A3/S3/RS3 Spy shots: 2015 Audi RS3 Test Mule

[JHF]

Auto testers have benchmarked the new A45 AMG and M135i against Audi's outdated RS3 model and the less powerful new S3, naturally finding the quattros a bit wanting.

Audi has taken offense to this and is preparing an answer. This is that answer, the next generation of RS3 Sportback, spotted here for the first time while undergoing testing in Germany

The vehicle is a test mule, visually identical to the S3. It has the S3 body kit, the S3 sport quad exhaust, but there's one quite obvious difference. Looking at the front brakes, we spot the same lightweight brake kit developed by quattro for the RS7. It's a six-piston setup, obvious overkill if this were just the S3.

Audi is aggressively downsizing its performance engines, so this could be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. After all, Ford dropped the T5 in the Focus ST. That's not the case. The 2.5-liter TFSI is one of the most famous Audi engines of all time, and they've developed an updated model.

This new engine is going to have better internal components and a more modern block. It will also have at least 380 horsepower accord to most reports.



http://www.autoevolution.com/news/spyshots-2015-audi-rs3-test-mule-68271.html

 

[Deckhook]

Where as the last one was all about speed and traction this one should be much more multi talented, few small hatch excite me as much as this potentially will. I wonder what elements of its platform/drivetrain will QuattroGmbH tweak?

 

[as7920]

Looking forward to this, hopefully it won't take another 5 years to introduce it.

 

[Deckhook]

Looking forward to this, hopefully it won't take another 5 years to introduce it.

If it's not shown late 2014 at some show I'll eat my hat.

 

[SKY]

This time with 3 doors as well, please.

 

[JHF]

2015 Audi RS 3 Sportback Spy Shots


You’re looking at the first photos of a prototype for the new generation of the Audi RS 3. The previous generation never made it to these shores but we suspect this one will because of Audi’s decision to launch more of its high-performance RS models in the U.S. market. Another reason is that Audi will need a rival to the likes of theMercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG and upcoming BMW M2.

The prototype is for an RS 3 Sportback, based on the five-door A3 Sportback, but we suspect the car’s mechanical package will eventually be fitted in the A3 sedan. That mechanical package will likely consist of a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, quattro all-wheel drive and sports suspension.

We know this prototype is for an RS 3 because of the aggressive front bumper, uprated wheels and brakes, lowered suspension, and signature RS oval exhaust tips. According to the photographer, the car is also slightly wider than the stock A3 Sportback.

Power in the new RS 3 is expected to come from an uprated version of the turbocharged and direct-injected 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine found in the previous RS 3 as well as the TT RS. In its most potent form the engine delivers 360 horsepower and 343 pound-feet, but the boss of Audi’s quattro performance division, Stephan Reil, recently revealed that the engine has more potential.

At the same time, Audi has revealed a version of its 2.0-liter TFSI found in the 2015 S3 and 2016 TT that develops upwards of 420 horsepower, so it’s possible we may see the smaller engine fitted to the new RS 3 in order to boost its efficiency. The likely transmission will be a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission.

Look for a debut of the new RS 3 Sportback later this year or early next. If built, an RS 3 sedan will most likely debut a year after the hatchback's arrival.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1056434_2015-audi-rs-3-sportback-spy-shots

 

[JHF]

Spied: Audi RS 3 Sportback + New Rumors of 2.0 TFSI High Output Power

An Audi RS 3 Sportback test mule has been spied in the vicinity of the Nurburgring this week, suggesting this smallest Audi RS-car offering is nearing its auto show debut perhaps as early as Paris in September. At the same time, rumors are beginning to surface out of the German press that the car could swap its 2.5 TFSI 5-cylinder turbo for a version of the latest High Power 2.0 TFSI seen in the TT quattro sport concept from Geneva.

First, the mule itself. Take a look at these photos and you’ll see an A3 Sportback with more aggressive fascia and possibly front fenders underneath that camouflage. As if that’s not enough to prove the car’s RS-intentions, one can easily see the hexagonal grille at the front and the big oval exhaust tips at the rear that are obvious RS-car tells. An even more trained eye will note that the driver of the car is none other than Stephan Reil, quattro GmbH’s product development boss.

