The motoring press came up with the term “hypercar” when fast-moving objects like the Porsche 918, the McLaren P1 and the LaFerrari started opening dimensional portals around the likes of a 911 Turbo S, the 458 Italia or the 12C. Now, Audi is kind of doing a little bit of the same with the RS3. Which is coming to America, just probably as a sedan instead of a hatch.
XCar’s Alex Goy argues that by offering all the comfort of a maxed out S3 while also giving you a 2.5 liter five-cylinder turbo producing almost as much power as the first Audi R8’s 4.2 liter V8 did back in 2008, the 362 horsepower Audi RS3 is more than just a hot hatch positioned high above the Golf R. With Quattro all-wheel drive and 342 pound-feet of torque on tap, this car is on a whole new level.
Of course the RS3 has to be a bit schizophrenic despite nobody planning to take it to the track. This is no Honda Civic Type R, although in a straight line, it will still smoke said hardcore hot hatch in a heartbeat.
Audi’s fastest compact will also reach 62 mph in 4.3 seconds and its seven-speed automatic will only switch to top gear shortly before topping out at 174 mph. That’s bonkers fast for a hatchback.
Alrighty then: Who will make the first mega hatch? Christian, we look it you!
Photo credit: Audi
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