Audi RS7 and Q3 RS due in 2013 17 | 12 | 2012

AUDI'S APPARENTLY never-ending stream of new models will continue next year with the introduction of an RS7, plus its first high-performance SUV, the Q3 RS.

Though no specific details have been released, it's expected the RS7 will be shown at next month's Detroit Motor Show.

It's expected the car will mechanically identical to the RS6. Assuming that's the case, it'll be powered by a 552bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, with a top speed of 190mph, the same as the RS6 Avant.

Audi unleashes 190mph RS6 Avant

The RS7 will fill the gap left by Audi's decision not to build a saloon version of the RS6, which is only available as an estate.

Audi has already followed this route with the RS4/RS5 models, where there are estate and coupé versions but no saloon.

The Ingolstadt company has already shown a Q3 RS 'concept' at the Beijing Motor Show in April.

Expect the full production version — which is expected to be powered by the 355bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine already used in the TT RS — to be shown in Geneva in March.

Audi plans hardcore TT

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Jim McGill