AUDI RS Q3 : FIRST RS MODEL IN THE Q SERIES

AUDI RS Q3

• quattro GmbH chief van Meel: “The compact Audi RS Q3 creates a new class in the SUV segment.”
• Combines excellent power with outstanding everyday practicality
• 2.5 TFSI with 228 kW (310 hp) and 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft), 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 s

Audi is presenting the RS Q3 at the Geneva International Motor Show, the first RS model for the successful Q line-up. It combines outstanding everyday practicality with dynamic driving performance: It takes just 5.5 seconds to complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph), and its top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo produces 228 kW (310 hp) and has an average fuel consumption of just 8.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (26.73 US mpg).

“The RS Q3 transfers the performance philosophy of Audi to the compact SUV segment, thereby creating a new performance class,” says Franciscus van Meel, Managing Director of quattro GmbH. “In addition to the RS 5 Cabriolet, RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback, the RS Q3 is the fourth RS model that we are launching on the market in 2013. The RS family is growing to eight members – more than ever.” The RS Q3 combines typical RS properties such as high performance and driving pleasure with lifestyle qualities and high utility value. The Audi RS Q3 was developed by quattro GmbH which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AUDI AG.

An award-winning high-performance engine, the 2.5 TFSI, is at work under the hood of the RS Q3. This five-cylinder engine has been named “International Engine of the Year” in its class for three consecutive years since 2010 by an international jury of automotive specialists. From 2,480 cc of engine displacement, the turbocharged direct-injection engine produces a maximum power of 228 kW (310 hp) at 5,200-6,700 rpm; its maximum torque of 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft) is available between 1,500 and 5,200 rpm. These two values signify that the RS Q3 is unrivaled in its competitive field. This five-cylinder is a special engine, beginning with its fundamental concept. It is familiar from the TT RS and RS 3 Sportback, and quattro GmbH modified it for use in the RS Q3.

The 1-2-4-5-3 ignition sequence, supported by the geometry of the air induction and exhaust systems, generates a sporty engine sound that first made Audi popular back in the 1980s.

Drivers can influence the flap control for the exhaust system and the accelerator characteristic by choosing one of the modes auto, comfort and dynamic using the standard Audi drive select system. In the dynamic mode, engine response is sharper and the engine sound more intensive.

The 2.5 TFSI accelerates the Audi RS Q3 from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 5.5 seconds – the best performance value in this segment. The vehicle’s top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). In the RS Q3, the Audi five-cylinder engine is working together with a standard start-stop-system for the first time. Other efficiency measures such as a regulated oil pump, which only pumps lubricant when needed, contribute to the car’s low average fuel consumption of 8.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (26.73 US mpg) which equates to 206 grams CO2 per km (331.52 g/mile).

A standard seven-speed S tronic transfers power to the drivetrain. It was designed in a compact three-shaft configuration, and its seventh gear has a long gear ratio to save on fuel. Drivers can choose between the D and S modes for automatic shifting of the dual clutch transmission, or they can shift manually – using the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever that sports a unique RS design. The Launch Control function controls acceleration from a standstill to attain optimal traction.

The heart of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is the hydraulically operated and electronically controlled multi-plate clutch located at the rear axle. It ensures proper distribution of torque between the front and rear axles.

The Audi RS Q3 impresses with dynamic and stable handling without sacrificing comfort. The RS sports suspension lowers the body of the compact high-performance SUV by 25 mm (0.98 in). The battery is located in the luggage compartment to achieve better weight distribution. The independent rear wheel suspensions are controlled by four links.

The electro-mechanical rack and pinion steering system operates very efficiently, conveying a stiff, precise steering feeling. An electro-mechanical parking brake and hill hold assist are also standard.

In the RS Q3, the internally ventilated and perforated brake discs at the front wheels have a wave design with wave-shaped outer contours, which saves approx. one kilogram (2.20 lb) of weight at the front wheels. The discs have a diameter of 365 mm (14.37 in), and they are gripped by eight-piston calipers painted black with RS logos. The electronic stabilization control (ESC) has a sport mode, and it can also be deactivated entirely.

