AUDI Q3

Audi Q3 Jinlong Yufeng Unveiled: 2012 Beijing Auto  Show

Just the Facts:

• Audi is showing a special Q3 model dubbed Jinlong Yufeng.
• The name is Chinese for "Golden Dragon in the Wind."
• The Q3 Jinlong Yufeng joins the RS Q3 concept on the Audi stand at the Beijing auto show.

BEIJING — In addition to the new Audi RS Q3 concept, the German automaker arrived at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show this week with another Q3 model dubbed Jinlong Yufeng — Chinese for "Golden Dragon in the Wind." The production Q3 goes on sale in China later this year.

To underscore its potential use as a recreational and leisure vehicle, the Q3 Jinlong Yufeng features a pair of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer kiteboards on its roof, as well as a flat outdoor pouch that can be used to stow wet beach articles or as a sun umbrella or cargo floor liner.

The Q3 Jinlong Yufeng is painted Liuli Yellow, with add-on body bits painted matte quartz. The vehicle has brushed stainless-steel running boards, flared wheel arches, an aluminum underbody guard and an LED lightbar in the roof rail.

The cockpit is finished in black, gray and yellow, with Alcantara and napa leather employed on the headliner and instrument panel, respectively. Highlights include seats made of woven leather with yellow piping and contrasting seams, decorative inlays made of stainless-steel mesh and aluminum accents throughout the cabin. Pedals are stainless steel with rubber caps.

Audi has fitted a turbocharged 306-horsepower 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed S tronic gearbox with paddle shifters. The car accelerates from zero to 60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph.

The Q3 Jinlong Yufeng rides on 255/45R20 tires and polished and painted 20-inch alloy rims. Audi has lowered ride height by 1.2 inches and widened the track by 1.6 inches.

Inside Line says: With special "themed" models like the Q3 Jinlong Yufeng, Audi continues to secure its favored position in the premium market in China.