STUD or DUD: Audi Breaks Out An Unexpected RS For Beijing, Is Porsche's Macan Going To Have Some Competition?

STUD or DUD: Audi Breaks Out An Unexpected RS For Beijing, Is Porsche's Macan Going To Have Some Competition?
Now I remember several months ago there were some rumblings about Audi possibly working on an RS Q3 and, in fact, some folks even piloted a prototype of this vehicle. It's pretty clear now that Audi wasn't just playing around that whole time.

This doesn't appear to be a Nissan Juke-R project for giggles.

Appearing at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, the RS Q3 is aiming to be a top performer in the entry-level sport-utility vehicle class. Considering nothing exists there at the moment, it shouldn't be too hard to reach the top. Powered by a 2.5-liter five cylinder motor, the RS Q3 is expected to churn out 360 horsepower.

Remember, Porsche's range-topping Macan is suppose to be a bi-turbo that produces 370 ponies.

In addition, there are a slew of RS-specific mods. Starting with the honeycomb grille at the front, blistered fenders, lower sport suspension, larger brakes, larger venting in the front valence for better cooling, dual oval tipped exhaust. And we haven't even gotten to its interior.

Right off the bat is the three-spoke, Alcantara steering wheel with a blue carbon fiber bottom. Then there's the S-line sport seats, aluminum pedals, and I could go on all day.


**Check out the Google translated text HERE


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chewychewy - 4/17/2012 11:32:02 PM
+1 Boost
Quite aggresive, suppose this makes a RS Q5 a possibility too. The blue interior trim isn't the best though.


NostradamusNostradamus - 4/18/2012 1:20:19 AM
+2 Boost
There was a time when I found Audis rather interesting, but now it's like if you've seen one Audi product you've seem them all (from the last 10 years), and loud colors/accents really don't help much.


merce63amgmerce63amg - 4/18/2012 8:48:25 AM
+2 Boost
lol, why? Dud.


Henanamani1Henanamani1 - 4/18/2012 9:20:35 AM
-1 Boost
Let me have the RS6 and RS7 instead!


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 4/18/2012 9:21:46 AM
+2 Boost
That front end is HIDEOUS. The "regular to RS" transition did not work with the Q3.


94geo94geo - 4/18/2012 9:56:11 AM
+3 Boost
The interior is tacky. Also with a FWD based AWD system, this car does not appeal to the enthusiast.


BondMI6BondMI6 - 4/18/2012 4:31:26 PM
+2 Boost
No it is NOT a competitor to the Macan.

At least not here. RSQ3 is not intended for the U.S. market- the Macan is...

-Bond


quizzquizz - 4/18/2012 10:36:36 PM
+2 Boost
Everything being equal (performance/price), why would anybody buy an Audi when they can get a Porsche? Other than die-hard Audi fanboys, the Porsche will appeal to everybody else as I expect the design to be more attractive than the Q3.


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