Audi has unveiled today the RS Q3 facelift alongside a revision of the regular Q3. Sitting on top of the range, the RS Q3 is now even more powerful than before as Audi’s engineers have decided to bump output of the iconic five-cylinder 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine by a significant 30 HP and 30 Nm. As a consequence, the engine is now capable of outputting no less than 340 HP (250 kW) and a peak torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) transferred to a quattro all-wheel drive system via a 7-speed S tronic transmission which has been revised to provide even quicker gear shifts.
Thanks to additional bump in power, the RS Q3 facelift is now quicker than the previous version as the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) now takes only 4.8 seconds which is 0.7s less compared to the pre-facelift model. The maximum speed is still electronically-capped at 155 mph (250 km/h) but Audi has installed a different exhaust system that comes with switchable flaps so now the soundtrack provided by the high-performance crossover should be even more impressive.
The model is distinguished by bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels but at an additional cost customers can opt for a larger 20-inch set. The front disc brakes have a new wave design making them 1 kg lighter than before and come with eight-piston calipers. For more money, the RS Q3 facelift can be had with optional adaptive dampers as part of the standard RS sport suspension.
Audi will begin delivering the RS Q3 facelift in the first quarter of 2015, with pricing kicking off in Germany from €56,600.