Next, to the subject of the engine rumor. We’ve no doubt Audi purists will be concerned over the supposed departure of the 2.5 TFSI as reported by AutoZeitung. Audi has had a long history with 5-cylinder turbo engines and the familiar burble of such an engine is like a call to all four-ringer hooligans everywhere. That said, the 2.5 TFSI has a high unit cost and it was expected to come in at about 450 hp in the guise of the MQB-based RS-cars.

In comparison, the so-called “High Power” 2.0 TFSI developed by Audi to compete with the AMG engine sold in the Mercedes-Benz CLA has been rated at around 400 hp as fitted in the TT quattro sport concept car and also last week’s Volkswagen Golf R 400 concept in Beijing. Given this engine is less costly to produce, nearly as high in power, is lighter and likely more fuel efficient, it makes a strong case for its use as the RS 3 and possibly TT RS engine. However, it is rumored to not be a quattro GmbH developed engine and its use in the RS 3 and potentially TT RS wouldn’t help the longevity of the 2.5 TFSI. Also, Dr. Hackenberg is on record saying the TT RS will use the 2.5 TFSI. Perhaps time will tell.

See more spy photos of the RS 3 Sportback test mule in our photo gallery linked below and also to the right of this story. Thanks Hans for the tip.

http://fourtitude.com/news/Audi_New...rtback-new-rumors-2-0-tfsi-high-output-power/

 

[JHF]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Rainer271]

Quattro GmbH boss says Audi RS3 will have around 360 bhp

RS3 sedan also under consideration
Quattro GmbH Managing Director Heinz Hollerweger has revealed some new details about the Audi RS3.

Speaking to Top Gear, Hollerweger said the model will have a five-cylinder engine that will "probably get around 360 bhp (268 kW).” He also raised the possibility of a 400 bhp (298 kW) variant but said we will have to wait and see what happens.

Regardless of the final numbers, Hollerweger said the car will be introduced next year and feature a DSG transmission. The company is also considering a manual gearbox but nothing has been decided as of yet.

In related news, Hollerweger said the Clubsport Quattro concept was created to see how American and Chinese consumers would react to an RS3 sedan. The company hasn't green-lighted the model but it's probably just a matter of time.

Source: Top Gear

 

[tristatez28lt1]

Fourtitude Photoshops:

 

[Rainer271]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Rainer271]

All-New Audi RS3 Spied with Neon Wheels and Production Exhaust

The wait is almost over, Audi fans – the all-new Audi RS3 super-hot hatch is just a few months away from reaching production. To make the wait for what's likely to be the fastest car in its class a little easier, we bring your exclusive footage of the car undergoing testing at the Nurburgring track in Germany.

Although heavily camouflaged, this prototype shares a great deal of its secrets if you have a trained eye. For example, the exhaust system is finally ready for production, large oval tips flanking either side of the rear bumper. Around the front, we notice LED headlights are fitted, which should be standard on this car, unlike with the cheaper S3.

And what about the wheels? Sure, they're the familiar 5-Arm-Rotor design, but look closely and you'll notice a matte black finish has been paired up with neon yellow for the outer edge. That's never been seen on any Audi before and should help the new RS3 set itself apart from the old one.

According to our sources, a new 2.5-liter TFSI turbo will be used in the 8V RS3, producing 367 PS (270 kW), which is 7 more than the A45 and crucially 27 PS more than the old RS3. With launch control, this 5-door family compact will be able to go 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, ridiculously fast when you consider a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S with a manual boasts the same time.

