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2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring

While the hot hatch has been around for almost half a century, the hyper hatch is a relatively new concept. Here's the next generation of the car that some say started it all, the Audi RS3 Sportback.
2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring 19 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring2022 Audi RS3 Spied Testing at the Nurburgring
While some think of the A45  AMG as the first of its kind, about three years before its arrival, Audi made its first RS3. And that decade-old formula is still used today. To make the RS3 version of an A3, you massively upgrade the drivetrain, install a 2.5-liter turbo engine and fit the boldest body kit possible.

This 2022 model represents the third generation, though it's only the second that will be available in America. And even though it has recently been spotted testing at the Nurburgring track in Germany, it's probably a year or more away from being revealed.

Even so, we're willing to bet big money that the engine powering the beast is still a 2.5-liter turbo. Audi likes to make steady updates, and reports have indicated outputs increased to 414 or 444 hp. The latter would put the RS3 right up against the bigger and likely more expensive RS5 coupe and Sportback.

Styling is also worth talking about. Audi has really knocked it out of the park with the RS6 Avant this year, and it appears its baby brother has an almost identical look. The grille and side intakes are noticeably more aggressive than on the regular A3 models. Also, the prototype boasts fender flares, chunky side skirts a large diffuser at the back, as well as added aero over the trunk.

A car like this is usually defined by its tech and optional features, and we're curious to see what Audi is going to offer. The quattro AWD system is something that may be improved at cost, allowing the RS3 to be more playful. Also, carbon-ceramic brakes are bound to be on the options list.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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