Audi spends a field day at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. In addition to opening the next-generation Audi Q5 crossover, Ingolstadt also introduced the new Audi RS3 to the party. Except that we did not like the Audi RS3 Sportback and want us to get here to America.
Rumors about the new RS3 model began to spread quite a while. The car was teased a few months ago during private viewing, but before that, the RS3 was only available as a Sportback hatch. Now, this is getting into the sedan.
What is it?
This update is in the middle of a hot Audi RS3 cycle, but also the appearance of the all-new RS3 sedan, and it comes with a whopping 400 horsepower. The RS3 is also the first compact RS sedan in the world.
It may be a child model of the Audi RS, but its characteristics should not be underestimated, as the Sportback received a particularly positive press. I mean, why not, this is an Audi RS model.
Like the Audi RS3 Sportback, on which it is modeled, this procedure applies to the sedan. This means that all upgrades with suspension, steering and chassis are included. For example, the axle track is wider than the traditional A3 sedan to improve handling and stability at high speeds. The front calipers with eight pistons help to reduce these high speeds – yes, you read that right, the calipers with eight pistons – with carbon-ceramic brakes. The back gets traditional brakes.
What else is there to know about it?
The RS3 comes standard with Audi’s mode selection system, which changes various vehicle parameters depending on performance. For example, you can adjust the response of the steering, transmission, throttle and engine. The mode also changes the operation of the active exhaust, allowing more noise for fun times and less for more mundane moments.
Like all Audis, the new RS3 sedan is well equipped with many luxurious amenities that accompany its high price. Audi’s latest multimedia infotainment system MMI is standard with the latest applications.
What’s it powered by?
Oh yes, more interesting things. The Audi RS3 Sedan gets the same 2.5-liter turbocharged TFSI engine as the Sportback and TT-RS. Only it was slightly redesigned and an additional 33 horses were made from a 33-cylinder forced-feed engine. The result is an amazing 400 horsepower. and 354 lb-ft of torque, making the 2018 Audi RS3 Sedan a 4.1-second car at 62 mph. Top speed is usually limited to 155 mph.
The changes come from a revised intake manifold, a new direct fuel injection with two injectors, a 57.3 lb lightweight crankcase and more aggressive control of valve lift changes.
The RS3 only comes with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.
When will it go on sale, and for how much?
As a rule, in Europe, domestic automakers are the first to launch new models. But this time, Audi will focus on the Chinese market to launch the RS3 first. Later it will go on sale in Europe and, possibly, in America by the summer of 2017. Prices will be announced closer to launch.
-Jack Wilson