The Audi RS Q3 comes on the German market with standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Three versions of 20-inch wheels are offered as well. One of these is the exclusive 5 dual-spoke V design, which is based on the Audi RS Q3 concept car that was shown at the 2012 Auto China motor show.

In addition to its engine, the Audi RS Q3 also demonstrates its special status within the Q3 line-up with a number of visual highlights. RS-specific design details emphasize the confident look of the compact, high-performance SUV. They consist of body accents and roof rails in matt aluminum, special door sill plates and door trim strips, a high-gloss black honeycomb front grille, RS front bumper and quattro emblem in the front air intake. A large roof spoiler, rear bumper with distinctive diffuser insert, large elliptical tailpipe and an RS Q3 logo accentuate the rear. At a length of 4,410 mm (14.47 ft), the dynamic top model is 25 mm (0.98 in) longer than the Audi Q3. It weighs in at 1,730 kg (3814.00 lb).

The Audi RS Q3 can also be customized by one of two optional styling packages – matt aluminum or black. Styling features include the flaps in the side air intakes, the trim on the diffuser and the fins on the roof spoiler. The Audi RS Q3 is available in eight exterior colors, including the exclusive Sepang Blue pearl effect.

The sporty lines of the exterior are continued in the interior styling. The instrument cluster has gray gauges with white scales and red pointers. Contrasting stitching in rock gray trim the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with its flat bottom as well as the gear selector lever. The MMI and driver information system displays welcome the driver with the RS logo. Drivers can call up the boost pressure, oil temperature and a lap timer via the RS menu in the driver information system.

Along with the pedals, a foot support also shines in aluminum look, and the standard inlays are in piano finish black. quattro GmbH offers aluminum race or carbon as alternatives here. Black headlining is standard, and lunar silver headlining is optional.

Sport seats with embossed RS Q3 logos are also standard and are upholstered in black Alcantara/leather. Customers can also choose the optional Fine Nappa leather in black or lunar silver with contrasting stitching in rock gray or the design package with diamond stitching.

The cargo area has a base capacity of 356 liters (12.57 cubic ft), which can be increased to 1,261 liters (44.53 cubic ft) by folding down the split rear seat backs. A practical reversible loadliner is standard. Those wishing to transport even more cargo can order the towing bracket that is offered for the RS Q3.

Other standard features of the Audi RS Q3 include – in addition to the RS-specific driver information system – park assist plus, Audi sound system with ten loudspeakers, xenon plus headlights and LED tail lights. When they are not lit, the tail lights display a dark red tint.

In the infotainment area, a modular component system offers a wide range of options; at the top there is the hard-drive based navigation system, MMI Navigation plus. The surround sound system from Bose drives 14 loudspeakers with up to 465 watts of output power, while the Bluetooth car phone online together with WLAN hotspot connects the compact high-performance SUV with the Internet and brings the online services of Audi connect into the vehicle. Highly advanced driver assistance systems round out the options program.

In Germany, the base price is €54,600, and deliveries begin in fall 2013.

Images : AUDI RS Q3


[Source : AUDI]

FIAT 500L: TWO NEW ENGINES TO GROW EVEN MORE

Fiat 500L 1.6 MJT 105 CV

500L combines the iconic nature of the 500 style with traditional Fiat design functionality. The "City Lounge", as the car has been dubbed, is the result of a very special alchemy. It is a new city car concept that redefines the compact category for the modern family in an emotional vein by expanding on a few styling features of the 500 in unprecedented forms.

The model is reasserting its position as the first car for many families, and often the only car of choice of young families because it combines a number of apparently irreconcilable features all in one: the compact exterior size of a B segment car with the ample passenger room and the full equipment typical of a C segment model. All this comes at an accessible city-car price and with added-value you cannot find elsewhere: the distinctive personality of Fiat 500, the Italian design icon.

In brief, Fiat 500L has shown that growing is an opportunity not a limit. Today, the range is complemented and gets even bigger bringing the performance ratings of a C segment vehicle, too. Merit of the new 1.6 MultiJet II 105 HP turbo diesel engine and of the 0.9 TwinAir Turbo 105 HP petrol engine, two different expressions of how to deliver the same power.

