Audi unveils Q3 Vail Concept 10 | 01 | 2012

WHILE WE CAN'T promise something similar will come to the UK, Audi has taken the wraps off its Audi Q3 SUV Vail concept.

Aimed specifically at the US market, the Vail is intended to whet the appetite of American buyers ahead of the launch of the Q3 later this year. Which is something of a pity, because we've no doubts it would certainly look the part carving its way through the snow in the Highlands.

And as you might surmise, the new concept boasts some significant changes from the European production model.

The Q3 Vail is 40mm wider and 30mm higher than the production Q3 model. With a winter sports theme at its heart, the Vail also features flared arches, roof bars with integrated wide-angled LED lights, and 20in alloys fitted with off-road tyres.

Power comes from Audi's familiar 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Diven by a seven-speed S-tronic transmission, the Vail delivers 310bhp and 295lb/ft of torque.

See more official photos of the Audi Q3 Vail

Audi claims the car will cover the 0-62mph sprint in 5.5sec, and is capable of a top speed of 163mph.

The Vail concept (the name of which is inspired by a Colorado mountain resort) also gets a diffuser-integrated exhaust system, ‘Energy Red’ paintwork and a single-frame aluminium grille.

Standard figments inside include induction chargeable lights, induction warmed drinks flasks and heated cushions. Just for good measure, there's also black, ribbed floor mats, special leather upholstery — thin strips of leather are interwoven with yarn — and a Nappa leather instrument panel, with aluminium inlays.

The winter sports theme is completed with a charging station in the Q3 Vail's boot, as well as a heated load floor mat, ‘which provides a warm area to sit on when putting on or taking off your ski boots,’ according to Audi.

Read our roadtest of the 2012 Audi A4

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Jim McGill