Monday 22nd November 2010

Audi Unveils RS3

First official pics of new Audi super-hatch hit the interweb

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Audi has revealed its latest RS-badged car, the 335bhp RS3, which will become the most powerful hot hatch on sale in the UK when it goes on sale in spring 2011.

The new RS3, which uses the 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine from the TT RS, is out-punched by the Subaru Impreza Cosworth (395bhp) and the Focus RS500 (345bhp), but both are limited-run models, and both are sold out.

The engine's 335bhp and 332lb ft motor is transmitted to all four wheels via a seven-speed S Tronic twin-clutch transmission. That's enough to push the RS3 to 62mph in a claimed 4.6secs on the way to the almost inevitably limited 155mph top speed.

But unlike the RS5, which gets a 'proper' crown gear differential, the RS3 has to make do with a less sophisticated Haldex viscous coupling set-up.

The RS3 isn't really going to be taking on other hot hatches, either - its power and pace will push it well above the likes of the Golf R and forthcoming new Astra VXR and Focus ST.

Instead, the RS3's closest conceptual rival is the oh-so-nearly-here 350bhp BMW 1-series M Coupe and, at an expected £40k, the RS3 should be pretty close on price to the BMW, too.

But one thing will differentiate the RS3 from the 1-series M Coupe - the RS3 is only available from launch as a five-door 'Sportback', and Audi isn't saying whether it will bring in a three-door version.

[Oddball RS]

Another no choice automatic then?

[uremaw]

Meh.

1 Series M pls.

[Sir_Dave]

:yawnsmiley

[Rawwr]

I look forward to seeing these driving 12" behind me.

[mylesmcd]

Like it.

Not £40k like it.

But, like it none the less.

Scratch that. Still take a 1 series M.

[teen_cerbera]

Cant believe they are not making this in 3 door form? Surely more S3's were sold in 3 door form over 5? I would like a 3 door version in Orange, thanks

[wab172uk]

So, the car most people have been waiting for, the RS3.

Only it isn't. Because I would bet that most (if not all) would want it as a 3 door with a manual transmission.

Nice one Audi.

[CampDavid]

I'd love to know what the profit margin on that is.

£40k is proper car money. At that level you don't buy what effectively amounts to a pumped up shopping trolley

[Jonnyspeed]

BMW 1 Series M anyday

[draeburn]

Rawwr said:

I look forward to seeing these driving 12" behind me.

With ultra-brite daytime running LED's, fag out of the window and two greasy salemsen in the front......'natch!!

[the_g_ster]

It looks like it's been styled in Halfrauds with some kind of top gear challenge with all that chrome. Some special run colours, and subtle approach would raise it. That would be a great stealth car.

That said, 1 series M coupe will be great fun, and rear wheel drive not playstation generation point and shoot.

[Rawwr]

CampDavid said:

I'd love to know what the profit margin on that is.

£40k is proper car money. At that level you don't buy what effectively amounts to a pumped up shopping trolley

Makes the Focus RS seem a bit more bargainy.

[TheSpaceCowboy]

Oh dear, theres going to be alot of comments on the haldex... Nobody mentioned it on the bugatti veyron though?

[kambites]

Well it could be great, but I have a preconceived suspicion that it wont be.

[CampDavid]

Rawwr said:

CampDavid said:

I'd love to know what the profit margin on that is.

£40k is proper car money. At that level you don't buy what effectively amounts to a pumped up shopping trolley

Makes the Focus RS seem a bit more bargainy.

I have no problem with the Focus. It's really right at the top of what's acceptable for a hatchback but at least they're pushing things a bit on the engineering side.

I do wonder if the Audi board sit there wondering how they're getting away with charging so much for so little, pretty much throughout the range

[kambites]

CampDavid said:

I do wonder if the Audi board sit there wondering how they're getting away with charging so much for so little, pretty much throughout the range

I think you could argue the same about just about all of the German car makers.

[Goa'uld]

On a side note, I was expecting a little bit more beef/aggression from the design. I suppose some people will want one for the performance and the 'sort of' blend into the background ability that the RS/S and even VW GTI have to a certain extent - however I would want the thing to look a little more special than a front and back bumper swap, not enough bulge on the arches either to carry the RS name tag;

New RS3



New TDI

[adycav]

Ooh, it looks a bit underwhelming in the pictures doesn't it?

£40k?

And the rest.

Preposterously, it's very easy to get a Golf R up to that price.

[Dion20vt]

Goly gosh!! £40k will get you alot of car for your buck these days!!

I wonder what itll be worth after 3yrs??? could be a bargain then! but you would have to be mad to pay £40k for a car that you know that "could have been done better"...

[j_s14a]

For less than half that amount, you could buy a proper, 5 door, 4wd, turbo, 5 pot Audi:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2231866.htm