When Audi debuted the new five-cylinder RS3 hatchback, we had but one question: āWhenās it coming to America?ā And Audi said it more than likely would, just not in hatchback form, because us Americans just donāt buy those fancy luxury hatches the Europeans love. Hereās the one we are getting, for sure and officially: the RS3 Sedan.
And Audi said that unlike the current RS3 hatchback, this one has had its 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo engine bumped to 400 horsepower, making it the most powerful production five-cylinder in the world. It also comes with 354 lb-ft of torque. Thatās a big bump from the existing S3 sedanāa very good car, by the wayārated at 292 HP.
Five cylinders! Better than four, more interesting than six.
Audi says the RS3 sedan will do zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The sole gearbox choice is a seven-speed dual-clutch with paddles, making for a faster and better pick than even a Golf R. And of course, power goes to all four wheels.
No word yet on pricing, but we can expect it to compete with the BMW M2, so Iām expecting the low-$50,000 range or so, probably without too many options. It comes to the U.S. and China next summer.
You excited? Iām excited.
