RS3 Sedan unveiled at Paris Autoshow

[Jimminez@Nemesis]

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/rs...-at-paris-2016

Newly facelifted Audi A3 range is joined by a new RS3 flagship, and for the first time it comes as a four-door saloon

Fans of small, fast saloon cars can rejoice, as Audi has revealed a new four-door Audi RS3 saloon at an event ahead of the Paris Motor Show.

The new car, which is a spiritual successor to models like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and Subaru Impreza (latterly the WRX STi), uses the same 394bhp five-cylinder engine as the recently launched Audi TT RS, so not only is it 33bhp more than the outgoing RS3 Sportback, it’ll outgun its closest rival, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, which has 355bhp. It means the RS3 saloon accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds, while top speed is a limited 155mph, although this can be raised to 174mph on request.

The RS3's four-door body is nearly identical to the Audi S3 saloon, aside from the addition of the RS3 Sportback’s front bumper, flared wheelarches and the large oval twin exhaust tailpipes and rear diffuser.

Inside, the RS3 saloon will boast leather trim, an Alcantara-rimmed steering wheel and a range of connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other kit available will include Audi’s digital Virtual Cockpit instrument display, while safety kit includes Traffic Jam Assist, which can take control of the steering in slow-moving heavy traffic at speeds of up to 40mph.

Under the skin, the Audi RS3 Sportback’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder TFSI turbocharged engine gets more power, but it's mated to the same seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. Despite the small increase in weight, the RS3 Sportback’s blend of searing performance and family-friendly practicality should remain.

The Audi RS3 saloon will go on sale in the UK soon, although prices and final specifications are yet to be confirmed. Given the £2,000 price premium that the S3 saloon commands over the Sportback, the RS4 is likely to cost in the region £43,000.

[Jimminez@Nemesis]

http://www.carscoops.com/2016/09/aud...-to-smash.html

[MerlinS3]

oh lord that looks good!

now the decision to keep modding the S3 or order an RS3

[Wr3ks_S3]

oh lord that looks good!

now the decision to keep modding the S3 or order an RS3

I'm going with stop modding. Save the $$$ for this beast. My .02 although I'm going to wait for the following years (2019) version

[DarkSideGTI]

The front fenders look a little bit wider, but the rears don't. Does anyone know if they widened the rear at all? I was really hoping for some fenders like on the A3 Clubsport Concept.

[MerlinS3]

I'm going with stop modding. Save the $$$ for this beast. My .02 although I'm going to wait for the following years (2019) version

I already have so many parts coming which is the downfall lol.. ill go stage 2 and wait two years then buy one I think. first run is always over priced, no discounts, and issues.

The front fenders look a little bit wider, but the rears don't. Does anyone know if they widened the rear at all? I was really hoping for some fenders like on the A3 Clubsport Concept.

same as last gen rs3, only fronts were widened.

[Wr3ks_S3]

Will this version still be a haldex AWD system? The last RS3 was.. I was kinda hoping for an actual QUATTRO AWD system.

[Jimminez@Nemesis]

From QW.

"Compared with an A3, the front track of the RS 3 sedan is wider by 20 millimeters (0.8 in) – the front wheel arches are accordingly wider flared as well. At the rear axle the wheels are spaced 14 millimeters (0.6 in) further apart compared with the basic model."

Doesn't say specifically that the rear fenders are flares but looks promising that the rear fenders are also altered.

[Wr3ks_S3]

From QW.

"Compared with an A3, the front track of the RS 3 sedan is wider by 20 millimeters (0.8 in) – the front wheel arches are accordingly wider flared as well. At the rear axle the wheels are spaced 14 millimeters (0.6 in) further apart compared with the basic model."

Doesn't say specifically that the rear fenders are flares but looks promising that the rear fenders are also altered.

Interesting, considering the hatchback RS3 has flat exterior fender walls. This rendition still has the stepped lip fenders that we currently have on our S3s. If they're wider you'd think that they would flatten the exterior profile to be like the current RS3...

[PbanyS3]

Looks like an RS3 saloon with a black optiks package...

[LOT4R]

O...... M...... G !!!!

Black Optics is definitely the way to go. The standard silver/chrome trim looks real gaudy on that front bumper design.... blah.

EDIT: The "Hot Wheels" looking wheels have got to go though.

[LOT4R]

Best angles right here...

