Audi To Silence Critics Once And For All With New RS3 Hatchback

This is our first look at Audi's new RS3, which has been spotted testing ahead of an expected year-end launch.

Based on the five-door A3 Sportback, Audi has previously confirmed the new RS3 would get more power than the previous model, which ran the same 2.5-litre forced-induction engine as the TT RS. That engine had 335bhp available, a figure which Audi claimed was unmatched in the hot hatchback market at the time.

This new model is likely to run the same powertrain, although with modifications to improve its output to somewhere near the TT RS Plus' 355bhp. An engine upgrade should allow the new RS3 to improve on the previous car's 0-62mph time of 4.6sec, something also helped by this car sitting on Volkswagen Group's lightweight MQB platform. A fifth-generation Haldex four-wheel drive system should also be fitted, alongside Audi's S-tronic transmission.

 

cidflekken - 4/23/2014 5:51:18 PM

+4 Boost

Just curious, how is this going to silence critics?

Car4Life - 4/23/2014 7:02:44 PM

+2 Boost

Ooooh this may be awkwad for Audi, but the A45/CLA45 AMG already make 355hp...but ok

Terry989 - 4/23/2014 8:45:57 PM

+3 Boost

What - - - a sports version with no manual transmission option? Sorry, Audi, you will need to try harder.

Dexter1 - 4/24/2014 11:58:17 AM

+5 Boost

Why does Audi even bother with camouflage? They all look the same, so it's not like the unveiling will be a surprise to anyone.

MorePower - 4/24/2014 6:44:44 PM

+1 Boost

The only way Audi can silence the critics will be if:

- It has more power than the Golf R concept VW that got a green light
- Audi tunes out the understeer that has plagued previous models
- Audi brings it to market at a "reasonable" price
- Audi includes a manual option even if the DSG is faster
- Give the AWD rear bias
- Also brings the S4/RS4 Avant and S6/RS6 Avant to the U.S.A. market

MorePower - 4/24/2014 6:45:55 PM

+1 Boost

P.s.

I know of a little group of bloggers/podcasters that would also like the inclusion of multiple USB ports. I would suggest something over 2.1 Amps per port.

ricks0me - 4/24/2014 7:25:34 PM

+1 Boost

I am silenced. I put duct tape over my mouth. If this was a Jap or US car, you would not say the critics are silenced.

willyjp - 4/24/2014 7:32:15 PM

+1 Boost

Don't get too stirred up by the artificial "rivalry" between the RS3 and the GolfR. Same car. Different set of choices from the same parts bins according to what the marketing engineers think will stir up the boy racers the most!
It's called, BADGE ENGINEERING and it's done by serious sales people not serious engineers!

Comparing it with an MB/AMG or BMW/M product, well now that's a valid discussion.