In 2021, the Sportback Audi RS 3 arrives on the market. The Audi RS 3 is in the final stages of development, and fans can be assured that engineers will do a great job when it comes to the third generation of this model, Audi Sport marketing chief Frank Michl told Auto Express.

“The RS 3 is one of Audi Sport’s most evocative models, and it’s also a big part of our brand’s DNA. You can be sure that any future RS model will always highlight good aspects and features,” said Frank Michl.

He did not want to reveal details, but said that we will wait a few more months for the first models. The mentioned magazine revealed that the future rival of the Mercedes-AMG A45 model will be presented in September.

In the available photos, you can see a bumper with broader intakes, an aggressive rear diffuser and a sporty body kit that will make it different from the rest of the A3 range. The front wheel arches have extra vents for better engine cooling. At the rear is a new diffuser, wide oval exhaust tips and a larger wing.

The new Audi RS 3 is based on the latest version of Volkswagen Group’s MQB underpinnings. The test models have a lowered suspension compared to the standard A3, and drilled brake discs with larger calipers.

The Audi RS 3 has a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that is also used in the latest Audi RS Q3. The engine will deliver about 415 hp and 500 Nm of torque. It will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 174 mph.

The engine will be paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. The chassis and drivetrain will be supported by technological performance, such as adjustable dampers, a torque vectoring system and an adaptive electronic power steering setup.

Audi has introduced its first plug-in hybrid compact SUV in the form of the new Q3 45 TFSI e and Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e. Electrified SUVs will be available from spring 2021.

Both models will be powered by a combination of a 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol four-cylinder with an 85kW/330Nm electric motor that combine delivers 245 hp with 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. Q3 accelerates from 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. The Q3 has a 6-speed automatic transmission. NEDC estimates the combined fuel consumption for both models at 1.4 to 1.7 liters (138 to 168 US mpg) per 100 kilometers. With only electric drive, the compact SUV can cover 50 km.

In “Auto-Hybrid” mode, the main operating mode, the electric motor supports the four-cylinder engine in many situations, when accelerating and passing. Drivers can prioritize electric drive with the EV button. Drive control system by estimating a number of data points, such as route information from the navigation system and the data about the near surroundings from the vehicle sensors. This allows it to identify when the car is approaching a town sign, a speed limit or getting too close to the vehicle ahead.

Switching the Q3 45 TFSI e hybrids to ‘Dynamic’ mode, flicking the dual-clutch gearbox into S and flooring the accelerator enables a 10-second ‘overboost’ mode, unlocking the electric motor’s full 330Nm torque output.

Additional Battery Hold and Battery Charge modes are used to store or charge the battery, while Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual modes allow the driver to adjust the response of engine and transmission.

Available active safety technologies include adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, lane-departure warning and autonomous emergency braking.

There will be four equipment packages on offer, including Technik, S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung. The coupe-inspired Q3 Sportback is available with all packages except the Technik.

The base prices in Germany are EUR 46,000 for Q3 45 TFSI e and EUR 47,400 for Sportback .

Audi unveiled the RS6 GTO concept at the 40th anniversary of the legendary 90-quattro IMSA GTO race car. The concept was developed at Audi’s Neckarsulm plant and is based on a high-performance caravan with a V8 engine.

So far without technical data, the photos show that the car has white one-piece wheel covers with quattro markings and red central caps as well as a former race car. At the back is a prominent spoiler painted red. The stickers are the same as the original car, but have a slightly different design of the side lines. There is also the number 40, which indicates the anniversary.

“The RS6 GTO concept of our apprentices has turned out to be an incredibly great car. I am very proud of them and the results of their work,” says Helmut Stettner, Neckarsulm plant manager and possessor of one of the most German names on the planet.

Interior has been modified. The rear bench has been slung out and replaced by a roll cage, while the front seats are switched for extremely slender Recaros with minimal padding.

The center console has‘t been replaced, but the front side windows have been replaced with safety nets, which is another common feature with the racing ancestor.

Last month, Audi unveiled the TT RS 40 Years of Quattro as an ultra-exclusive special version of the sports coupe inspired by the Sport Quattro S1 race car that won the 1987 Pikes Peak. Only 40 copies will be produced and are destined for the German market.

Source: Audi