Development of the new generation Audi RS3
continues, as the hot compact model was spied attacking the apexes on the
Nurburgring a few days ago in both Sportback (that’s hatchback) and Sedan body
styles. Like the prototype snapped by our man behind the camera earlier this
month, the five-door model had the front, sides and rear ends covered up by
vinyl wraps, hiding the new design that will visually set it apart from the
regular new-gen A3s.
Once the camo comes off though, the RS3
will reveal a more aggressively styled body kit, with wide fenders, new
bumpers, bespoke grille and roof-mounted spoiler. The twin oval exhausts will
be another signature feature, alongside large and model-specific wheels. The
front of the RS3 Sedan will look the same, while the rear will adorn the
four-door A3’s boot with a spoiler.
Inside, we’ll see body hugging front
sports seats, RS badges on the gearshift lever and steering wheel, specific
graphics for the digital dials and infotainment system and more exclusive
upholstery and trim. The 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine is
understood to soldier on, in an updated form, and should pump out around 420 PS and 500 Nm of torque, directed to the quattro
permanent all-wheel drive system through a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The top spec Performance variant is believed to bump the output to 450 PS.
While the RS3 Sportback will be kept away
from North America, the RS3 Sedan will make its way over here. Both models
should be unveiled before the end of the year.
