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Audi Sweetens The RS Q3 For Geneva

How do you make a piece of forbidden fruit that much sweeter? If you happen to be Audi, you add a bit more power.
Posted: February 5, 2016 - 9:52AM
Author: Will Maley

That's the case with the Audi RS Q3 Performance that will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Taking the standard RS Q3 crossover, Audi's RS division was able to squeeze out an extra 27 horsepower and 12 pound-feet of torque from the turbocharged 2.5L inline-five. Total output now stands at 362 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed S Tonic dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive gets all of that power onto the road.

Compared to a standard Q3, the RS Q3 Performance is about 0.8 inches lower thanks to a sports suspension. Optional for the Performance is the RS sport suspension plus system that adds adjustable dampers to allow the driver to tailor how sporty or comfy the ride is.

Outside, Audi has given the RS Q3 Performance an exclusive paint finish known as Ascari blue metallic and matte-titanium accents. A set of twenty-inch wheels are also finished in the matte-titanium. The interior is finished with an RS sport steering wheel, carbon fiber inlays, and sport seats.

Audi says the RS Q3 will go on sale sometime in the second half of 2016 with a starting price-tag of 61,000 euros (about $68,362).

Now Audi has said that more RS models are coming to the U.S., does this mean we could the RS Q3 Performance? We not betting on that. The next-generation RS Q3? That seems more likely.