Audi Halts Production Of RS3 Sportback And Sedan, Issues Stop-Sale Due To WLTP

Audi has been forced to temporarily pull the plug on the RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan, due to the implementation of the new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).

The information was confirmed to us by an Audi representative, responsible for the R and RS models, who also revealed that the two cars are no longer on sale in Europe and other markets.

“The Audi RS3 Sportback and Sedan models are currently unavailable to order in Europe and other markets due to the implementation of the new WLTP standards. We anticipate that the RS3 production will resume in early 2019”, added the official, revealing that the company is “working hard to minimize the number of models affected and gaps in the model range.”

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It’s too soon to tell what the fix will be, or better said, whether Audi will have to de-tune the turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that powers the RS3 Sportback and Sedan to make it comply with the new emissions regulations. The unit currently makes 400 PS (395 hp / 295 kW) and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque, and helps the RS3s hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds, and a top speed electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph).

Volkswagen already took care of the Golf R earlier this summer, making it 10 PS (10 hp / 7 kW) less powerful by fitting a new exhaust system that cuts down on CO2 emissions. Thus, the four-wheel drive hot hatch now complies with the WLTP requirements and has to make do with only 300 PS (296 hp / 221 kW).

The German carmaker also discontinued the entry-level Golf GTI for the same reasons, and sister brand SEAT revised the Leon Cupra, making it 10 PS (10 hp / 7 kW) less powerful.