and quattro all-wheel drive. The 2.5 TFSI engine is a modern classic, winning the coveted 'International Engine of the Year Award' again last year for the ninth consecutive time.
The multi-award-winning five-cylinder engine gains a good 17 percent increase in power at an unchanged displacement of 2480cc, with the engine's maximum torque available over the very broad rev range between 1950 and 5850rpm. The RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with top speed regulated to 250km/h or an optional 280km/h.
At less than 50 centimetres in length, the 2.5 TFSI engine is extremely compact and is 26kg lighter than the previous model. Its crankcase is made of aluminium, which alone saves 18kg. Elaborate measures reduce internal friction while at the same time increasing power output. The cylinder liners are plasma-coated and the crankshaft main bearings are six millimetres smaller in diameter. The crankshaft is hollow bored and is therefore 1kg lighter, while the aluminium pistons have integrated channels for oil cooling. In the short warm-up phase after a cold start, the switchable water pump does not circulate the coolant in the cylinder head – enabling the 2.5 TFSI engine to reach its operating temperature more quickly. This lowers the coefficient of friction and reduces fuel consumption.
1-2-4-5-3 – firing alternates between adjacent cylinders and those far apart from one another. The particular firing sequence and the odd number of cylinders make for a very special rhythm and unique engine sound. The dual-branch RS exhaust system underscores the characteristic sound of the five-cylinder firing sequence, while the optionally available RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipe trims accentuates the unmistakable sound even more.
The power from the five-cylinder engine flows via a seven-speed S tronic to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive that distributes the power as needed between the axles via a multi-plate clutch. The wheel-selective torque control perfects the safe and agile handling.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system influences the quattro drive and other components such as steering, suspension, S tronic, engine characteristic and sound. Depending on the selected equipment variant, there is a choice of five or six modes – comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual or, as an alternative to the individual mode, the two new RS modes RS1 and RS2. Via the MMI the driver can adjust and save the two RS modes individually and simply pressing the new 'RS MODE' steering wheel button provides rapid access to the two new modes and allows the driver to switch between modes.
Consistently sporty: the suspension
The standard RS sport suspension lowers the body by 10 millimetres compared with the Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback. Its consistently sporty tuning satisfies the basic requirements for the outstanding handling of the two sport compacts and the RS-tuned progressive steering also conveys close contact with the road even on fast bends.
At the front axle with its MacPherson design featuring lower wishbones, the track width is 1590 millimetres while in the rear, the four-link design provides a track width of 1583 millimetres. For the first time on a compact high-performance SUV, Audi Sport offers 21-inch wheels in various rim designs. Behind the standard 20-inch or optional 21-inch wheels, the all-new six-piston RS steel brake system works with ventilated and perforated disks measuring 375 millimetres (front) and 310 millimetres (rear, not perforated). Their brake calipers are painted black as standard and are available in red as an option. The brake calipers of the optional, all-new RS ceramic brakes are available optionally in grey, red or blue. In front, the braking power is generated by newly developed monoblock aluminium calipers and ceramic brake disks that are 380 millimetres in diameter. At the rear, floating calipers and steel disks measuring 310 millimetres in diameter ensure the necessary deceleration.
As an option the new RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback are available with the RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). Here an electrically actuated proportional valve regulates the flow of oil into the damper pistons. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system also influences the optional RS sport suspension plus with damper control, in which sensors measure movements of the vehicle body. The RS-tuned dampers are then adjusted accordingly to the road surface conditions and driving situation. The suspension provides the optimum damping force for each damper within milliseconds – low for hard bumps and high to brace the body during fast cornering or when braking. The result is enhanced driving dynamics, precise stability and agile handling coupled with even greater comfort.
Driver-oriented: the interior
The athletic design of the exterior is echoed in the car's interior, with an emphasis on the horizontal lines conveying a generous sense of space. The air-conditioning control unit, the centre console and the MMI touch display are tilted toward the driver by 10 degrees and the entire cockpit is very much designed with the driver in mind. The engine can be started using the optional start-stop button with its red ring.
The architecture of the instrument panel with the Audi virtual cockpit in the RS design harmonises perfectly with the operating concept. The MMI touch display with its high-gloss black glass-look surround slots in seamlessly as another central element. As an option, the driver can choose the larger Audi virtual cockpit plus with shift light display that prompts the driver to upshift when the maximum engine speed is reached. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit plus also provide information on tyre pressure, torque, power output, lap times, g-forces and acceleration measurements.
Sport seats in black leather/Alcantara with RS embossing express the athletic character of the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback. The RS sport seats in fine Nappa leather with RS-specific honeycomb pattern and integrated head restraints are available for the first time in the Q3 family. Their contrasting stitching comes standard in gloss black, and optionally in red or blue. When selecting one of the two RS design packages in red or blue, highlights on the steering wheel rim, belt straps, floor mats and gear lever are coloured while the steering wheel and selector lever come in Alcantara. With the extended RS design packages, the panels and door armrests are trimmed in red or blue Alcantara. Inlays in Aluminium Race, anthracite, optionally in piano finish, black, or carbon, round out the sporty interior. For the first time, the interior can also be finished entirely in black.
Entry lighting with Audi Sport projection in the doors welcomes the driver and front passenger, while RS logos adorn the interior on the steering wheel and the illuminated front door sill trims. The RS sport leather steering wheel, flattened at the bottom, including newly designed shift paddles comes with multifunction buttons that allow the driver to control the two optional RS modes in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. The RS-specific displays open automatically in the Audi virtual cockpit plus.
Generous: space concept and equipment
The new RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback are designed as fully fledged five-seater models and also offer maximum everyday usability. The rear seats can be moved fore-aft as standard by 150 millimetres in the RS Q3 or 130 millimetres in the RS Q3 Sportback, while their three-way split backrests can be tilted in seven stages. The luggage compartment holds 530 litres, and with the backrests folded down the figure rises to 1525 litres (Sportback: 1400 litres).
Eight paint colours are available for the new RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback, including the RS-specific colours Kyalami green and Nardo grey, while customised paint finishes are available from Audi exclusive. The standard gloss black styling package adds highlights to blades, window slot trims, roof rails (RS Q3 only), rear diffuser and on the insert in the side sills. The customer can also order these items in aluminium look as an option. In combination with the gloss black styling package, the Audi rings and the RS logos come in black on the front and rear.
Australian information
The RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback are expected to arrive in Australia in the second quarter of 2020, with pricing and specification to be confirmed closer to launch.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: This MediaInfo is intended for a global audience, and elements of it may not accurately reflect Australian features, specifications or timeframes unless specifically stated otherwise.
The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 18 locations in 13 countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).
In 2018, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.812 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 5,750 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 53,004 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2018 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €59.2 billion and an operating profit before special items of €4.7 billion. At present, approximately 90,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.