Sales of the new RS3 are scheduled to start in April 2015, with deliveries in Germany happening in June. That gives Audi plenty of time to fine-tune the car for track use and get rid of the understeer, maybe even prove Haldex-style quattro can let the tail slide out on ice if they so choose.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/a...eels-and-production-exhaust-video-85191.html#

 

[Rainer271]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[JHF]

A 400+ horsepower 2.5 TFSI turbo inline-5 for the 2016 Audi RS3 afterall? Spyvideo


Someone needs to make up their mind on this one. Earlier this year reports were that the next generation RS3 would get a high output EA888 2.0 liter four cylinder with just under 400 horsepower as Audi and Volkswagen want to take the title for the most powerful production four cylinder away from AMG. Volkswagen and Audi have been very boisterous regarding their intention to take the four cylinder production title away from Mercedes.

The Germans reported said four-cylinder would be used in the Audi RS3. The Brits over at CAR state it will be the 2.5 TFSI. Audi recently confirmed the TT-RS will get the 2.5 TFSI likely with output over 400 horses and if precedent means anything the TT-RS and RS3 will share the same motor.

If the new high output EA888 finds its way into the A3 bodystyle that means the RS3 will need more than 400 horsepower to distance itself from it. Over 400 horsepower is pretty much certain for the TT-RS. The spyvideo below certainly sounds like the 2.5 TFSI and not the 2.0 liter four-cylinder motor.

Let's just hope Audi comes to their senses and continues to use the tuner friendly 2.5 TFSI.

AudiBoost - A 400+ horsepower 2.5 TFSI turbo inline-5 for the 2016 Audi RS3 afterall? Spyvideo

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[martinbo]

That 2.5 litre, 5 cylinder turbo is one of the world's great engines. It has to stick around! Pity it's used in such limited applications.

 

[Rolf]

Fourtitude Photoshops:

I like the thought of an RS3 sedan if it will look like these renders then I would be a keen possible buyer if the car is really talented!

 

[Rolf]

The next RS3 will let's hope have a more rear biased 4wd system allowing more rear wheel type driving thrills and agility. It will probably be a better all rounder than the last version. I believe they will shift the power close to or up to 400bhp to give it an edge over the A45 AMG and M235i and possibly the upcoming M2. But Mercedes will not rest on its laurels and I am sure they will raise the power of the A45 to 400bhp as well

 

[Zafiro]

Autocar: New Audi RS3 Sportback - first details and ride
Matt Prior joins the development team working on Audi's new turbocharged five-cylinder mega-hatch as it enters its final testing stages

More: http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-audi-rs3-sportback-first-details-and-ride

 

[JHF]

Spied: Believed Audi RS 3 Sedan Spied in Neckarsulm

A few weeks ago someone alerted us to a photo posted by a fan on the Audi Deutschland fan page on Facebook. That car showed what looked like a Sepang Blue Audi S3 with a lot of testing equipment affixed. Just what Audi might be testing on the already out-there S3 sedan can there can be little doubt. To our eye, this meant either an S3 plus with the high-output 2.0 TFSI engine or perhaps a sedan version of the RS 3.

To be honest, we wanted to be more certain. We’re still not 100%, but one Audi source in America suggested it was probably a sedan version of the upcoming RS 3. We believe that to be more than a guess as well, since an in-bound RS 3 would already be well on the radar of Audi’s American team providing they’re senior enough… and this unnamed source was senior enough.

Yes, we know we’re making some assumptions here, but it’s not out in left field. The RS 3 Sportback is expected to drop soon. Top Gear even got a spin in a test mule of the thing. An RS 3 sedan has been further hinted at by no less than Audi of America boss Scott Keogh, even if he has remained coy about fully confirming the thing.

Scott Keogh isn’t usually coy. If he’s hinting, that usually means he knows what’s up… so something’s up.

So there you go. This is probably an RS 3 sedan. If that’s so, then it’s also worth noting that, like the Sportback mules already spied, this car has no real noticeable fender flares. Fans of the Worthersee A3 clubsport quattro sedan concept may likely feel a bit left down wanting that super widebody look, but we’ve no doubt many, many more will be ecstatic knowing we’re due to get a real-deal Audi RS 3 with turbocharged 5-cylinder engine.

More to come as it happens.

http://fourtitude.com/news/audi-rum...ed-believed-audi-rs-3-sedan-spied-neckarsulm/