2010 Audi Q3
Audi is poised to introduce two crossover sport-utility vehicles in the next two years. Late in 2008, the mid-size Q5 is expected to debut on the same architecture as the '08 A5 coupe and next-generation A4 sedan. A year after the Q5 goes on sale, Audi will follow up with the smaller and sportier Q3 previewed by the Cross Coupe Quattro concept shown at the Shanghai auto show. Built on the same platform as the '09 Volkswagen Tiguan, the Q3 will have a transversely mounted engine and all-wheel drive provided by an electronically controlled center clutch pack. Additionally, an electronically controlled locking rear differential similar to that of Saab's XWD system may find its way into the Q3. To distance the Q3 from its Volkswagen brother, the Audi will offer on-road performance, won't have a speck of off-road ability, and will be firmly entrenched in the $30,000 range.
Surprisingly, the Q3 will be packed with several features that Audi generally reserves for its sportiest cars, the RS 4 and R8. Those options will include ceramic composite brakes like those of the R8, cross-linked dampers similar to the system on the RS 4, and driver-selectable suspension settings. In addition, a so-called drive-select program will give the choice of three different modes (sport, efficiency, and dynamic) that affect suspension tuning, throttle response, transmission shifts, and steering effort. As one would expect, in efficiency mode the Q3 will work toward maximizing fuel economy: The engine will shut off when idling and minimize the use of the air conditioning. Audi claims efficiency mode will boost fuel economy by 20 percent.
A new 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder will power the Q3. This engine will be introduced in the redesigned A4. Expected to meet emissions standards in all 50 states, the new engine will produce about 200 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Coupled to Audi's S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, the powertrain is purported to be able to return 40 mpg. In addition to the diesel, the 200-hp gas-powered turbo four from the Audi A3 will be offered.
At 172.4 inches long, the Q3 doesn't promise Chevy Suburban levels of interior room, but Audi claims that pushing the wheels toward the corners will maximize interior volume. Other differences from the Tiguan will be a more aggressive exterior design with a large Audi-style grille, large wheels, and Q7 styling cues. One problem that remains is the name. Infiniti unleashed its legal office on Audi for using the letter "Q" for the Q7. Audi settled with Infiniti and the Japanese automaker agreed to let Audi have the Q7 and Q5 names, but the future of the Q3 name remains in limbo.
Audi is poised to introduce two crossover sport-utility vehicles in the next two years. Late in 2008, the mid-size Q5 is expected to debut on the same architecture as the '08 A5 coupe and next-generation A4 sedan. A year after the Q5 goes on sale, Audi will follow up with the smaller and sportier Q3 previewed by the Cross Coupe Quattro concept shown at the Shanghai auto show. Built on the same platform as the '09 Volkswagen Tiguan, the Q3 will have a transversely mounted engine and all-wheel drive provided by an electronically controlled center clutch pack. Additionally, an electronically controlled locking rear differential similar to that of Saab's XWD system may find its way into the Q3. To distance the Q3 from its Volkswagen brother, the Audi will offer on-road performance, won't have a speck of off-road ability, and will be firmly entrenched in the $30,000 range.
Surprisingly, the Q3 will be packed with several features that Audi generally reserves for its sportiest cars, the RS 4 and R8. Those options will include ceramic composite brakes like those of the R8, cross-linked dampers similar to the system on the RS 4, and driver-selectable suspension settings. In addition, a so-called drive-select program will give the choice of three different modes (sport, efficiency, and dynamic) that affect suspension tuning, throttle response, transmission shifts, and steering effort. As one would expect, in efficiency mode the Q3 will work toward maximizing fuel economy: The engine will shut off when idling and minimize the use of the air conditioning. Audi claims efficiency mode will boost fuel economy by 20 percent.
A new 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder will power the Q3. This engine will be introduced in the redesigned A4. Expected to meet emissions standards in all 50 states, the new engine will produce about 200 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Coupled to Audi's S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, the powertrain is purported to be able to return 40 mpg. In addition to the diesel, the 200-hp gas-powered turbo four from the Audi A3 will be offered.
At 172.4 inches long, the Q3 doesn't promise Chevy Suburban levels of interior room, but Audi claims that pushing the wheels toward the corners will maximize interior volume. Other differences from the Tiguan will be a more aggressive exterior design with a large Audi-style grille, large wheels, and Q7 styling cues. One problem that remains is the name. Infiniti unleashed its legal office on Audi for using the letter "Q" for the Q7. Audi settled with Infiniti and the Japanese automaker agreed to let Audi have the Q7 and Q5 names, but the future of the Q3 name remains in limbo.
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