[hks786]

- Five-cylinder turbo delivering 250 kW (340 hp) and 450 Nm (331.90 lb ft) of torque

- 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds

- Seven-speed S tronic, quattro drive and 19-inch wheels

After years of anticipation, Audi has officially unveiled the RS3 Sportback.

At its heart, the car is powered by the same turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine found in the TT-RS with 250 kW (340 PS / 335 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb ft) of torque. It is connected to quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic transmission which enables the 1,575 kg (3,472 lb) RS3 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and hit an electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph). Impressively, the car has average fuel consumption 9.1 liters per 100 km (25.85 US mpg) and CO2 emissions of 212 g/km.

To ensure stellar handling, Audi engineers installed an aluminum intensive sport suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a four-link setup out back. Furthermore, they added a high performance braking system with ventilated disks that measure 370mm in the front and 310mm at the rear.

Design wise, the RS3 is distinguished by aggressive fascias, an anthracite grille, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) fender flares. Other goodies include xenon headlights, a reduced ride height (25mm lower than a stock A3), aerodynamic side skirts, matt aluminum accents, a dual exhaust system, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the cabin is outfitted with Fine Nappa leather sport seats (with silver contrasting stitching), Piano black (or Aluminum Race) trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a revised driver information system with a lap timer.

On sale early next year, the RS3 will be priced from €49,900 in Germany.

Source: Audi

Read more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/11011222...#ixzz160PaA2co

[hks786]

Interior

[hks786]

Finally after a long wait! I cant say I'm blown away by the styling because first of all they have revealed the 5 door version which I'm not a big fan of, but then again I'm not really a fan of the 5 door 1 series. Also, Audi are using the same design as the RS5. They should have went for a more unique look.

That said, it seems very impressive overall and the interior will be better than the 1M by a long shot. I love the seats. The 1M looks better on the outside because we have seen it in coupe form if it was in hatch form I'd probably like the Audi better.

Anyway back to performance, I'm glad to see the 5 cylinder unit from the TT-RS. Very good for tuning. Audi are saying 4.6 seconds which obviously will be on the conservative side. This thing should be fast!

[c0nstant]

the only thing exciting about the interior are the seats. looks promising overall, though. can't wait for some videos

[hks786]

Oh yeah, and you need to order this with black grille and get the bumper fully colour coded. I'm not a fan of all the brushed aluminium touches.

UPDATE: A picture with black optics. Hate the red on the wheels though but you get the idea.

[keanu1]

i hope 1m is better than this beast!! Audi is one step ahead now!!

[vasillalov]

That's one HOT hatch. I'd love to have it as a second car. Not giving up my 335i though.

[abisson]

Jesus. That is hot.

[Silver-Bolt]

Bring on the 3-door version.

[footie]

Originally Posted by keanu1

i hope 1m is better than this beast!! Audi is one step ahead now!!

It's very hard to determine whether this is ahead of the 1M in terms of performance or the other way round. I doubt there will be much to chose between them in that regard but they will achieve their results in a totally different manner.

Originally Posted by Silver-Bolt

Bring on the 3-door version.

Sorry, only in 5dr.

[TMNT]

Not a fan of hot hatches....but this is a nice looking ride...and those seats! Oh my!

[graider]

wow, i'm a fan of the seat. the rims need to go asap, but other than that, I think it's hot. i would buy this even if it is just 80% the fun of the 1m. assuming they are similar price.

[footie]

Originally Posted by graider

wow, i'm a fan of the seat. the rims need to go asap, but other than that, I think it's hot. i would buy this even if it is just 80% the fun of the 1m. assuming they are similar price.

Watch it's attitude around the 1 minute mark as it turns into the corner. This is a car that will be more fun that many get it credit.

[u2b]bp3HjfYvk84&feature=related[/u2b]

Oh and I hope you like this.

[escobar929]

i personally love it, just not for me. This would be the perfect car for my GF to get

[footie]

Originally Posted by escobar929

i personally love it, just not for me. This would be the perfect car for my GF to get

Good call. She would be able to beat you home and have dinner sitting waiting as you arrive.

[TK-421]

Originally Posted by stingray23

not a fan of Audi RS front bumpers. looks cartoonish to me.

this

looks way too tryhard

[mtla4]

It doesn't make any sense since the current a3 is getting discontinuated very shortly....they will probably phase it out shortly.

[graider]

Originally Posted by footie

Good call. She would be able to beat you home and have dinner sitting waiting as you arrive.

LOL sound like you already have the plan.

[MikeyV]

Originally Posted by mtla4

It doesn't make any sense since the current a3 is getting discontinuated very shortly....they will probably phase it out shortly.

Audi have always done a last harrah RS model when the car they are based on is about to go bye bye.

[footie]

Originally Posted by mtla4

It doesn't make any sense since the current a3 is getting discontinuated very shortly....they will probably phase it out shortly.

The A3 replacement isn't coming until 2013, hardly shortly.

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by footie

The A3 replacement isn't coming until 2013, hardly shortly.

It wasn't 2012 with a 2011 launch?

[JayKay335i]

Sexy, pricing dependent.