2018 Audi RS 3 Spied, Ditches Hatch Design for Sedan Shape

MANILA: Remember the news about Audi wherein we informed you that the brand in the near future will present more than 20 cars to the global auto industry. Looks like this German giant has started working on the said plan and will soon be seen hosting showcase or launch event for its new creations. Supporting the said news are the spied images of Audi RS 3 that was recently caught taking test rounds at Nurburgring.

Well, the arrival of Audi RS 3 didn't come as much of a surprise. Especially after keeping the trail of the constant hints that Audi has been dropping since 2014. In the said year, Audi showcased its concept A3 Clubsport Quattro at the 2014 Worthersee Tour. This was then followed by a confirmation statement from one of Audi's senior executive. And how can we forget the in-production car that was showed to the U.S dealers at an exclusive presentation.

If by any chance you are not so much into speed driven cars, we'd like to inform you that RS 3 is a high-performance car that competes with the likes of BMW M2 that was recently launched in October 2015 and Mercedes-AMG CLA45. As for the mass-market car brands, Audi RS3 can be depicted as a bulkier version of Ford Focus RS now powered by new Ecoboost mill and Subaru WRX STI.

Audi RS 3 up till now only featured in Sportback body styling and now the company has extended its line-up with a sedan like styling. And what can be seen from the images is an impressive car rightly following Audi's new design language that can be seen in the cars like all-new Audi A5 and 2017 Audi A8. But, now we feel that Audi should wrap-up the work on the sedan front soon and give an eye to RS 3 Sportback that’s awaiting a long due revamp.

Discussion on Audi's prospective future plans can wait and now we should concentrate on what all attributes beholds this new member of A3 range. Starting off, with its front profile, it showcases the now in-trend hexagonal grille with Audi logo resting in the centre, smooth bonnet, sharp LED headlamps below which rest the big air intakes.

Moving on to the side, the partially camouflaged Audi RS 3 displayed features like prominent wheel arches with stylish rim design, body color door handles, ORVM integrated side indicators and raised side skirts. Lastly, the rear end looks somewhat similar to that of Audi A4 and holds features like wraparound taillights, oval exhaust pipes on both end and a pointed boot lid.

As for its under hood configuration, no official confirmation has been made, but we are expecting it to be powered by the same engine that was seen accompanying the October spied Audi TT RS. In other words, it's expected to be powered by the new 2.5L in-line 5-CYL turbo mill producing 400 PS of power (unlike 367 PS it gives away in TT-RS). The said mill is presumed to be paired with the 7-speed dual clutch transmission system along with Quattro AWD.

As for its performance figure, like the 2016 Audi TT-RS, new RS 3 is expected to go from a nought to 100 km mark in a mere time frame of 4 seconds. Also, top speed figure for this new Audi performer is said to be restricted to 280 km/h.

Speculated to witness a global launch not before 2017, we are expecting the car to cost on the same line as BMW M2 and CLA45. Sadly, for the Philippines market we don't see the car entering the shores anytime soon.

Image Courtesy: autoblog