“Is Audi the brand that will launch the compact luxury performer segment into the realm of 300kW fire power? It certainly looks that way”

 Just as earlier speculated, Audi has confirmed that a high-performance RS 3 variant of its excellent A3 sedan will join fray in U.S. showrooms next year, fattening the options of Audi A3 models on that side of the world to two; a Sportback and sedan. The RS 3 is currently available in the European market in Sportback form only.

According to sources, the US spec RS 3 sedan will arrive sometime in 2017 as a 2018 model year. It’s reported that this sweet RS 3 variation will also be powered by a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine but it won’t be the same mill found in the current Euro-spec RS 3. Audi is currently putting the finishing touches on an all-new 2.5L turbo-fiver that will debut later this year at the Beijing Motor Show.

That five-banger – which will also be shared with the next TT RS – will reportedly develop in the region of 298 kW, enough to up-end the 280 kW Mercedes-AMG CLA45. The current RS 3’s five-cylinder is rated at 270 kW.

Shifting through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive, the RS 3 sedan will likely be capable of ripping past 100km/h in four-seconds flat, on its way to resetting the power levels in the segment which judging by current levels, makes the advent of crossing over to the 300kW bracket all the more real. Depending on trim, the RS 3 will be able to hit a top speed of 280 km/h.

Given its scheduled 2017 introduction, the RS 3 sedan will be launching near the end of the A3’s lifecycle. Expectantly Audi has learned its lesson of missing out on early sales and on that front, it is likely to introduce the next RS 3 much earlier in the car’s lifecycle. And please, Audi, South Africa needs it too!

via ZA Top Range