6:25 pm, November 23, 2010
AFTER much speculation from die-hard quattro fans, Audi can now finally reveal that it is adding an RS to its A3 range.
The German firm has confirmed that it will produce a RS 3 Sportback to fill the needs of quattro fans.
Fitted with the 2.5-litre TFSI engine first used in the TT RS, the new RS 3 quattro will get the classic five-cylinder soundtrack that delivers 340PS and 450 Nm of torque through a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.
Although limited to 155mph, the RS 3 gets to 62mph up in 4.6 seconds while returning a combined cycle of 31mpg, says Audi.
Extensive use of lightweight materials such as a graphite engine block and carbon-fibre wings help those impressive performance figures.
The new car also features a sport button which, when pressed, opens a flap in the exhaust to emit the legendary five-cylinder sound to an even greater intensity.
The German manufacturer also says the new car has RS ‘hallmarks’ which ‘subtly convey’ its ‘latent performance potential’ – though we say thanks to its large air intakes, flared wings and 19-inch alloys, few will miss the RS 3 in their mirrors.
Orders commence in December priced at £39,900, with deliveries of the RS 3 quattro expected to reach customers in April.
