Detroit, Michigan: North American International Auto Show.
Audi unveils their new winter sports themed Quattro, 314 HP Q3 Vail at the NAIAS, named for the tony, skiing area in Colorado. Designed to show-off potential variations for the company’s SUV line, the Vail is a skiers’ delight. There are themed touches throughout, such as the special edition Energy Red paint scheme as well as flared wheel arches and running boards. Additionally, the roof rails are specially designed to carry skis or snow boards.
Inside the Q3 Vail, an innovative leather/fabric material is used for the upholstery, consisting of thin strips of leather just a few tenths of a millimeter wide, which are interwoven with yarn. The upholstery features piping with double seams; like the contrasting stitching, the piping is red. The entire instrument panel in the themed vehicle is trimmed in black Nappa leather. Contrasting stitching in titanium gray is an elegant highlight. In some parts of the interior the trims are in high-gloss black – the display and control elements on top of them appear to float.
Lets look inside! The interior of the Audi Q3 Vail includes two thoughtful and practical items for winter sports fans. The side wall of the trunk houses a charging station. It can be used for storing flashlights and charging them inductively at the same time. The same technology is used for the Thermos bottle, which is located in the front seats cup holder and is able to chill or warm drinks. Both have LED’s that show the current charge level. Additionally to LED lighting, the flashlights incorporate an infra-red heating element that can be used for warming your hands or a pair of ski boots. Another intelligent solution in the Q3 Vail, is the trunk mat, which has integrated heated seat cushions. The mat can be folded out and laid over the loading lip. This protects the trunk edge while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded, with the added benefit of also providing a warm area to sit on when putting on or taking off ski boots. Small LED spotlights on the inside of the tailgate provide light. The Audi Q3 Vail, its a skier’s delight!
Engine: 2.5 Liter, 5 cylinder, turbocharged with 314 HP
Performance: Zero to 62 MPH in 5.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 162 MPH.
