AUDI is ramping up its RS performance range with the arrival of a new RS Q3 compact crossover and RS 7 Sportback executive model.

It means that from early next year the German manufacturer's RS line-up will comprise eight models in six body styles - and a combined 3,500PS of punch.

The new RS Q3 - the first Audi sports utility vehicle to wear the RS badge - will cost £43,000 while the RS 7 Sportback is priced at £83,495.

The former is powered by a 2.5-litre TFSI petrol engine linked exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.

Producing 310PS , it gives a distinctive five-cylinder rasp in powering the crossover from 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed electronically limited to 155mph.

A standard Start-Stop-System and a regulated oil pump that only supplies lubricant when needed contribute to fuel economy that sets a new precedent for an RS model - up to 32.1mpg.

Audi drive select system, which offers auto, comfort and dynamic modes, is standard along with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and there are 20-inch alloy wheels.

RS-specific body details include a high-gloss black honeycomb front grille and RS bumpers, a special front treatment including a quattro emblem in the air intake and a rear diffuser insert flanked by elliptical tailpipes.

A roof spoiler, roof rails in matt aluminium and special door sill plates and door trim strips are also included.

In the case of the RS 7 Sportback, Audi is using the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from the fiery RS 6 Avant to give the newcomer the same 0-62mph acceleration potential of 3.9 seconds and a governed top speed of 155mph.

But customers with Autobahn aspirations can increase that maximum to 174mph by specifying the optional Dynamic package and boost it even further with Dynamic plus, which pushes the top speed to 189mph.

Thanks partly to an engine start-stop system and thermal management technology, but primarily to the new engine's cylinder on demand set-up, it can manage a Combined 28.8mpg.

The powerplant is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission offering Sport and Manual modes in addition to the standard Drive setting and includes paddles on the steering wheel for manual shifts or the RS-specific selector lever.

Adaptive air suspension with RS-specific settings works with the quattro system, the specially tuned set-up lowering the body by 20mms and as an alternative, sports suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control is available as an option.

Inside, RS logos appear in the dials with their white faces and red needles, on the flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and are punched into the front RS sports seats with honeycomb-quilted leather upholstery.

The RS 7 also features standard kit like adaptive cruise control, night vision, a Bang & Olufsen advanced 15-speaker sound system with 1,200 watts of power and mobile phone preparation bringing web-based services to the car.