Sedan or hatchback? There is no right or wrong answer.
Audi teased its next-generation RS3 last Wednesday by sharing a few images with a press release about its RS lineup. The Four Rings didn’t talk about the compact hot-hat (and sedan) at any time. They only confirmed that its 2.5 TFSI engine would be kept by showing the firing sequence of the inline five.
Audiography was our longtime collaborator and had the opportunity to get up close and personal the new RS3 models. Although technical specifications are still under embargo, he did have some interesting tidbits. Audi will release the videos of these camouflaged cars within a week (June 22nd) and host the world premiere next month.
The new images show that the RS3 has lost its faux air vents from the new at front. However, the ones at back are still decorative. These cars are at the top end of the A3 food chain. They also have large wheels covered in low-profile Pirelli tires. The front fenders have vents to cool the uprated brakes. This could be carbon-ceramic.
The Audi Sport camouflage disguise not only shows the firing order for the turbocharged five cylinder engine but also features the #anythingbutstandard hashtag, which will be used in the teaser campaign. The trunk lid spoiler on the RS3 Sedan looks more aggressive than that on the S3 Sedan, maybe it’s our imagination.
The 2.5-liter engine should produce 394 horsepower and 354 poundfeet (354 Newton-meters) to match the RSQ3 / RSQ3 Sportback, as well as the TT RS. Rumours of an upgraded inline five, possibly for the RS3 Performance model, have been circulating, but there is no official confirmation. Even if this is true, an upgraded derivative would be available later in the life cycle.
The new RS3 models will be competing against the S45 S and CLA 45S. They are expected to go on sale in Europe (at least) before 2021.