New Audi RS Q3 Looks Aggressive Attacking The Nurburgring

Reports suggest the new Audi RS Q3 will have 400 horses to play with.

Audi recently lifted the wraps off the all-new 2019 Q3 SUV, but recent spy shots and leaked patent images prove that faster variants are already being cooked up. In our last glimpse of the hotter Q3 lapping the Nurburgring, it wasn’t clear if we were looking at a prototype of the new SQ3 or the hardcore Q3 RS. In this case, however, our spies have clearly caught an updated RS Q3 prototype being put through its paces at the Green Hell.

Several aggressive design elements indicate that this is the range-topping crossover. At the back are oval exhaust pipes that are a staple of Audi RS models, as well as a large rear spoiler and a reshaped rear bumper incorporating a small diffuser between the exhaust pipes.

Elsewhere, the updated front bumper also has bigger air intakes to help the performance SUV breathe easier and the grille has a new pattern seen on other RS models. The SUV's beefier brakes with ceramic discs and what looks like six-piston calipers is another obvious giveaway this isn't a regular Audi Q3.

Under the hood, reports suggest the new RS Q3 will be powered by the same 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine found in the RS3 and TT RS tuned to deliver around 400 hp. And unlike the last model, it will reportedly be sold in the US. We’ll probably be waiting for a while for it to arrive, however, since the base Q3 won’t be going on sale in the US until next year, despite arriving in European dealerships this November. That means the performance-focused RS Q3 probably won’t be available until late 2019 in the US. The SQ3 is also due to arrive sometime in 2019, which will most likely adopt the S3’s 2.0-liter TFSI that pumps out 292 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

Aston Martin Rapide AMR Spied Attacking The Nurburgring

This is our first look at the production version of the Aston Martin Rapide AMR after the concept was unveiled last year.

At last year’s Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin announced its new AMR (Aston Martin Racing) sub-brand offering racier versions of existing models. At the time, the automaker unveiled concept versions of the Rapide AMR and the more hardcore, track-focused Vantage AMR Pro. The Valkyrie hypercar will also be getting the hardcore AMR Pro treatment. Since its reveal, however, news on the Rapide AMR has been slim – until now. Our spy photographers have caught a prototype of the hot four-door supercar attacking the Nurburgring.

Seeing the Rapide AMR at the Green Hell isn’t surprising, since Aston Martin Racing’s European development center is based at the iconic racetrack. After the concept version was shown last year, the spy shots provide us with a first preview of the upcoming production version. It looks to be be largely unchanged from the concept, retaining the same front apron. It also sports new side skirts, an aggressive rear diffuser, and a lip spoiler on the trunk lid. Standard Rapide wheels have been fitted to the prototype, but the final car will ride on 21-inch wheels. The prototype is clearly still a work in progress, as the car is missing its new AMR honeycomb grille quad-exhaust.

Don’t think that Aston Martin is adding a sportier body kit and calling it a day, however. Every AMR model will benefit from performance upgrades, too. Aston Martin is hailing the Rapide AMR as the “world’s fastest and most thrilling four-door” that will be capable of hitting 210 mph. The standard Rapide S is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 producing 552 horsepower, so the output will probably increase to around 600 horses in the hotter AMR version. Production will be limited to just 210 examples. No doubt Aston Martin will reveal more information about the Rapide AMR in the next few months before it arrives later this year.