At its heart, the car is powered by the same turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine found in the TT-RS with 250 kW (340 PS / 335 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb ft) of torque. It is connected to quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic transmission which enables the 1,575 kg (3,472 lb) RS3 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and hit an electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph). Impressively, the car has average fuel consumption 9.1 liters per 100 km (25.85 US mpg) and CO2 emissions of 212 g/km.
To ensure stellar handling, Audi engineers installed an aluminum intensive sport suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a four-link setup out back. Furthermore, they added a high performance braking system with ventilated disks that measure 370mm in the front and 310mm at the rear.
Design wise, the RS3 is distinguished by aggressive fascias, an anthracite grille, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) fender flares. Other goodies include xenon headlights, a reduced ride height (25mm lower than a stock A3), aerodynamic side skirts, matt aluminum accents, a dual exhaust system, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the cabin is outfitted with Fine Nappa leather sport seats (with silver contrasting stitching), Piano black (or Aluminum Race) trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a revised driver information system with a lap timer.
On sale in the spring 2011, the RS3 will be priced from €49,900 in Germany.
