China to see the RS concept version of the 2012 Audi Q3 Crossover at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show

Whoever said entry level cannot be high performance. Audi has put together the Q3 crossover as an entry level product in its luxury SUV range. However, the German brand will showcase the performance potential of the Q3 crossover through a RS concept that will debut at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show due to be held next week. The Q3 in RS guise gets sporty treatment both in terms of revised bodywork as well as under the hood, making for a high performance crossover, that could be offered for enthusiasts in markets across the world.

2012 Audi Q3 RS Concept Crossover

The 2012 Audi Q3 RS Crossover Concept features a 2.5 Liter TFSI turbo petrol engine with direct injection that outputs 360 Bhp. This much power means that the Q3 in RS guise can hurtle to the ton mark in a blindingly quick 5.2 second going all the way to hit the 265 Kph top speed mark, which is very impressive indeed. Many sportscars could be shamed by that kind of performance and this is exactly what Audi will want to showcase at Beijing. Power and torque is transmitted to all four wheels through the famed Quattro all wheel drive system. The gearbox is a 7 speed dual clutch DSG automatic unit with a S-tronic manual option.

High Performance Q3 RS Concept

To match all the go, Audi has given the Q3 RS Crossover concept a once over when it comes to the looks. The car gets a redesigned front bumper with carbon fiber elements. The grille too sees a makeover to highlight the sporty appeal of this crossover. Other stylistic bits and pieces on the exterior of the car see a few sporty changes like tinted headlamps, bigger intakes, a redesigned rear bumper with diffusers and new exhaust end tips. On the inside, Nappa leather, Alcantara, new Blue interior trimmings and RS badges are the major changes. For now, the Q3 RS is a concept. However, a production variant is likely in the coming year or so.

: 2.5 Liter 360 Bhp TFSI Turbo Petrol Engine

: Q3 RS Concept Interiors

: 2012 Q3 RS Dashboard

: High Performance Q3

: RS Q3

: 2012 Audi Q3 RS Concept Crossover

Audi will launch the Q3 Crossover in the next couple of months in the Indian market. The Indian Q3 will be assembled at Audi’s Aurangabad facility and will come with a 2 liter TDI turbodiesel engine good for 170 Bhp-350 Nm. This engine will be mated to a speed DSG automatic gearbox with the Quattro all wheel drive as standard. Audi India plans to position the Q3 over the BMW X1 crossover in terms of price, due to the added features this car brings to the table. Expect a price tag between 25-30 lakh rupees for the 2012 Q3 crossover.