Audi RS 3 Sportback comes out of the box

Audi has unveiled a new model for its dynamic RS series: the RS 3 Sportback. Bringing great performance to the compact size, the four ring brand follows its tradition and offers a car that features a five cylinder engine and turbocharging technology. The 2.5 liters engine has a power output of 340 hp and delivers a maximum torque of 450 Nm. Fuel consumption is predicted to stand at 9.1 liters of fuel per 100 km.

The power is transmitted to the wheels through seven-speed S tronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The Audi RS 3 Sportback’s distinctive look is brought by the use 19-inch wheels and fenders made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

Thanks to the development from quattro GmbH, the RS 3 Sportback brings the dynamic philosophy to the compact category. The 2.5 liters engine enables the model to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, with the top speed being electronically limited at 250 km/h. Still, with a total weight of 1,575 kilograms, according to Audi the RS 3 Sportback delivers a fuel consumption of 9.1 liters of fuel per 100 km, which represents CO2 emissions of 212 g/km. A delivery-on-demand oil pump and a regenerative system that recovers energy as the car decelerates are in large part responsible for this efficiency.

With the use of a seven-speed S tronic transmission, power is transmitted from the five-cylinder engine via three shafts, one drive shaft and two output shafts. The S tronic can be operated in two automatic modes and one manual mode. Gears are shifted using the paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever.

Thanks to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, RS 3 Sportback’s traction, dynamics, and stability are enhanced.

In terms of exterior styling the new top-of-the-line model in the A3 series features xenon plus headlights, with the front apron, the anthracite single-frame grill with diamond-patterned styling and the air intakes offering it a distinctive figure.

From the side the RS 3 Sportback is dominated by the flared front fenders made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), prominent sill panels, exterior-mirror casings in matt aluminum look and a large roof spoiler. At the rear the look of the RS 3 is accentuated by the high-gloss black diffusor insert and two elliptical exhaust tailpipes on the left. The RS 3 badges adorn the single-frame grill and the rear hatch.

The new top-of-the-line model in the A3 series will be  built at Audi Hungaria in Győr, a site that already produces the TT Coupé, the TT Roadster and the A3 Cabriolet.

Deliveries of the RS 3 Sportback will begin in early 2011. The base price in Germany will be 49,900 euros.