autoevolution
 

Spyshots: Audi RS3

Audi RS3 SpyshotsAudi RS3 SpyshotsAudi RS3 SpyshotsAudi RS3 SpyshotsAudi RS3 Spyshots
The hot hatch segment is now boiling with high performance compact vehicles. In fact, the go-fast compact have become so powerful that they threaten proper sports cars with their performance.And it looks like the niche is about to get a new king. We are talking about the upcoming Audi RS3, a vehicle that is aimed at placing the German premium brand at the top of the road-blitzing compact segment.

The vehicle was caught by our spy photographers during a Nurburgring test session, with the five door version of the car wearing an RS-style front fascia (translation: specific shape and size of air intakes as well as typical grille). The car also rode closer to the track and features a set of massive brakes, both for the front and rear axle.

However, Audi has tried to convince everyone that the car was nothing more than a simple S3, as the car was fitted with a single-body twin tailpipe and was wearing an “S3” badge on the front grille.

As this is the first time when the A3 enters the RS range, Audi’s Quattro division wanted to make sure that the entry is a glorious one. Thus, the vehicle is expected to borrow the TT-RS’ 2.5 liter five cylinder turbocharged engine developing up to 340 hp and a maximum torque of up to 450 Nm. The engine, together with the car’s Quattro all wheel drive system should offer the RS3 performance figures similar to those of the RS, as the two cars should have about the same weight.

That means 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 288 km/h (179 mph). Did you hear that upcoming Astra OPC ?

PS: We know, different everything (segments, prices, etc), but still we can't help saying that the RS3 will be a Porsche 911 Carrera canibal.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Andrei Tutu
Andrei Tutu profile photo

In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories