Audi RS3 in the Works?
For several years now there has been speculation throughout the automotive community that Audi is planning on producing its hottest hatch yet- the RS3. As the automaker recently unveiled the newest RS model (the TT-RS) and has made its intentions very clear to surpass Mercedes and BMW as the largest German automaker, we believe the that there is a strong chance Audi will produce the super-hot hatch. Speaking with the German website Autovisie, Audi’s development boss Michael Dick said an RS3 fitted with the TT-RS’ turbocharged five-cylinder was under serious consideration. When the 2010 or 2011 RS3 is finally unveiled, expect a more aggressive aero package (compared to the current S3), tighter suspension, and of course the heart of a lion. Output would likely remain the same as the TT-RS, with 340hp and 332lb-ft of torque from the 2.5L mill. Like the TT-RS, the RS3 will put this power to all four wheels with its Quattro all-wheel drive system and a proper 6-speed manual gearbox. Expect Audi to claim a 0-100 km/h time of 5 seconds, with actual figures several tenths of a second less. As the BMW 135i now outperforms Audi’s current S3 (with 265hp- forty less than the Bimmer), the RS3 will give Audi the much needed edge in the ever ensuing hot hatch conflict.
March 23rd (Source: MotorAuthority)