Under the bonnet lies a 2.5 litre five-cylinder TFSI engine, as already used in the TT RS. That means 335 bhp (250 kW / 340 PS) and 450 Nm (331 lb-ft) of torque, which is enough to make the RS 3 a very quick car indeed.
The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint is said to take just 4.6 seconds, and so the RS 3 will comfortably outpace competitors such as the Subaru WRX STI (5.2 seconds), BMW 135i (5.3 seconds) and Volkswagen Golf R (5.7 seconds). The Audi’s top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).
Unsurprisingly for a performance Audi, the RS 3 features quattro all-wheel drive. The only transmission available will be a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch system, which can be used in either a couple of automatic modes or manually.
The RS 3 will debut in five-door Sportback form only, and it’s not yet clear whether a three-door version will eventually join the line-up. As it is, the RS 3 looks fairly understated.
That could appeal to some buyers, although others might well have preferred a bit more pizzazz. The most distinguishing feature is the 19” alloy wheels, but the carbon fibre reinforced plastic front wings are subtly flared and there’s a deeper front apron and larger rear spoiler, too.
On the all-black inside, the seats are upholstered in Nappa leather with silver stitching, and the driver information system even includes a lap timer. Clearly, then, Audi is trying to appeal to the track day market.
The Audi RS 3 will cost €49,000 in Germany. A UK price has yet to be revealed, but expect it to be around £40,000.
