Q3 CLIMBING HIGHER

4x4magazine | 09/01/2012 | 0 Comments

A very special Audi Q3 concept groomed specifically for winter sports like the pistes in the famous Colorado mountain resort which inspired its name is unveiled today in Detroit.

Designed for young fans of winter sports who love skiing or snowboarding, the Audi Q3 Vail represents a new, potential variation on the compact SUV theme. The concept is painted in the colour developed specially for it – Energy Red – which contains golden pearlescent particles. Its add-on body parts are finished in matt grey quartz-based paint, and underline the vehicle’s robust and rugged character.
Eyecatching features on the flanks of the Q3 Vail include flared wheel arches and running boards, and on the roof the specially designed aluminum rails firmly hold carbon fibre skis and snowboards. 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 255/45 section off-road tyres and 20-inch five-arm wheels. Track width has increased by 40 millimetres at the front and rear compared to series production models, and the body is 30 millimetres higher. At the rear, the two tailpipes of the dual-branch exhaust system are integrated into the diffuser and underbody guard area.
The interior of the Audi Q3 Vail has a fittingly sporty black, grey and red colour scheme. Aluminium takes centre stage in the instrument cluster. The most striking elements are the metal dials around the speedometer and rev counter. The leather steering wheel features red contrasting stitching and an aluminium trim. Behind it are two large shift paddles for manually controlling the seven-speed S tronic transmission.
The MMI navigation plus system includes an animation showing the longitudinal and latitudinal tilt angle of the Audi Q3 Vail. In regions that are not included in the map data, the MMI navigation plus system logs the GPS coordinates of the route – for assistance during the return journey. The monitor, which can be folded out manually, has a trim that matches the surface of the instrument panel.
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 hands or ski boots.
Another intelligent solution in the themed vehicle is the load floor 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.
The Audi Q3 Vail features a 2.5-litre five-cylinder TFSI engine with direct injection and turbocharging that generates an output of 314PS and 400Nm of torque from a displacement of 2,480cc. 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 62mph in 5.5 seconds and continues to a top speed of 163mph.