Paris 2016: Audi introduces the RS3 at the motor show

Audi has given its RS badge to the S3 which was introduced in the ongoing Paris Motor Show. It will be the first sedan to embrace Audi’s RS badge. The car will be launched in China and the USA initially, from summer 2017 under ‘Audi Sport’ label.

The new RS3 with RS’ badge will be powered by a 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine which will deliver 394bhp of maximum power, 32bhp more than its previous version and 480Nm of maximum torque in a range of 1700rpm to 5850rpm. Combine the above power figures and the RS3 sprints from 1-100kmph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 250kmph. Audi offers to increase the top speed to 280kmph and will also modify sound of the engine output upon request.

Compared to the Audi S3, the RS3 will come with wider front wheel arches, 20mm wider wheel track and three-dimensional honeycomb grille in the front which bears the quattro logo. At the rear, the axles are placed 14mm further apart and the diffusor with vertical struts accompany the large oval tailpipe of the RS exhaust system. The RS3 will come in two color options, Nardo gray and Catalunya red. On the inside, an illuminated RS3 logo will appear at the door sill while the interiors will be toned in a dark color. Nappa leather sport seats with RS logos on the backrests are a standard in Audi RS3, however, Audi will further offer a RS silhouette sport seats with integrated head restraints as an option. Other interiors like the RS sport leather steering wheel with flat bottom and the sporty inlays of the car which complements the sportiness of the car. Another important feature Audi is offering in the RS3 is the traffic jam assist, which takes the control of the steering wheel in stop-go traffic up to speeds of 65kmph. It will also incorporate emergency assist which will stop the car if necessary.