Both turbo charged and technologically evolved, the two 105 HP engines provide answers to the needs of a broad, multifarious clientele with different inclinations, ages and daily use needs of their cars. More specifically, the 105 HP delivered by the 1.6 MultiJet II position 500L in the heart of the segment with an engine which is "efficient" but also fun to drive by offering the best of a diesel in terms of range and comfort and the brilliant performance of second generation MultiJet technology.

The 105 HP of the 0.9 TwinAir are different and ideal for customers who are concerned about reducing fuel consumption and emissions particularly in cities. In brief, this "aware and responsible" engine is particularly appreciated in countries where the ownership and use of high-emission cars are severely restricted and highly taxed. It is no wonder that emissions are so low that the engine complies with the European standards of 2020 already today.

Combined with a manual six-speed gearbox - C514 for 0.9 TwinAir Turbo and C635 1.6 MultiJet II - the two Fiat 500L engines carry the "cool & capable" concept also under the bonnet: both are smart for the technology they implement, for the different personality they impart to the vehicle and for their low running costs. At the same time, the engines are low on emissions and fuel consumption and generous on performance, securing real, quantifiable advantages to customers. 

The 105 HP TwinAir is already available and the orders are open for the 105 HP 1.6 MultiJet, which will be in Fiat showrooms in the major European markets as from the second half of March. The launch plan of the model across Europe will be completed in right-drive countries and will be started in North Africa by the end of the month.

C635 1.6 MultiJet II

The commercial range of Fiat 500L in Europe is growing together with its horsepower: indeed, the 100 and 120 HP range covers 25% of the total sales of the segment. A very interesting range which will certainly contribute to consolidating the excellent performance of the Fiat City Lounge which in only five months has totalled approximately 38,300 orders in Europe, over half of which outside Italy. Particularly in Italy, it is the best-selling medium sized car and ranks second among the diesels. What is more, even before the entire launch plan has been completed across Europe, Fiat 500L is the only model to be experiencing a constant rise in its segment in Europe, despite the difficult economy of the continent.

This is understandable because the new city lounge is the perfect expression of Fiat's anti-crisis recipe and a car which raises the bar in the segment: an icon of style, compact on the outside and roomy within, remarkably versatile, safe (as certified by five prestigious EuroNCAP stars), cost-effective to run and competitively priced. Thanks to these special features, the car was named "New Model of the Year 2013" by the readers of the Italian auto magazine Quattroruote ahead of the toughest German competitors.

Interestingly, 57% of 500L customers come from other brands and 61% from very different vehicles types among them: 37% from the B segment, 16% from the C segment and 8% from the A segment. This points to the fact that 500L is a trans-segment car that satisfies a large clientele with different inclinations, age and daily use needs of their cars. For instance, the functional features of the Fiat City Lounge appeal to the adult families, or empty nesters, who are most traditional customers of the higher segment models because they want functional, roomy and comfortable cars.

0.9 TwinAir Turbo

Similarly, the smiley, fun-loving look of the 500L appeals to a clientele which is much younger that the segment average, who like its sophisticated but easily accessible technological solutions and its contents which provide practical answers to the needs of daily mobility and rising environmental awareness. Incidentally, Fiat is the brand with the lowest average CO2 emissions of cars sold in Europe - only 118.2 g/km - for the fifth year running.

Finally, the new Fiat model is the first car of young families, the cool nesters. So, in line with the creative concept that "With the 500L, growing up is cool", the innovative Fiat City Lounge is growing to carry about the small pleasures and big emotions of life all together: children, friends, holidays, music and communities. So, the 500 family is following the changes in today's families and providing non-conventional answers to new lifestyles and new ways of being a family. 500L is a smart, generous model which also provides all-round protection as confirmed by the prestigious EuroNCAP 5-star rating with an overall score of 83/100, achieved 94% thanks to adult occupant protection, 78% thanks to child occupant protection, 65% thanks to pedestrian protection and 71% thanks to the driving assistance safety systems. Not least, the range has recently been complemented with the addition of the innovative City Brake Control active safety system which detects the presence of vehicles or obstacles in front of the car and automatically brakes if the driver fails to promptly intervene to avoid collisions.

Images : 2013 FIAT 500L
 


[Source : FIAT]