Audi RS3 Sportback | Audi Announces the Most Powerful '3'!

Audi RS3 Sportback

The Most Powerful Sportback Ever: The RS3 is Here!

Audi has unveiled the Audi RS3 Sportback in its home country of Germany. Sales are scheduled to begin after the New Year.

By Dai Matsuo

The Legendary Inline-5 Engine Powers the RS3, Matching the TT RS

Audi has officially announced the "RS3 Sportback," a model whose arrival has been anticipated for several years. As the Audi A3 is rumored to undergo a model change within the next year, 2011, this car arrives as the ultimate "3" to cap off its era, boasting overwhelming performance.

As with all models bearing the "RS" designation, development was handled by quattro GmbH, Audi's racing division. The engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five, the same unit found in the TT RS. Using an 82.5mm bore block, it produces 250kW (340ps) at 5400-6500rpm and a maximum torque of 450Nm (45.9kgm) at 1600-5300rpm. Naturally, it employs the quattro all-wheel-drive system and is paired with a 7-speed S tronic transmission. This setup propels the 1575kg body from 0 to 100km/h in a mere 4.6 seconds – the exact same time as the TT RS, which uses the same engine but is 75kg lighter. The top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, a gentleman's agreement among German automakers.

Despite its high-performance nature, the RS3 also focuses on environmental efficiency, achieving an average fuel consumption of 9.1L/100km (approximately 11km/L) and emitting 212g/km of CO2. It's an engine that balances exhilarating performance, surpassing competitors in its class, with environmental consciousness.

To enhance handling, Audi engineers have fitted a reinforced aluminum sports suspension. The front features a McPherson strut setup, while the rear uses a four-link system. For superior braking power, the car is equipped with 370mm ventilated discs at the front and 310mm at the rear.

Sporty Exterior and Interior, True to Audi's Design DNA

The design is distinguished by a front bumper with large air intakes and a matte-finished grille. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) is used for the fender flares, roof spoiler, and diffuser, complemented by Xenon headlights. The side skirts and door mirrors, framed in aluminum, further enhance its signature Audi appearance. The ride height is lowered by 25mm, and it rides on 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

Inside, the driver is treated to leather sports seats upholstered in Fine Nappa with contrasting silver stitching, a detail sure to excite any enthusiast. Trim options include piano black or aluminum race, and the interior is further appointed with a flat-bottom steering wheel and a driver information system with a lap timer.

Set to go on sale early next year, the RS3 Sportback will be priced from €49,900 (approximately $57,000) in Germany.