Audi Q3 Vail at 2012 North American International Auto Show
Audi chose the North American International Auto Show in Detroit to release their latest compact SUV, the Q3 Vail. The model was first shown during the prestigious American auto event held this January from the 14th to the 21st. The concept behind the Q3 is one of winter sports, and the vehicle is aimed at a young demographic who enjoy taking to the slopes during their spare time - so the theme is one of energy and fun, but the car also recognises its duty to provide a haven from the elements and the capacity to traverse challenging terrain.
Eyecatching Design
The first thing you notice about the Q3 Vail is the colour. Developed specially for the Q3 Vail, its a vibrant scarlet hue called 'Energy Red' and sets the scene well for this SUV. The compact shell design further embellishes the playtime look and the overall effect is one of a tough little vehicle with a spring in its step. Continuing with the winter sports theme, the car is equipped with a modified roof rack crafted specially for storing skis or snowboards and 255/24 section off-road tyres designed for making short work of treacherous winter driving conditions. The Q3 Vail's interior is a deep black, and provides a sharp contrast to the bright exterior. The seats are made from a carefully chosen material to be hard wearing and take punishment gracefully. Taken in all, the look of the vehicle seems to shout 'fun' at you.
All Terrain Engineering
The power behind the Audi Q3 Vail is provided by the a 2.5 litre five-cylinder direct injection, turbo charged, TFSI engine which can deliver 314 PS, and a torque of 400 Nm. The power of this engine is routed to Audi's Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system by a seven speed S tronic transmission. This setup certainly delivers, with the Q3 Vail boasting a top speed of 163 mph and the ability to hit 62 mph from zero in just 5.5 seconds. Taking into consideration the conditions the Q3 Vail is expected to encounter, Audi have placed a carbon fiber panel over the engine and taken steps to ensure the air filter doesn't get blocked with dust.
Winter Sports
A number of features have been built into the Q3 Vail designed to assist the winter sports fan, including: heated seat cushions that ensure a warm reception from the coldest of adventures; a specially designed thermos bottle attachment replacing the cup holder, with the ability to warm or chill beverages; a charging station built into the boot for enabling both the storage and charging of torches, with an LED display giving the level of charge (and thesetorches can be equipped with infra-red heating elements and double as warmers for ski boots or gloves).
Taken in its entirety, the Q3 Vail is the only serious choice for winter sports fans, but the vehicle seems so much fun that we seriously doubt it will only be alpine adventureres who decide to pick one up!