You shouldn’t be surprised if it is similar.
Audi unveiled the fourth-generation A3 Sportback at the not-the-Geneva-Motor-Show nearly a week ago, and we’ve already seen a speculative rendering of its sedan cousin. Tobias Buttner , a long-time Motor1.com reader, has shared his vision of the RS3 Sportback with us using official images that Audi released of its compact five-door hatchback.
The new Quattro rocket, from Ingolstadt, is almost ready to compete against the Mercedes-AMG A45S. It takes the already sporty styling 2021 A3 Sportback to a higher level with larger air intakes at the front and dual oval exhaust tips in the back. For a more aggressive look, the artist added larger alloy wheels to the vehicle and lowered its ride height.
The horizontal slat over the grille was not visible on the RS3 Sportback prototype that we saw at January’s end. Unless it was completely covered by camouflage, it will most likely be present in the production model. How is that possible? Audi showed the warm S3 model in the lead up to its unveiling. The hot hatch had the Quattro nostrils. It would have made sense for the beefier RS3 also to follow this look.
Despite its appearance, the new RS3 Sportback is expected to be a formidable competitor in the compact segment. Its five-cylinder engine should make it a true beast. According to the 2.5-liter turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, it will produce around 420 horsepower. Auto Motor und Sport reports that an RS3 Performance could have as much as 450 hp. Although it remains to be confirmed that the rumor is true, Audi does not want the 416-hp Mercedes AMG A45S to win this horsepower war.
The RS3 Sportback will not be out for a while, as logic dictates that the S3 will. The new A3’s Audi Sport versions will be available in North America as sedans. They’ll compete with Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and CLA45 models. BMW joins the M235i Gran Coupe, and there is a new rumor regarding a full-fat M2 Gran Coupe.