Audi has just launched the latest iteration of the RS 3, in the form of a compact sedan, at this year’s Paris Motor Show. It is the first time in the company’s history that the RS moniker has been bestowed upon a compact sedan. In line with the rest of the range the RS 3 has received styling updates to give it a new look. The now familiar lines and creases present in other models in Audi’s line up are present to give it the new Audi family look.
The biggest news is of course the changes made to the power plant. Audi’s 2.5l in-line five cylinder engine has been tuned to produce a monstrous 294kw(400hp)of power making it the most powerful production five cylinder engine on sale. It generates 480Nm of torque between 1700-5850rpm. This engine coupled to Audi’s S-tronic seven speed dual clutch gear box and permanent all wheel drive will rocket the RS 3 sedan to 100kph(62mph)in a claimed 4.1s and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250kph(155mph). Or, for a price, the limiter can be raised to be tolerant of speeds of up to 280kph(174mph).
For improved aerodynamics the RS 3 comes with a fixed boot lip which acts as a spoiler. At the cars rear end there is a diffusor and the signature oval Audi RS tail pipes. The front brake disks are 370 mm in diameter while the rears are 310 mm. As an option Audi can supply carbon fibre ceramic disk brakes for the front.
The RS 3 Sedan comes as standard with Audi’s MMI system with has been customised to show boost pressure, oil temperature and to record lap times. As standard the RS 3 has normal instrument gauges but the Virtual Cockpit is available as an option.
The Audi RS 3 sedan will be on sale from mid next year.
