When Audi unveiled the TT-RS 420 Concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, it took everyone by surprise, especially those who were expecting yet another evolution of the glorious five-cylinder in the previous generation of the model.
It was powered by a two-liter four-cylinder derived from the EA888 engine that sits in various forms under the hoods of the current Audi S3, VW Golf R and Seat Leon Cupra. In other words, the TT-RS 420 Concept made everyone believe that both the upcoming Audi TT-RS and RS3 production models will feature a variant of the EA888 instead of the old five-cylinder that everyone loves.
Well, if we are to base our opinion about this subject on the exhaust notes heard from the following pre-production prototype, fans of the CEPA 2.5-liter five-pot should rest assured.
As you can hear for yourself in the video, which was apparently shot by the peeps at TouriClips on the 24th of June, the upcoming Audi RS3 will most definitely have more than four-cylinders, with the 2.5-liter tuned to deliver at least the same output as the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG.
Some sources indicate either 367 hp or 380 hp – both of which should be enough to give some headaches to the boys and girls from Affalterbach. Expect more information about the new Audi RS3 8V in the upcoming months, as we are nearing its unveil date at the 2014 edition of the Paris Motor Show.
By Alex Oagana