Audi presents the Q3 Vail at the Detroit
motor show
Detroit - Compact SUV as a themed vehicle
at the auto show in Detroit New, practical solutions and many individual
design highlights 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine developing
231 kW (314 hp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) Audi is unveiling a themed
vehicle of a special kind at the North American International Auto Show
in Detroit – the Audi Q3 Vail with an output of 231 kW (314 hp). The
compact SUV, which is named after the famous winter sports venue in the
United States, unites a powerful presence with a sporty lifestyle. The
Q3 Vail is a highlight of the young model series that only launched in
2011.
The Audi Q3 Vail represents a new,
potential variation on the SUV concept. The themed vehicle has been
designed for young fans of winter sports who love skiing or
snowboarding. The Audi Q3 Vail is a sporty and robust compact SUV
offering many practical attributes, an elegant appearance and individual
design highlights.
The themed vehicle is painted in the color
developed specially for it – Energy Red. The red paint contains golden
pearlescent particles. The add-on body parts are in matt gray
quartz-based paint, and underline the vehicle’s robust and rugged
appearance. The high-gloss package, a characteristic feature of the
model line, enhances the area around the windows with eye-catching
elements in aluminum and high-gloss black.
Eyecatching features on the sides of the
Q3 Vail are the flared wheel arches and running boards, which Audi is to
incorporate into the extensive range of Q3 accessories. The restyled
aluminum roof rails are specially designed for transporting skis and
snowboards – these two items of sports equipment are made from carbon
fiber. The front roof-rail support integrates compact, energy-efficient,
wide-angled LED lights that illuminate the area around the Audi Q3 Vail.
They are controlled via buttons in the roof module.
The Audi Q3 Vail is fitted with five-arm
wheels in 8.5 J x 20 format. Mirroring the single-frame grille, their
visible edges have a high-gloss finish, while the inside areas feature
the same matt quartz-based paint. The off-road tires are size 255/45.
Track width has increased 40 millimeters (1.57 inches) at the front and
rear compared to series-built models, and the body is 30 millimeters
(1.18 inches) higher. The themed vehicle also features unique solutions
at the back – the two tailpipes of the dual-branch exhaust system are
integrated in the diffuser and underbody guard area.
The interior of the Audi Q3 Vail includes
two practical devices for winter sports fans. The side wall of the trunk
houses a charging station. It can be used for storing flashlights and
charging them inductively at the same time. The same technology is used
for the Thermos bottle. It is located in the cup holder between the
front seats and is able to chill or warm drinks. Both devices have LEDs
that show the current charge level. One attractive extra is that, in
addition to LED lighting, the flashlights incorporate an infra-red
heating element that can be used for warming your hands or a pair of ski
boots.
Another intelligent solution in the themed
vehicle is the trunk mat, which has integrated heated seat cushions. The
mat can be folded out and laid over the loading lip. This protects the
trunk edge while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded, and also
provides a warm area to sit on when putting on or taking off your ski
boots. Small LED spotlights on the inside of the tailgate provide light.
The Audi Q3 Vail features a 2.5-liter
five-cylinder TFSI engine with direct injection and turbocharging that
generates an output of 231 kW (314 hp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of
torque from a displacement of 2,480 cc.
The engine’s five cylinders are
consecutively numbered; red wrinkled-finish paint has been applied to
the cylinder head cover. A panel made from carbon-fiber-reinforced
polymer (CFRP) partially covers the engine, and the air filter is also
protected against dirt. There is a decorative trim made from plastic
around the engine compartment. The acoustic mat on the inside of the
engine hood has a “Q3 Vail” logo embroidered in dark gray.
The power of the turbocharged
five-cylinder unit is transferred to the quattro permanent all-wheel
drive system via a seven-speed S tronic transmission. The Audi Q3 Vail
accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds and
continues to a top speed of 262 km/h (162.80 mph).
