A high-performance version of Audi’s already-quick S3 hot hatch is widely tipped to make an appearance at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the latest in a series of fast Audi’s to make their debut this year.
The V10-powered Audi R8 5.2 FSI and TT RS have already hit world markets, and the RS3 is expected to arrive in showrooms before the year is out.
S3-bodied prototypes were spotted circling the Nurburgring earlier this year, and development on the RS3 appears to be well advanced.
The RS3 is expected to be powered by the same turbocharged inline-five used by the TT RS, which spits out 250 kW and 450 N.m of torque.
Engine output may be detuned but, like the TT RS, a six-speed manual gearbox will most likely be the only transmission available in the RS3.
Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system will take power to the ground and endow the RS3 with a substantial amount of grip. With its turbo AWD layout and five-door hatchback body, the RS3 should prove a worthy alternative to the Subaru Impreza WRX STI and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, albeit with more refined European appointments.
The Frankfurt Motor Show opens on September 15, when – if the rumours are correct – we’ll see Audi’s latest and greatest hot hatch uncovered for the first time.
August 28th, 2009 at 10:30 am
acceleration 0-100 km/h just 4.6 sec.