Audi Plans To Take On Ford's Focus RS With The 335hp RS3

Audi is aiming to take Europe’s hot hatch ranks by storm with a new twin-turbo 2.5-litre, five-cylinder RS3 performance model.

Set for launch towards the end of 2012, this rendered image shows the new four-wheel-drive hatchback, which forms part of a wider range of models based on the next A3, due in early 2011.


2009 BimmerFest Photo Gallery

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Photo Gallery

If you want to see your photos running on our homepage photo ticker, be sure to upload your photos on the go by sending them to Mobile@AutoSpies.com

There are photos and then there are AutoSpies.com photos!

AutoSpies.com is ranked number one on Google search for auto shows

AlexTx - 5/6/2009 10:53:18 AM

0 Boost

Hot damn!!
God I hope it will look close to that.....
That's pure sex right there!!

fatandsassy - 5/6/2009 11:18:30 AM

+3 Boost

Love the new front grill with the fast headlights. Looks like WARP speed standing still

B7FAN - 5/6/2009 11:48:06 AM

+3 Boost

love the whole package nice job the Mini's might have to get their weight up

Spectator - 5/6/2009 12:26:29 PM

0 Boost

Front looks nice. Rear quarterpanels look like they have been phoned in however.

dhkss2002 - 5/6/2009 12:43:01 PM

+1 Boost

So this thing will be launched at the end of 2012, essentially 2013? I think the game would have moved on by then. Funny how it's being compared to cars that are currently available.

Agent009 - 5/6/2009 12:56:02 PM

+1 Boost

and just what would you compare it too?

dhkss2002 - 5/6/2009 1:25:42 PM

+1 Boost

Too? If you read the article it states that the RS3 promises to provide a serious challenge to the rapid 135 coupe.

holmstar - 5/6/2009 2:08:17 PM

+1 Boost

Not trying to start anything here... just genuinely curious. Is this built on the same platform as the golf r32? They seem to be similarly sized and both are awd.

monkeyrun - 5/6/2009 3:30:41 PM

+1 Boost

hmm .. didn't Golf already dominate "Europe's hot hatch rank"?

Whelan - 5/6/2009 3:53:09 PM

+1 Boost

So how much more is this going to cost over the Ford Focus. Your economy go-fast hatch against a luxury hatch? Where did I miss all the brands in the middle, and why isn't Audi worrying more about BMW and Mercedes.

It's like a BMW being compared to a Mitsubishi Evo. Regardless of the price I would never cross-shop a Mitsu with a BMW (BMW 135 vs. Evo) regardless of how fast the economy car was.

LexSucks - 5/6/2009 4:42:16 PM

0 Boost

I crossed shopped between the 135 (i'm a former 330i owner)and the Evo X MR. I picked the Evo and never looked back. The Evo detroys the 135/335 around the track. And my MR rides smoothly and is very quiet. No rattles either. I love the car. Forget BMW!

Whelan - 5/6/2009 3:54:08 PM

+1 Boost

Next we could compare my 2005 Matrix booked at about 10k against a 1995 BMW 3-series that is comparably priced according to KBB.

LexSucks - 5/6/2009 4:27:25 PM

0 Boost

How can Audi go after the Focus RS when the Audi will cost at least $10,000 more than the ford? The Ford Focus RS offers supercar performance at a price that most people can afford. The Audi will offer super car performance for sure. But at a very high price. Audi doesn't build affordable performance cars, so how can they compete against one?

LexSucks - 5/6/2009 5:13:30 PM

+1 Boost

If you are going to deboost me at least provide a counterpoint. Or is it my screen-name that you don't like? LOL!!

LexSucks - 5/6/2009 4:35:18 PM

-1 Boost

And as for BMW 135 comparisons? Audi will never offer 135 level performance at BMW135 prices. The current Audis that perform on the 135's level costs over $15,000 more than the 135. If you want an Audi that performs at BMW levels, expect to pay a premium over the BMW for the Audi. Audis are overpriced.

PPower - 5/7/2009 11:51:42 AM

+1 Boost

The Focus RS is close, but it is more of a competitor to the upcoming Volvo C30R (Focus RS w/ AWD & more upscale), but the said 1 series hatchback is a given as well. By 2013, the 1 series will be using turbo 4 cylinders and will probably offer a 300hp hatch at least in Europe where these others will be sold.

PPower - 5/7/2009 11:54:49 AM

+1 Boost

The Focus is a Volvo engine. The VW is related to the V10 used in Lamborghini IIRC.

Eyecarehawaii - 5/10/2009 4:39:04 AM

+1 Boost

If you want a Ford, buy a Ford.
If you want an Audi, buy an Audi.
If you want a BMW, buy a BMW.
etc., etc..