Audi->ke14 first introduced the A3 nameplate, which initially included three-door and five-door hatchbacks,->ke304 back in 1996. The first performance version arrived three years later as the S3,->ke1303 but it took Audi no less than 15 years to launch the brawnier RS3 Sportback model. The hot wagon-like hatch featured a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the most powerful vehicles in Audi's lineup. The RS3 needed only 4.5 seconds to charge from 0 to 60 mph and its race-bred suspension made it suitable for track hooning. The first-gen RS3 was retired in 2012, after only two years in showrooms. After two years of waiting and several videos with a new iteration of the car doing hot laps on the Nurburgring->ke999 throughout 2014, Audi has finally unveiled the 2015 RS3 Sportback,

The compact comes with a redesigned, more aggressive exterior, more power, more torque, and a host of brand-new features. Thanks to its updated engine, the RS3 is now the most powerful compact in the premium segment. Check out the full details below.

Updated 12/12/2014: Audi unveiled the first details on the new RS3 Sportback, which is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in March, 2015. Click past the jump for the full details.

2015 Audi RS3

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Audi RS3
  • Engine/Motor: inline-5
  • Horsepower: 367
  • Torque: 343 @ 1625
  • Transmission: seven-speed S tronic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Spy shots

April 24, 2014 - Audi RS3 Caught Testing in Production Form

The prototype caught testing by our spy photographers is simply an S3 mule, meaning that the new RS3 is still in early development stages. Even so, we pretty much know what to expect when the new model arrives in 2014.

It will be a little bit more aggressive than the S3, with a different grille, revised front and rear bumpers, larger air intakes that will ensure a proper engine cooling and for the rear a new exhaust system with dual tailpipes.

The model will sit on special RS wheels, combined with large brakes featuring six-piston calipers and cross-drilled discs.

Exterior

Based on the third-generation A3, which was unveiled for the 2013 model year, the brand-new RS3's design is significantly different when compared to the previous model. The modern headlamps are equipped with the company's new LED strips, while the front grille is a massive departure from the unit fitted on the original model. Although it sports the same honeycomb pattern, the grille is now wider and sports a hexagonal design instead of the older trapezoidal shape.

Down below, the completely redesigned apron boasts two massive air intakes, also featuring the grille's honeycomb pattern, and a silver blade-like element with vertical fins on each side. Around back, the RS3 is equipped with a pair of new taillights and a beefy bumper. The apron incorporates a four-blade diffuser, huge oval exhaust tips and silver accents. When viewed from the side, the RS3 reveals its widened front fenders and muscly character lines.

Eight exterior paints are available for the RS3, as well as new wheel designs. The color palette features Nargo Gray and Catalunya Red Metallic as new shades, with the latter exclusive to the RS3 Sportback.

Side-by-side comparison

TopSpeed Rendering

Interior

Much like any other RS-badged Audi model, the RS3's interior blends sportiness, luxury and state-of-the-art convenience features. Black is the dominant color inside the cabin, with light gray adorning the seats, the door panels and some of the center console. The seats come wrapped in Nappa leather with Dark Rock Gray contrast stitching, while the flat-bottom steering wheel is swathed in leather and Alcantara. The latter is also used for the door-trim inserts. The sporty visuals are further enhanced by stainless-steel pedals and footrest and the RS instrument cluster with black faces, red needles and white scales. The driver information system now includes a lap timer as well.

Other standard features includes RS bucket seats, MMI infotainment, and Parking System Plus. The options list is packed with goodies such as S sport seats with diamond pattern, carbon shell and integrated side airbags,and an interior design package with red accents on the knee pads, the air vents, the floor mats and the seat belts.

Drivetrain

Power comes from the same 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine, but a host of upgraded internals enable it to deliver 367 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque from 1,625 rpm. That's 27 ponies and 11 pound-feet more that the previous model, just enough to make the new RS3 0.3 seconds quicker than its predecessor from 0 to 62 mph at 4.3 seconds. Top speed sits at 155 mph in standard guise, but Audi says it can be increased to 174 mph "upon request."

Mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission that shifts faster than its predecessor and the quattro all-wheel-drive system, the five-pot is expected to return 29 mpg combined. The previous RS3 was rated at 26 mpg combined.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

2.5 TFSI five cylinder, turbocharged engine

Output

367 HP

Torque

343 LB-FT @ 1,625-5,550 RPM

0 - 100kmh (62 mph)

4.3 seconds

Top Speed

280 km/h (174.0 mph)

Transmission

seven-speed S tronic


Suspension and Brakes

The chassis received a host of upgrades to cope with the RS3's higher output and improved handling in tight corners. The pivot bearings of the front axle, the progressive steering, and the the sport suspension were designed specifically for this model. The optional magnetic ride adaptive damper control system was also tuned for optimum performance in the RS3. Stopping power is provided by carbon-ceramic brake discs. The units are standard for the rear axle and can be fitted to the front axle upon request.

Prices

Pricing information for the U.S. market is not yet available, but we expect the 2015 RS3 to cost in excess of $55,000. The Sportback is set to make its global debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March, with European deliveries to commence next summer. No word on U.S. availability as of December 2014.

Competition

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

Given its output and wagon-like body, the RS3 Sportback is rather unique, with no actual competitors in the United States. What's more hot hatches such as the Ford Focus ST and the Volkswagen Golf GTI are rather slow with less than 300 ponies at their disposal. On the other hand, there's the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, which is a tad shorter but powerful enough to give the RS3 a run for its money.

The German hatch is not just appealing as far as design goes, it also employs an incredible turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-banger that cranks out no less than 360 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. 60 mph comes in 4.6 seconds thanks to AMG's seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission, while top speed sits at 155 mph.

Unfortunately, this hatch is not yet available in the United States. In Britain, it retails from £38,200, which converts to around $60,000 as of 12/12/2014.

Ford Focus RS

A new Focus RS has yet to be unveiled, but Ford's all-new hatch will make its debut in 2015. Rumored to hit showrooms with a more powerful version of the Mustang’s 2.3-liter, EcoBoost four-cylinder that will crank out around 330 horsepower, the new Focus RS could also receive all-wheel drive for the very time. Of course, we don't expect it to outgun the RS3 Sportback in a straight line, but the RS should be more capable at the track. The best part is the RS will finally cross the pond to the United States, and it could go on sale for the 2016 model year.

Based on the current-generation Focus, the upcoming RS will boast an aerodynamic body kit and a host of race-bred chassis upgrades in addition to the EcoBoost powerplant.

Conclusion

It took Audi two years to build a new RS3 Sportback and we can finally see why. With 367 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque on tap, the RS3 wipes out just about any hot hatch you can buy for the 2015 model year, while also offering added luxury that easily trumps any offerings from Ford or Volkswagen. It's not cheap by any means, but we still want it in U.S. showrooms A.S.A.P.!