270kW/465Nm Audi RS3 Sportback officially unveiled

Audi RS3 Sportback front quarter

Audi has unveiled the much anticipated range-topping RS3 Sportback. Audi has described the flagship’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine as the most powerful transverse engine from the company.

It produces 270kW (367 PS) of power and 465Nm of torque, and is connected to a seven-speed S tronic double-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive system. It will propel the superhatch from 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds – 0.6 seconds faster than the S3 hatch. Top speed is inevitably limited to 250km/h, or 280km/h if you ask nicely. Despite its impressive performance, the RS3 is claimed to consume a combined average of just 8.1L/100km while emitting 189g/km of CO2.

Read ForceGT’s 2014 Audi S3 Review.

Helped by advances in construction processes and material use made as part of the Audi ultra efficiency programme, the successor to the original RS 3 Sportback weighs in 55kg lighter, tipping the scales at 1,520kg (without driver), despite additional equipment and safety features, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 177kW per ton.

Audi RS3 Sportback rear quarter

Besides the powerful engine, the new RS3 also gets sports-tuned suspension, a wider track and Audi’s Drive Select system which allows drivers to customise the car’s suspension, steering, exhaust and gearbox. Speaking of exhaust, two flaps in the exhaust pipes control the exhaust flow to provide a more intensive soundtrack that varies with engine load and speed. If that’s not enough, customers can option the RS3 with a sports exhaust for more noise.

Its progressive steering system is capable of varying its ratio between 15.3:1 and 10.9:1. As for its brakes, the The internally ventilated disc brakes measure 370 millimetres in diameter at the front and 310 millimetres at the rear. The front friction rings feature a weight-saving wave design and are perforated for maximum heat dissipation. Pins connect them to aluminium brake caps, and they are gripped by eight-piston fixed calipers painted black (red optional) with RS logos. Front carbon fibre ceramic brakes are available as an option. They measure 370mm and are gripped by anthracite grey calipers.

Audi RS3 Sportback front

Looks wise, the RS3 gets high-gloss black, honeycomb-look grille with matte aluminium-look frame, pronounces air intake below the license plate frame and large side intakes frame by bold contours. The blade integrated into the front apron extends upward into the air intakes to form a vertical dividing bar.

At the back, the remodelled bumper with high-gloss black diffuser insert, honeycomb grille with four bars, from which two large oval tailpipes boldly protrude.

It rolls on 19-inch five-arm rotor design alloy wheels, while a set of 19-inch matte titanium or high-gloss anthracite black machine polished wheels are offered as an option.

Audi RS3 Sportback interior

Inside, the driver is greeted by a flat-bottomed RS multifunction steering wheel wrapped in leather and Alcantara, stainless steel pedals, Alcantara door inserts and newly developed RS bucket seats.

The Audi RS3 Sportback will go on sale in Europe next year

Check Also

2021 Audi A3 Sedan S line unveiled

The all-new 2021 Audi A3 Sedan S line has made its official debut ahead of …