Audi announces its fourth RS model in twelve months, and the first SUV cross-over to receive a vitamin boost from its Quattro GmbH subsidiary and the coveted RS badge.

Unveiled as a concept at the 2012 Auto China show in Shanghai, the RS Q3 appears today in its final form and will be presented to the press and the public at the 2013 Geneva autoshow in March. This compact SUV measures 4.41m in length for a weight of 1730kg offers remarkable performance, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration in only 5.5 seconds.

The engine is a variant of the unit used in the  TT RS et TT RS Plus coupes, as well as the RS3 Sportback hatchback. In this version, the 2.5L inline 5 cylinder develops 310 hp and a peak torque of 420 Nm over the 1500 – 5200 rpm rev range. This engine has received an International Engine of the Year award in its class for 3 straight years since 2010. The 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence translates into a signature exhaust note, made legendary since the 1980’s with the first Audi Quattro. The 7 gear S-tronic twin-clutch gearbox comes as standard equipment, as well as 19″ rims (20″ are an option). Brakes have been upgraded to cope with performance, with drilled, wave design discs of 365 mm at the front helping to reduce unsprung weight, and 8 piston calipers.

The body sits 25mm lower in comparison with the base Q3. The radiator grille adopts the trademark honeycomb design of the RS series, same treatment at the rear with a large oval tailpipe. Inside, sports seats and the RS steering wheel with flat rim are standard equipment as well.

The commercial launch is scheduled for fall 2013 at a base price of €54’600 in Germany, translating into slightly more than 70’000 CHF in Switzerland.

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