Tuesday 17th March 2009

Audi RS3 Could Get TT-RS Five Pot

340hp five-cylinder 'under consideration' for RS3

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Audi is considering putting the turbocharged five-cylinder unit from the TT-RS into the A3 hatchback, it has been reported. As yet there has been no RS3 but Audi seems keen to stretch the appeal of its top-line brand and this could include its smallest model.

Speaking with Dutch website Autovisie, Audi development boss Michael Dick said a new RS3 fitted with the five-cylinder turbocharged engine from the TT-RS was under serious consideration.

Output is expected to be the same 340hp and 332lb ft as the TT-RS, which could give the A3 sub-five second 0-60mph capability. However some reports suggest the engine would be de-tuned so as not to upset those who have shelled out £43,000 on the coupe.

Considering the S3 already costs almost £30K, though, the price of an RS3 would likely be in the region of £35K – making it one of the most expensive hatchbacks ever, bar a few homologation specials.

A five-cylinder for the car may be under consideration, according to Dick, but he gave no indication of whether an RS3 is confirmed.

[Matt_]

Nice idea and I'd love them to make it but on the other hand you'd be bonkers to buy one at the price they will no doubt want.

An S3 starts at 27k though, not 30k.

edit - you edited the article after I posted that...

Edited by Matt_ on Tuesday 17th March 13:18