Audi Q3 Vail

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.

Maybe calling it the Audi Q3 Ski Bunny didn't properly relay the right image for Detroit, but the German car maker is hitting the US ski slopes fast.

Audi unveiled the Q3 Vail (it's a posh US ski resort) at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, packing a 231kW wallop and aimed at young winter-sports fans.

The Audi Q3 Vail's decorated engine bay features a 2.5-litre five-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged engine borrowed from the TT RS (with red-wrinkle finish paintwork, numbered cylinders and a carbon-fibre engine cover) producing 231kW and 400Nm of torque.

The Vail puts that power to ground via a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic to all four wheels, achieving a claimed sprint to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 262km/h - quick enough to give the Audi TTS sports coupe a fright off the line.

Audi spokesman Shaun Cleary says the Vail edition is a concept car but the five-cylinder turbo seven-speed auto drivetrain will make it into the Q3 line-up.

"The Vail is only a concept but I think it is out there to see what the market says about it - nothing more than that has been confirmed. The engine and transmission is planned for the Q3 - but there's no timeframe on that," he says.

Sitting 30mm taller and on a wider track, the Q3 Vail is draped in a red hue with gold flecks, with plenty of aluminium trim highlights, underbody protection, big air intakes, LED lighting and 20in alloy wheels wrapped in 45-profile tyres.

A sports interior of grey, black and red Nappa leather and alcantara, with contrasting double-stitching, with alloy-trimmed instruments.

The boot has a charging station for LED torches, or keeping drinks warm or cool - the torches even have an infra-red heating element for warming your hands or boots. The loadspace also has a boot floor mat that has built-in heated seat cushions - the mat protects the load lip and the warm cushions give skiers a comfortable spot to sit when removing skis and boots.