After months of speculations and spy shots, Audi has finally released official pictures, specs and price for the 2011 Audi RS3 Sportback, which will go on sale in Europe in early 2011. No word yet on when or if the RS3 will be available in the United States and Canada.
So what is so special about the Audi RS3? At first glance it doesn’t look too special, look closely and you’ll see the subtle RS3 badges, bigger wheels and brakes, and a lower stance. Under the hood is where all the magic took place! The Audi RS3 is powered by Audi TT RS’s 2.5 liter 5-cylinder turbo engine that produces 340 horsepower and 331 pound-feet (450 Nm) of torque. The RS3 uses a 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission with two auto modes and a manual mode, delivering power to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro system and making the 0 – 60 miles per hour blast in 4.6 seconds and can reach an electronically controlled top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
The Audi RS3 weighs in at 3,472 pounds (1,575 kg) and gets a pretty decent mileage of 25.9 mpg (9.1 L/100 km) which is probably on the highway; expect a city number to be much lower and if you drive it like you stole it, then… who cares…
Visually the RS3 looks a bit different compared to S3 with wider front air-intakes, bigger fender flares and side skirts. The RS3 rides on 19 inch cast aluminum wheels and there is an option for a red wheel lip. For added braking power, the RS3 is equipped with 14.57 inch (370 mm) ventilated disks in the front and 12.2 inch (310 mm) at the rear. The car sits about an inch (25 mm) lower than the S3 and the front and rear track has been widened and there are new coilovers and redesigned shocks. For those looking to do a bit of hooliganism, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) can be switched to sport mode or completely turned off.
On the inside the RS3 gets a new steering wheel and very sporty bucket seats that are wrapped in Napa leather with red stitching.
The Audi RS3 Sportback will be available in early part of 2011 and is set to cost €49,900 in Germany which is around $68,000 at current exchange rate.
2011 Audi RS3 Sportback Picture Gallery
Via: Audi
