Audi (8PA) RS 3 Sportback (2010-)
Yesterday (22nd November 2010) Audi finally unveiled the long awaited RS 3. The short RS marks Audis performancecars since 1993. While the legendary RS 2 Avant was based on a Audi 80 (89Q or B4 coded) and a codevelopment with Porsche the quattro GmbH (a 100% part of the Audi AG) in Neckarsulm, Germany produces cars with the extra portion of sport these days.
Even with around 18 years time between these two it is astonishing how much they have in common. Sure the A3 is positioned a class under the range of the vintage 80. The RS 3 is called Sportback and not Avant, of course. But both are (were) only available with 5 doors (both are around 4 and a half meters long and weigh around 1600 kilograms) , allwheeldrive and - most important - a turbocharged inline 5-cylinder pounding under the bonnet. While it is mounted longitudinal in the RS 2 the new Sportback wears its one the transversal way. It is the same engine we find in the current (8N) TT RS. It measures 2.5 litres of displacement and with a maximum output of 339.7 PS (249.8 kW) @ 5400-6500 rpm it delivers almost 25 horsepower more than the 0.2 litre smaller Porsche engineered motor.
Torque of 450.0 Nm (332 ft·lb) is available between 1600-5300 rpm (40 Nm more than the RS 2).
With the newest generation of quattro allwheeldrive Audi promises a time of 4.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (RS 2: 5.4 sec). To make sure people without racetrack experience also can reach this figure Audi installed a S-button in the centre console which changes the characteristic of engine and exhaust (meaning a more direct response of throttle and a more agressive sound) adding a pressure of 1.2 bar and a launch control. The RS 3 is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) while the RS 2 (Porsche be praised) runs free until 262 km/h and only 2700 Sportback will be built. But maybe the quattro GmbH will also offer a package like for the TT RS allowing 280 km/h.
Audi offers the new 7-speed 2nd gen double clutch sequential transmission (DSG) in this case called S-tronic. It shifts either automatic or the driver uses paddles on the steeringwhell or hits the knob. The 7th gear is meant for saving fuel. Audi promises a consumtion of 9.1 litres per 100 kilometers in the mix.
The suspension is 25 milimeters lower and stiffer, steering more precise and 19 inch aluminium cast alloys with 235/35 tyre measurements in front and 225/35 in rear for better gripvalues. The brakes again are known from the TT RS with 370/310 mm discs in front/rear. Not known is if Audi will offer the magnetic ride system on the RS 3 Sportback, too.
The frontfenders are made from carbonfibre and 6 mm wider than on the S3. The rest of the bodykit is basically a mix of the current RS-models. Frontfascia very similar to the (B8) RS 5, singleframegrill like on the TT RS and reardiffusor comparable to the (C6) RS 6. The RS 3 is the only RS-badged model with a one-way exhaust. Another tribute to the RS 2? Furthermore it has a custom rearspoilerlip on the end of its roof. Customers can choose from different trim packages that leave the groundeffects kit and/or the sidemirrorcaps either bodycoloured or add matte aluminium to them. The rims can be ordered with a twotone finish and the singleframe painted in glossblack. The exterior paintjobs will remain the same as for the TT RS and Audi exclusive offers custom work for extravagant wishes.
The interior comes with sport- or bucketseats that can be covered with leather and alcantara combinations (Audi exclusive) and the core steeringwheeldesign is known since the (B7) RS 4.
The most powerful A3 ever will cost 49.900 €uros without extras and can be ordered in december 2010.