Audi has just unveiled a monster at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. This powered-up A3, known as the RS3 sedan, packs quite a punch.
What's immediately noticeable about this new model are the numbers. It sports a five-cylinder, 2.5-liter TFSI lump that cranks out an impressive 400hp. That's 33hp more than its predecessor, the RS3 Sportback. The sedan's 480Nm can be achieved at a wide range between 1,700rpm to 5,850rpm. This results in a 0-100kph time of just 4.1 seconds. The car is electronically-limited to 250kph, but Audi can take it up to 280kph upon request.
The TFSI engine, which is 26kg lighter than the one in the RS3 Sportback, is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Handling all this power is Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, complemented by electronic stabilization control (ESC). As an RS bonus, the ESC comes with sport mode for controlled drifting. If you want to go all out, you can turn the ESC off completely.
Drivers of the RS3 sedan can vary the ride between the comfort, auto, and dynamic modes. The same goes if you opt for the RS sport suspension plus with adaptive damper control. Audi supplies the car with front and rear disc brakes gripped by eight-piston calipers, with the option for carbon fiber ceramic discs up front. