Lets face it! You know you want one. Audi Ireland has revealed the pricing of the powerful new RS3 Saloon, a new addition to the Audi Sport family, which will be available to order from August 2017. The four door Saloon starts from €68,700 RRP, while the Sportback variant is available from €67,700 RRP. The Audi RS3 range boasts the world’s most powerful production five-cylinder ensuring a truly unique driving experience. On the exterior, the RS3 defines cutting-edge design with its striking singleframe with a gloss black honeycomb grille, large air inlets and angular sill trims. The redesigned blade in the bumper gives the front end an even stronger wider look. LED headlights with their distinctive lighting signature are standard and Audi offers matrix LED headlights as an option. In the rear, a stylish RS3 roof edge spoiler, a diffuser insert and the R3S exhaust system’s large oval tailpipes are sure to make a lasting and impactful impression.
The cars commanding 2.5 TFSI engine, the world’s most powerful production five-cylinder engine, delivers 294 kW (400 hp) of output – 33 hp more than its predecessor – and is 26 kilograms (57.3 lb) lighter thanks to its aluminium crankcase, among other features. With a maximum torque of 480 Nm (354.0 lb-ft) engine speeds are available as low as 1,700 rpm and remains constant up to 5,850 rpm allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The RS3 models feature an S tronic seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive which transfers the power of the five cylinders to the road. As a standard feature Quattro management is integrated in the dynamic handling system Audi drive select, as are the steering, S tronic, the engine management, the adjustable exhaust flaps, and the optional RS3 sport suspension with adaptive damper control allowing the driver to individually vary the operation of these components between three modes – comfort, auto and dynamic. Handling is perfected using the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) with wheel-selective torque control and the sport mode specially tuned for the RS3.
The fully digital Audi virtual cockpit displays the infotainment system data and is available as an option. A special RS3 screen shifts the tachometer to the centre, displaying on either side the readings for torque, g‑forces and tyre pressure. When the transmission is operating in manual mode, a scale with a colour background prompts the driver to use the steering wheel paddle or selector lever to upshift when approaching maximum rpm. The new Audi RS3 Saloon and Sportback models will be available to order from August 2017. For further information about the RS3 Saloon or Sportback models please contact an authorised Audi dealership
