The all-new 2021 Audi RS3 Sportback was
spied fighting for grip at the Nurburgring and, in a couple of cases, kicking
its tail out a bit. Then again, that’s to be expected when you push a very
powerful hatch to its limits on the track. How powerful? Well, more than enough
to give the current mega-hatch king, the 415 HP Mercedes-AMG
A45 S, some serious competition.
Like the Merc, the new RS3 will be
available in two versions, standard and Performance. Likely powered by a
heavily updated version of the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, the
latter will reportedly have 444 HP available on tap. A drift
mode is rumored for this model, which will also feature the quattro all-wheel
drive system and a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Those who will not want to spend extra on
the RS3 Performance Sportback (name unconfirmed) can order the standard version
– well, as much as anyone can call a hot hatch with a rumored 414 HP and 500 Nm of torque standard. The same powertrains will be
used in the 2021 RS3 Sedan, which is the one that will launch in North America.
Elsewhere, look for a sporty body kit that
will draw a clear line between the RS3 and regular A3, as well as quad exhaust
pipes, sports seats, model-specific upholstery, RS badging and several other
extras. The RS3 Sportback should premiere before the end of the year, followed
shortly by the four-door body style.
