The 400-horsepower Audi RS Q3 will not be introduced in the United States.
Last September, Audi unveiled the redesigned RS Q3 along with the new RS Q3 Sportback.
At that launch, there were hopes that the RS Q3 would be launched in the United States. The RS Q3 Sportback was always going to be a no-show, as the regular Q3 Sportback is not sold in the US.
Audi USA spokesman Mark Dahnke now tells Motor Authority that the RS Q3 will not be sold here either.
That's a shame, considering the performance on tap. Under the hood, the RS Q3 will be powered by the same 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 5-cylinder that powers the RS 3 and TT RS, with 400 hp and 354 hp of torque.
This engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel drive system that allows the RS Q3 to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds. The top speed is 155 mph, but it increases to 174 mph when the Performance Pack is selected.
While the RS Q3 skips the US, local buyers looking for a high-performance crossover can look forward to Mercedes-AMG's new GLA45 and GLB45 models. These will debut this year and will be available as 2021 models.
