Audi made us quite a surprise today and revealed the all-new RS 3 Sportback, a hardcore version of the A3 Sportback which promises to deliver impressive performances with an average fuel consumption. As expected, the car is powered by a 2.5-liter TFSI engine found also on the Audi TT RS, and capable to deliver 250 kW (340 hp) and a maximum torque of 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft). With these numbers, the car hits 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The power of the engine is delivered to the wheels via a seven-speed S tronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. With a total weight of 1,575 kilograms (3,472.28 pounds), the car is capable to deliver an average fuel consumption of just 9.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (25.85 US mpg) and emits 212 g CO2 per km (341.18 g/mile). The car also comes with new 19-inch cast aluminum wheels wrapped in 235/35 series tires at the front and 225/35 at the rear.
Behind these wheels, we find aluminum brake disk covers, which are encircled by four-piston fixed calipers painted a high-gloss black and bearing RS logos. The sports suspension lowers the body of the RS 3 Sportback by 25 millimeters (0.98 inch) compared with the A3. The electronic stabilization program (ESP) features a Sport mode and can be switched off entirely. Regarding the design of the car, you can easily see from the photos that a new front bumper has been installed creating an aggressive appearance. Furthermore, we have a new anthracite single-frame grill, fenders made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), new exterior-mirror casings in aluminium look and a new large roof spoiler.
A high-gloss black diffusor insert and two elliptical exhaust tailpipes on the left accentuate the styling at the rear. RS 3 badges adorn the single-frame grill and the rear hatch. Inside, the sport theme is continued and we find new sports seats upholstered in Fine Nappa leather with silver contrasting stitching, inlays in Piano finish black or the new Aluminum Race look, a new flat-bottomed sports steering wheel. Moreover, the car offers the Sport button, rear parking system, climate control, chorus radio system, and xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights. Pricing starts at 49,900 euros in Germany, and the deliveries are set to start in early 2011.
