2017 Audi RS3 sedan turns up the heat with 395 hp

Audi was present and well at the Paris Motor Show 2016, and with them they brought the fastest and most powerful model in the A3 line-up, the Audi RS3 sedan. It also has the privilege of being the first compact sedan from Audi to adorn the RS nameplate.

The 2.5-litre 5-cylinder TFSI – which utilizes technologies like dual injection and Audi valvelift system – is not only lighter than its predecessor by 26 kilograms, but has a maximum rated output of 395 hp, which is 33 hp more than before – making it the most powerful five-cylinder engine on planet Earth. It also generates a maximum torque of 480 Nm, which is available from as low as 1,700 rpm, all the way upto 5,850 rpm, allowing the driver to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds – that’s 0.2 seconds quicker than the current RS3 hothatch. Top speed is an electronically limited 250 km/h, but Audi can tweak that to 280 km/h, upon request.

Coupling crank and prop shaft is a S tronic 7-speed dual clutch transmission that distributes power to all four via quattro permanent all-wheel drive which via, an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch can vary torque between the front and rear axles. It will also comes new software upgrades like Wheel-selective torque control, which uses a smart algorithm to brake the inside wheels slightly, allowing it to generate greater lateral movement.

The RS3 sedan’s chassis is 25 mm lower than the standard model bringing the centre of gravity closer to the ground. While braking efforts will be channeled through front brake discs with a 370 mm (14.6 in) diameter, with 8-piston calipers and 310 mm (12.2 in) diameter rear discs. But if steel doesn’t satisfy, you can opt in for the Carbon-fibre ceramic discs upfront. All discs will have a cross-drilled patterns, visible through gaps of the 5 twin-spoke 19-inch wheels, that come fitted with 235/35 or the optional 255/30 tyres.

The RS3 sedan also pushes the boundaries of aesthetic aggression. The Singleframe with its 3-dimensional honeycomb grille bears the signature quattro logo. LED headlights with their distinctive daytime running light signature are standard; Audi also offers matrix LED headlights as an option. Giving the RS3 a more planted stance is a front track that is wider by 20 millimeters than the regular A3 and wider fenders. At the rear axle, the wheels are spaced 14 millimeters further apart. For aerodynamic advantages, there is a fixed spoiler lip on the boot lid and a diffusor insert with vertical struts; and finally, large oval tailpipes complete the power-laden look. Available exclusively for the RS3 are paint schemes like the optional Nardo gray and Catalunya red.

The black-tone interior comes with illuminated door sills bearing standard RS3 logos. As standard comes sport seats upholstered in black fine Nappa leather with RS logos embossed on the backrests; racier RS sport seats with more bolstering and integrated head restraints are optional. The upholstery also has a diamond quilted pattern and comes color-perforated. And as expected, the RS sport leather steering wheel is flattened at the bottom.

Infotainment wise, you have an electrically retractable screen with a 7-inch diagonal. As for instrumentation, there are two circular black dials with red needles and white scales and the centrally positioned driver information system includes a boost pressure indicator, an oil thermometer and a lap timer. The fully digital Audi virtual cockpit is optionally available, it uses a high-resolution 12.3-inch monitor with its three driver-selectable display modes to replace all analog gauges.

An LTE module brings in Audi connect services, including navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View, as well as real-time information on fuel prices, the weather, travel and traffic; and the available Wi-Fi hotspot enables occupants to browse with their smartphones, tablets etc. The free Audi MMI connect app offers many other features, such as transferring your smartphone’s calendar and POI’s to the MMI. Through Aupeo! The Audi smartphone interface also is Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatible. The Audi phone box inductively charges the smartphone according to the Qi standard and connects it to the car antenna via near-field coupling for optimal reception. There is also a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen Sound System that puts out 705 Watts of sound to keep your ears entertained.

As standard come safety features like lane departure assists and blind spot alerts. There is also a brand new feature called traffic jam assist, which momentarily takes over the steering in slow-moving traffic up to 65 km/h. In addition to all that, there is emergency assist, which automatically stops the car if required and cross traffic assist rear.

The pricing for any potential GCC-spec model hasn’t been announced but we expect it to be in the same range as the RS3 Sportback, which ranges between Dhs 211,000 – 225,000, currently in the UAE.

The RS3 is scheduled to be launched in China and the USA starting from the summer of 2017 under the “Audi Sport” label.