Audi is putting the final touches on the upcoming 2019 RS Q3, which is set to become not only the hottest version of its compact SUV but one of the most special crossovers in its price category.

The biggest highlight of the new RS Q3 will remain of course its turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine; Audi’s decision to retain one of the most pleasing powerplants available in the market today will certainly give the new RS Q3 a certain flair that can’t be matched by potential rivals.

We still don’t know for sure if Audi is going to extract more power out of its five-cylinder engine but all indications point at the same 394hp (400PS) and 354lb-ft (480Nm) output it makes under the bonnet of the existing RS3. Together with a dual-clutch transmission, the new RS Q3 will be one really fast SUV off the line. Previous models offered 362hp out of the same engine.

The latest spy shots reveal a test car that has lost most of its camo wrap, only keeping it in areas that will be model-exclusive, such as the more aggressive front end with its bigger air intakes, the wider fenders and fatter side sills and a rear end that features a diffuser, quad exhaust pipes and a subtle roof spoiler.

The bigger wheels and brakes are of course a necessity when you have near 400hp to play with. The chassis will naturally employ an adaptive suspension setup and the brand’s clever Quattro all-wheel drive system.

The interior will get the full RS treatment, meaning sportier seats as standard and body-hugging buckets as an option, contrast stitching, carbon and metal trim detailing and of course lots of RS logos scattered everywhere.

The new Q3’s interior already offers one of the most advanced infotainment solutions, so it’s no wonder that the RS Q3 will feature the top-of-the-line systems, which includes a digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment display.

Audi is expected to reveal the 2019 RS Q3 in early 2019, with some rumors talking about the Geneva Motor Show.

Image Credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops