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Audi is aiming to take Europe’s hot hatch ranks by storm with a new twin-turbo 2.5-litre, five-cylinder RS3 performance model.

Set for launch towards the end of 2012, this rendered image shows the new four-wheel-drive hatchback, which forms part of a wider range of models based on the next A3, due in early 2011.

Fitted with a new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a torque-vectoring differential, the range-topping RS3 looks set to give the new Ford Focus RS and upcoming Renaultsp...Read the full article

Im sure the spy shots show them testing an RS3 based on the current model. Would Audi really launch an RS model just over a year after the new standard car? - I doubt it.

I suspect the RS3 will be launched early next year based on the current car and only be in production for around 18months, as a sort of run out model.

Wow, Audi is stepping up it's game big time...

So, Audi is setting its sights "lower" this time around. Instead of targeting the Mitsubishi and Subaru, it has decided that the Front Wheel Drive Focus RS and RenaultSport Megane are its targets. I won't be surprised if the RS3 comes out with a bloodied nose this time around as well. Let's wait and see...
 

I fear that the RS3 will be frightfully expensive.   S3 is already expensive for what you're getting, especially if you start to add extras.   Since the last tart up that Audi did they've added some options that you previously had to buy, thankfully.   But spec it up with the sports seats and you start to see the price shoot up.

The A3 is in desperate need of a complete refresh.   It's dull, dull, dull.....

However, Autocar did give me a bit of a laugh this morning.   That someone who was considering the Focus RS or Renaultsport Megane 250 would be tempted by the RS3!   Cheap thrills Vs expensive Audi.

Symanski:

I fear that the RS3 will be frightfully expensive.   S3 is already expensive for what you're getting, especially if you start to add extras.  

 I agree, go and configure a S3 with sort of similar spec RS and you are already $5k more expensive.... The RS will probably be atleast another £5k again.

Symanski:

However, Autocar did give me a bit of a laugh this morning.   That someone who was considering the Focus RS or Renaultsport Megane 250 would be tempted by the RS3!   Cheap thrills Vs expensive Audi.

You've hit the nail on the head - the Focus & the Megane are cheap thrills - like wearing bright flashy trainers vs the Audi's Gucci Loafers  - some people will want the bright aggressive chav-like looks of the trainers, others will hate them and think the owners hoodie wearing tossers, and again some will see the value and style in the Gucci shoes, others will think them dull & overpriced.

Both do the same job in very different ways, and in one sense it's daft to compare them, and I'm glad both exist.

From previous stories I too thought the RS3 was coming out in the current body style towards the end of the production run - I think this Autocar story is more just a spin off of yesterdays A3 story to get more life out of the expensive renderings Autocar has paid someone to do.

 makes a good debate though.

whatever the price difference it will be right to see audi well up the top of the rankings on having the ultimate hot hatch. i think VW will try and have a go with the golf against the focus at not much of an extra premium. 4wd will kill off the fwd generation.

 

Autocar:

Audi is aiming to take Europe’s hot hatch ranks by storm with a new twin-turbo 2.5-litre, five-cylinder RS3 performance model.

 Pretty sure it's a single turbo

Audi Tastic:

You've hit the nail on the head - the Focus & the Megane are cheap thrills

 Focus RS - Cheap Thrills? You're kidding? ;-)

We're talking about a £25k Ford Focus... without any options! And that's for a car, that may be a good steer, but looks like it spun off in to a Halfords accessories dept!  It's not my cup of tea, so you may friend have hit the nail on the head... I'm happy to pay a premium for the Audi as IT IS a nicer place to be day to day.  It can trundle down the street un-noticed, unlike a Focus RS haha

The S3 is expensive, but you get a lot of standard kit with it including Leather and bi-xenons and not to forget it has the 4WD assembly. You don't need the buckets in the S3... yes they are nice, but the standard seats are fine and the car is very well screwed together and a nice place to be!

Imagine if Ford had continued with the 4WD route as originally inteded for the RS - it would no doubt cost more than the current S3... but would it be better all round?

Another benefit of the S3 - a remap for £500 yields 310bhp straight away - add an inatke and an exhaust and you're getting in to 335bhp - all for about £1600. That's a lot of performance for the £ and the fact it has 4wd means it can handle it.

 I agree with one of the earlier posts, the RS3 is more likely to come out on the current platform next year as a final hurrah before the new model arrives in 2011.  If they can keep costs controlled and market this as a sub £35k car (inclusive of buckets!) I'll buy one. 

The thing I'm most looking forward to is seeing what a chipped RS3 will be capable of - 370-380bhp...? and as it's 4WD it's going to monster a Focus RS ;-)

 

Fingers crossed we see it next year

Autocar's heading is plain wrong. This will compete higher than the RS and Megane - and remember it will have Quattro to contain all that power.

Hell this thing will finally put the 135i in its place.

jtc911:

Pretty sure it's a single turbo

Nope. Deffo twin-turbo. Its the same engine as the TT-RS