[Wr3ks_S3]

I'd be interested to do a Daytona Gray Pearl/Silver Sports Seats/Black Optics

[atenzany62]

that is sexy! by the time they come out my 16 s3 lease would be up and i'd swap for this one

[MerlinS3]

Already put my name down at the local dealer to be informed when pre-order opens on these...
who knows, order one then decide when it gets in what do lol

[DarkSideGTI]

I dig what they did with both the front and back ends. It would look much better with the OE CF spoiler though to add some more aggressiveness.

[forbiddenbeat]

Hmm, not bad. Not blown away though - if it ends up being in the $65-70k range, I'd probably just go for an M3 (sorry Audi).

Hopefully it can be optioned without the red vent trim. Looks cheap IMO. And those wheels - yikes.

[turbologist]

That's hot. Any idea on MSRP?


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[audinator]

HOLY COW BALLS! Yes please. I will surely enjoy my S3 for the next year as I (impatiently) wait for this to arrive.

PS- I hope we can get ALCANTARA seats instead of full leather

[phillyquattro]

Hmm, not bad. Not blown away though - if it ends up being in the $65-70k range, I'd probably just go for an M3 (sorry Audi).

Hopefully it can be optioned without the red vent trim. Looks cheap IMO. And those wheels - yikes.

100% agree. I like the look of it more than the S3 facelift, but I don't know if that's saying a lot. Wish those rear fenders were a touch wider, but what can you do. The facelift look is slowly growing on me, so I'm sure I'll end up liking it more by the time these actually become available. Definitely agree about that awful red vent trim and those wheels. Let's hope that we get a different wheel option and that they offer some kind of option on that vent trim.

[forbiddenbeat]

100% agree. I like the look of it more than the S3 facelift, but I don't know if that's saying a lot. Wish those rear fenders were a touch wider, but what can you do. The facelift look is slowly growing on me, so I'm sure I'll end up liking it more by the time these actually become available. Definitely agree about that awful red vent trim and those wheels. Let's hope that we get a different wheel option and that they offer some kind of option on that vent trim.

I'm sure I'll end up getting one. :) I sure do wish, though, that they pulled the fenders out like the B7 RS4.

[roadrunner_oz]

From QW.

"Compared with an A3, the front track of the RS 3 sedan is wider by 20 millimeters (0.8 in) – the front wheel arches are accordingly wider flared as well. At the rear axle the wheels are spaced 14 millimeters (0.6 in) further apart compared with the basic model."

Doesn't say specifically that the rear fenders are flares but looks promising that the rear fenders are also altered.

Rear fenders are unchanged. Here in Oz it isn't easy to spot the difference between a S3 & RS3 hatch on the road. They pretty much look identical and you have to look at the tailpipes or front bumper. Certainly not aggressive enough.

When you drive the RS3 you'll want it purely due to the engine and sound it makes. I know I did when I had time behind the wheel of the RS3 hatch... it is intoxicating. After some thought, I realized that suspension and handling were lacking and that overtime this would frustrate me. The RS3 hatch understeers and the Haldex is still too front biased. Perhaps these have been resolved with the RS3 sedan, but unlikely?? As a VERY fast luxury daily driver, the RS3 sedan will not disappoint. The RS3 owners in Oz tuning theirs have gotten huge numbers and you can expect times of 3.6 secs on a stage 1.

Running at similar price as an ///M2 and how disappointing the RS3 hatch's handling was, I'd choose the M2/M3 which is RWD and has a proper handbrake.

[tekkie]

its really missing the bigger fenders, the clubsport pics looked much better

the TTRS is looking even better now

[VWVW]

Here in Oz it isn't easy to spot the difference between a S3 & RS3 hatch on the road. They pretty much look identical and you have to look at the tailpipes or front bumper.

That's always true....it isn't easy to spot the difference between an A3 S-line, an S3, and RS3 on the road.

[LOT4R]

That's hot. Any idea on MSRP?


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

Here's my guesstimate...


Conversion rate (£ -> $) : £1 == $1.30; as of Sept 29, 2016

Base S3 Sedan (UK) : £34,930
Conversion (£ -> $) : £34,930 -> $45,248.85
Base S3 (US) : $42,900

Base S3 market difference : $45,248.85 - $42,900 = $2,348.85

Base RS3 (UK) : £43,000
Conversion (£ -> $) : £43,000 -> $55,702.85

Base RS3 (US) : $55,702.85 - $2,348.85 = $53,354



What do you guys think?

