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Audi RS Q3 concept brings 360-hp mini SUV to Beijing: Motoramic Dash

Audi RS Q3 concept
Audi RS Q3 concept

Welcome to the Motoramic Dash, a quick read of the top automotive stories of the morning:

Audi's march to surpass BMW and Mercedes-Benz as the world's largest builder of luxury cars continues with this concept for next week's Beijing Auto Show, the RS Q3, a 360-hp hot hatch. It says something about the world's priorities that the fantastic Quattro concept can't be built, but this small SUV with the same engine can.

Audi has committed to bringing the Q3 stateside in 2014, and since most Audi models come with a performance variant, the idea of a hotted-up five-door crossover isn't that surprising. With the turbocharged five-cylinder engine, the RS Q3 could hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of more than 160 mph -- pure sports car territory. Some concepts show where the auto industry might go; with the RS Q3, Audi's showing us where it's already made up its mind to do.

Other stories this morning: