So, yeah, Audi is launching an über A3 in the type of the new RS3 Sportback. Powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder engine, it pays respect to Audi’s proud history of 5-cylinder Quattro rally automobiles.
We loved the earlier-generation RS3 hatch, and this one particular promises to be even greater. Energy rises from 340 to 367 horsepower, and maximum torque is rated at 343 lb-ft and offered from 1625 to 5550 rpm. The energy is channeled to all 4 wheels by way of a 6-speed “wet” dual-clutch automatic a manual transmission, disappointingly, is not offered. Zero to 62 mph is said to take 4.3 seconds, and best speed is governed at either 155 mph or—if you spend for it—174 mph. That latter figure is higher than in the compact Mercedes-Benz CLA45 and GLA45 AMG models.
The engine will exhale by means of an active exhaust that can open post-muffler flaps for a fuller sound based on load and engine speed. The 5-pot utilizes an iron block, is hand-assembled by a team in Györ, Hungary, and has max increase pressure of 18.9 psi. The compression ratio stands at 8.:1.
In a segment initial, Audi will offer you carbon-ceramic brakes up front, where they’ll be pinched by 8-piston calipers, and Audi has calibrated the Quattro all-wheel drive program for more tail-satisfied dynamics. As the earlier car was a bit challenging to rotate midcorner, this is a welcome shift. A brake-based torque-vectoring system is present and can act on either the front or the rear axle, even though the suspension has been beefed up and has its personal aluminum steering knuckles.
The 19-inch wheels—available in aluminum, matte gray, or glossy black—are wrapped in 235/35 rubber as standard as an selection, extrawide 255/30s are accessible for the front wheels. The stability-control application incorporates a Sport mode and can be totally defeated. Finally, if Audi’s weight figures are to be believed, the 3350-pound curb weight is down by some 120 pounds versus the last automobile. Credit the VW Group’s modular MQB architecture, which underpins the vehicle.
The huge intakes up front feed much more air to both the engine and transmission coolers, and the vehicle also sports wider fender flares, new sill extensions, a hatchback spoiler, aluminum-appear mirror caps, and a pair of exhaust cannons out back (the last 2 items are RS trademarks). Inside are a set of aggressive sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in leather and faux suede, and faux-suede-trimmed door panels. In Europe at least, buyers can upgrade the seats to carbon-shelled versions, though the reality that they have integrated side airbags offers us hope that they could be presented in America.
But we’d have to obtain confirmation of the car itself 1st. Audi is nonetheless contemplating whether or not to supply an RS3 in the U.S., but if it did come here, it would be in the kind of a 4-door sedan (see our rendering here) and not as a 5-door hatchback. Sedan or hatch, we like. And we want.
Hot Hatch or Hottest Hatch? Audi RS3 Debuts Packing 367 Horsepower