[phillyquattro]

its really missing the bigger fenders, the clubsport pics looked much better

the TTRS is looking even better now

I'd get a 718 Cayman over the TTRS. Better looking. Better handling. Might run you a few more dollars though...but worth the cost.

[particulardude]

...I sure do wish, though, that they pulled the fenders out like the B7 RS4.

+1

I was considering holding out for this as my next vehicle but ended up jumping on a B7 RS4 about three weeks ago.


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[LOT4R]

Those wheels...... what were they thinking?

[S3Danny]

Love it, I'll be in line for one.

[forbiddenbeat]

The live reveal video features a blue RS3 without black optics. Would definitely opt for the black optic package personally.

Yeah, and those wheels are still terrible.

[PbanyS3]

Yes those wheels look like Acura MDX wheels/genuine audi accessory wheels.

She needs some nicer ones........

[casualalfredo]

I'm going with stop modding. Save the $$$ for this beast. My .02 although I'm going to wait for the following years (2019) version

I legit had this exact discussion with a buddy today, the plans I had for my current car I'm going to hold off on. I will still upgrade my stock s3 wheels and those will be carried over onto this......(I was going to get coils but I think I'm not going to not bother with a drop the stock height is not terrible....but moar low is always appreciated)

I agree with buddy above not feeling the stock wheels too if at all.

I also WISH they pulled the fenders out like the b7 rs4 but I still love it, if it bothers you that much just gotta got a kit I'm sure somebody will make one. (I won't be doing all that, the idea of a 718 Cayman and TT-RS in the above comments though.....not a horrible idea at all)

[audinator]

Maybe these wheels are super ugly and super light? probably not, just ugly and heavy lol

[audinator]

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[LOT4R]

^^ Now that's more like it.

[Wr3ks_S3]

Here's my guesstimate...


Base RS3 (US) : $55,702.85 - $2,348.85 = $53,354



What do you guys think?

Sounds about right if they want it to compete with the M2 buyers market. I'm in at that price. Of course by the time I add B&O/Sport Seats/LED headlights/Black Optics. I don't want MRC next time! It'll be closer to $60K. I really like the digital display but $4,000 is too much.

I legit had this exact discussion with a buddy today, the plans I had for my current car I'm going to hold off on. I will still upgrade my stock s3 wheels and those will be carried over onto this......(I was going to get coils but I think I'm not going to not bother with a drop the stock height is not terrible....but moar low is always appreciated)

Yup, I'm stopping my upgrades. Save money for the RS3. lol

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I saw this rendition on the S3/RS3 facebook group this morning! I want Daytona gray or Silver with Black Optics.

[GramCracker]

Rear fenders are unchanged. Here in Oz it isn't easy to spot the difference between a S3 & RS3 hatch on the road. They pretty much look identical and you have to look at the tailpipes or front bumper. Certainly not aggressive enough.

When you drive the RS3 you'll want it purely due to the engine and sound it makes. I know I did when I had time behind the wheel of the RS3 hatch... it is intoxicating. After some thought, I realized that suspension and handling were lacking and that overtime this would frustrate me. The RS3 hatch understeers and the Haldex is still too front biased. Perhaps these have been resolved with the RS3 sedan, but unlikely?? As a VERY fast luxury daily driver, the RS3 sedan will not disappoint. The RS3 owners in Oz tuning theirs have gotten huge numbers and you can expect times of 3.6 secs on a stage 1.

Running at similar price as an ///M2 and how disappointing the RS3 hatch's handling was, I'd choose the M2/M3 which is RWD and has a proper handbrake.

That should be the only reason people get this - 100% the reason I aim to get one. 5zyl > all*


*except a screaming CGT V10 or a Ferrari 12.

[GramCracker]

Here's my guesstimate...


Conversion rate (£ -> $) : £1 == $1.30; as of Sept 29, 2016

Base S3 Sedan (UK) : £34,930
Conversion (£ -> $) : £34,930 -> $45,248.85
Base S3 (US) : $42,900

Base S3 market difference : $45,248.85 - $42,900 = $2,348.85

Base RS3 (UK) : £43,000
Conversion (£ -> $) : £43,000 -> $55,702.85

Base RS3 (US) : $55,702.85 - $2,348.85 = $53,354



What do you guys think?

I think this is very accurate and exactly where the car will come in priced to be competitive with the market.

[S3Danny]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yep, that will do. I'll take mine just like this.

[boostinmr2]

DP: No deposits being accepted at local LA dealers, although 2 promised me MSRP.