Audi Sport is working its magic on the recently revealed Q3 Sportback – and the hot coupé-SUV will make its public debut at next month’s Frankfurt motor show.
The RS version of Audi’s seventh SUV will join its less style-focused RS Q3 sibling at the event. Since the standard Sportback has already been revealed, the performance model has lost camouflage and can be clearly marked out as an RS model.
It’s identifiable by its dual oval sports exhaust tips, Audi Sport logos on the brakes, and the air intake, grille and wheel styling. The RS Q3 Sportback is expected to use an all-new 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine that produces up to 400bhp.
Such an output would give it the muscle to challenge the upcoming second-generation Mercedes-AMG GLA 45, which uses a smaller 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine but puts out 416bhp in top-spec S form. The Audi will likely counter this with more torque and many enthusiasts will welcome the retention of the distinctive five-cylinder layout.