Despite the new Audi RS3 Sedan having been leaked in a presentation back in February, this marks the first time we’re able to see it in daylight, surrounded by the straights and corners of the Nurburgring.
Since performance is what this car is all about, you’ll be happy to know that the new RS3 Sedan will be using Audi’s brand new 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, found in the latest-gen TT RS. This means peak power and torque figures should be roughly identical with the latter’s, rated at 400 PS (395 HP) and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque.
The TT RS also comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with paddle shifts (no manual option), a configuration that should make its way to the RS3 Sedan as well, helping it get from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a rumored 4 seconds flat.
In terms of looks, we know to expect a more aggressive front bumper with larger air intakes, side sills, a rear spoiler, diffuser and two oval exhaust tips, not unlike those found on the current RS3 hatchback.
As for availability, it’s already been confirmed that the RS3 Sedan will be arriving in the US, which isn’t really all that surprising seen as how Audi had been selling the A3/S3 Sedan as well as the A3 Cabrio for a while here – where the A3 hatchback (Sportback) is only available in e-tron form.
Once out, the new Audi RS3 Sedan will join the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 as the only two compact premium sports-sedans in the world, as BMW has yet to mirror any of these models.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
PHOTO GALLERY
