News_Stig Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 So, dare I say it? RS3 Auto-Express though. Afterall, it's been a long time since it's been uttered in anger on this forum! And TSN could do with another BMW v Audi debate, although now the AMG A45 will/could/should? be included! The RS3 is back and keeps the 5 cylinder engine. The Audi RS3 is revealed in these spy pictures, and at a glance, it looks like a standard S3 but the massive brakes and subtly tweaked air intakes reveal this is a mule for something a little more special. Spotted on public roads outside the Nuburgring in Germany, details on the RS3 are still scarce but reports suggest it is expected in late 2014, with the possibility of a debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Underneath the S3 body lies the running gear of the RS3, suspected to be a tuned version of the 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine found in the outgoing model. Power is expected to increase slightly, up to around 360 bhp, which will be delivered through Audi’s all-wheel drive quattro system. It’ll be underpinned by the lightweight MQB platform which should help ensure the RS3 is lighter than its predecessor. Audi will also use experience from its Ultra program to fit the RS3 with more hi-tech, lightweight materials to reduce weight even further. This will help it keep pace with the Mercedes A45 AMG, which boasts a 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds. Traditionally, RS models usually indicate the end of a car's lifecycle. The current RS3 was introduced only months before the whole A3 range was refreshed but in this instance Audi seems to be going against its usual regime by introducing the new RS3 earlier than first anticipated. There are no details on pricing or spec but a price-tag similar to that of the current model, at around £39,000 is expected. (and the rest !!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_C Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 Better pics here showing the wider rear arches blended into the rear doors and the wavy brake discs and V spoke style alloys off the RS4 (although these look like 19s not 20s) http://www.worldcarfans.com/113100463839/audi-rs3-mule-caught-in-the-open/highphotos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 (edited) I hope they've listened to the criticisms of the previous RS3. Knowing Audi they won't have, when do they ever? But it has the makings of being a truly exceptional hot hatch. Edited October 8, 2013 by Tipex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 How much was the old one? (or rather, how much did the old one start at?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_C Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 Initially 38,705, laterly 39,295 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 Haven't some people only just taken delivery of their RS3's? Within the last 12 months? When is it expected to launch? I'd feel royally shafted if I'd bought a new model only to find it was superceded within 5 years, never mind two! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eldavo69 Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 I have no idea what benefits wavy brake discs bring but my mate George took delivery of a new RS4 last week and they look cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 (edited) The wavy brake discs were invented by an aftermarket tuning company, sadly not one of recognised brands but one of the Barry type ones that make stuff that supposedly looks good rather than performs. The thinking behind it was that the wavy bits 'scoop' the air into the internal cooling vanes. It didn't work, all it really served was to reduce the contact area of the pad on the disc, thereby reducing braking efficiency. I can't remember which magazine tested them, was a long time ago, but they were roundly slated. I'm sure Audi have made them work better though. Edit: Argggghhhh STOP REFORMATTING MY POSTS! Edited October 8, 2013 by Tipex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_C Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 Edit: Argggghhhh STOP REFORMATTING MY POSTS! Its not just me then! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 Same here!!!! All in one block! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 It's ruddy annoying, I have to edit every post that isn't a single paragraph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m4ttm4son Posted October 11, 2013 Report Share Posted October 11, 2013 Or you can go to "more reply options" first Yes, I know that's still annoying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashleywater Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 Manual & three door option? Probably friggin not! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biscuits Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 Don't like it 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_C Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 Manual & three door option? Probably friggin not! Audi launched the S3 with a manual option which I wasn't expecting. So here's hoping customers are given the choice of gearbox. However with the present generation RS4 and RS6 being Avant only now, I wouldn't get your hopes up for a 3dr RS3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashleywater Posted October 14, 2013 Report Share Posted October 14, 2013 I wouldn't get your hopes up for a 3dr RS3 Agreed I dont think Audi would ever build an RS3 that ticked those particular boxes, as if they did, TTS & TTRS sales would nosedive off the very small "Cliff" they currently occupy In regards to the whole RS3 saga, wouldnt be surprised if it came with a tow hitch as well, because not content with offering bloody avants in anything badged RS for the suppposed performance & "practicality" of such a set up? Sorry I dont have 10 kids - 2 Mutts and a Twin Recaro Mamas & papas to fit in, I would just like a three door manual with some oomph and a bit of practicality when its required, okay S3 is not bad, but not a patch on that five pot beasty fitted with a manual Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted October 14, 2013 Report Share Posted October 14, 2013 Agreed I dont think Audi would ever build an RS3 that ticked those particular boxes, as if they did, TTS & TTRS sales would nosedive off the very small "Cliff" they currently occupy If that is Audi's concern then I believe it is misplaced. A 3 door RS3 and the TTRS are in subtly different markets. Think M135i vs Z4 35i. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashleywater Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 If that is Audi's concern then I believe it is misplaced. A 3 door RS3 and the TTRS are in subtly different markets. Think M135i vs Z4 35i. Not according to that Audi Stephan Unreal geezer, he was quoted when asked why a three door was not being offered in RS3 format; "That if customers wanted such a thing then the TTRS was the best option? C0ck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashleywater Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 Just for the record wont be buying the new RS3 if it is offered in only sportback guise. I mean if you wanted a fast Audi avant, you would by an RS4 RS6 RS7 etc etc etc If you want a "VO5" mobile, you buy a TTRS The only realistic avenue it appears is if VW stuff the five pot into a golf, and you have car that would wet a lot appetites, instead yet again we basically get a family estate with an auto box FFS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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