The all-new Audi Q3 finally broke cover last month, but Motor1 has uncovered a mysterious patent image previewing a future variant of Audi’s luxurious crossover. Tellingly, the patent was filed to the European Union Intellectual Property Office on July 10 2018 and will remain valid for the next five years. Looking at the patent images, the model has some subtle design changes compared to the standard Q3. The larger air intakes on the front bumper are noticeably bigger and the lower grille has also been changed.
These changes most likely indicate we’re looking at the hotter SQ3 due to arrive in 2019. Coincidentally, our spies recently caught a prototype SQ3 undergoing testing, and the front fascia seems to match the design shown in the patent images. The side profile shows the Q3 riding on what looks like Audi’s rotor-styled alloy wheels with beefy front bakes. The back looks a little plain, but the prototype was fitted with Audi Sport’s signature quad exhaust tips commonly seen on S-badged models.
It’s unlikely we’re looking at the RS Q3, however, since the rear bumper doesn’t have cutouts for Audi’s RS-specific pair of oval exhaust tips. Chances are the range-topping model will also look more aggressive than the more subdued model shown in the patent images.
Obviously, there are no technical details available yet, but we’re expecting the SQ3 to adopt the S3’s 2.0-liter TFSI that pumps out 292 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, which would be a welcome upgrade over the top-trim Q3’s 230-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
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