Audi has revealed its pint-sized RS3 which will be available in the U.S., packing big power into a little package.
Under the hood of the RS3 will live a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The jump from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) will happen in just 4.1 seconds, while a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) has been set. On request, Audi will bring that top speed up to 174 mph (280 km/h).
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Overall, the car is 57 pounds (26 kilograms) lighter than it predecessor thanks mainly to a new light-alloy crankcase. Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is employed here and it carries the ability of splitting drive torque between the axles on the fly, with more power going rearward the harder the car is driven. The system can also brake the inside wheel to help the car rotate in the corners.
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Like many of today’s top sports cars, the RS3 is fully adjustable with a number of different drive modes thanks to adaptive damper control, variable engine management, dynamic handling and adjustable exhaust flaps. To help it stop, eight-piston calipers are used in the front with 14.6-inch brake rotors. Carbon ceramic brake discs are available as an option. Standard on the RS3 sedan are 19-inch wheels and 235/35 tires. 255/30 tires are optionally available in front.
To set it apart visually, the RS is slightly wider with larger front wheel arches, a lip spoiler in the rear, not to mention the big honeycomb grille on the nose with the quattro logo stuck to it. LED headlights and distinct daytime running lights are also fitted.
SEE ALSO: Watch the New Audi RS5 Testing at the Nurburgring
Inside, a dark-toned interior with illuminated door sills is found, complete with RS3 logos all around. Diamond pattern seats are available while the RS sport leather flat-bottom steering wheel comes standard with the RS3. A seven-inch touchscreen in the center stack offers Audi’s new MMI infotainment system while the fully digital 12.3-inch virtual gauge cluster is available an as option.
Just because it’s a sports car doesn’t mean it doesn’t have safety technology either. The RS3 will come with traffic sign detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, rear-end collision warnings and pedestrian alerts. Additionally, thanks to traffic jam assist, the RS3 can handle driving at speeds under 40 mph.
The best news of all? The new RS3 will be launching in the US in the summer of 2017.
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