Just how fast will the next RS3 be?
The new version of Audi’s 4WD hyper-hatch is soon to land, and it’s planning to scare the boxers off supercars
What’s under the zebra print?
The brand new Audi RS3, set to arrive early next year and packing signifcantly more schnell than before.
How much, exactly?
More than 360bhp, says Audi, from a reworked version of the 2.5-litre fvecylinder turbo engine used in the previous RS3. It’s an engine that “diferentiates us from all of our competitors”, quattro GmbH’s technical director Stephan Reil told us. “It’s an emotional powerhouse.”
The fve-pot gets new pistons, a new intake and injection system. It’ll be matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (only a DSG – no manual will be ofered) sending all of those horses and many unspecifed torques to all four wheels, all wrapped up in the VW Group’s new MQB architecture.
The RS3 is 55kg lighter than before, and sits 25mm lower than a standard A3. Other bespoke goodies include a new steeringhub assembly, low-friction Sachs dampers developed specifcally for this car, larger compound brakes with RS4-spec calipers, a new power-steering set-up borrowed from the TTS, 19-inch wheels and special Pirelli tyres.
Will it still understeer, though?
Maybe not. Audi is acutely aware that the last RS3 sufered a nose-heavy tendency, so fundamentally overhauled its quattro arrangement. Though based on Haldex’s ffth-gen system, it gets a new rear diferential and rejigged software to help liberate that rear axle more than the last RS3 did.
Does that mean it’ll slide?
A little, in the right conditions. Though remember this isn’t a BMW 1M. “The new RS3 should not behave like a rear-wheel-drive car,” Reil told us, “but it’s now able to shift more torque to the rear earlier and faster.”
And how fast is it?
Very. TG rode shotgun on an RS3 development drive around a soaking wet Nürburgring, and long-serving Audi development driver and former Porsche Supercup champion Frank Stippler was four-wheel-drifting all over the place. The RS3’s willingness to kick its rear tyres out at every available opportunity was hugely admirable. And that engine is fantastic: loud, meaty and with a spiteful rasp when it races past 4,500rpm. Lovely. We can’t wait to have a go in one ourselves…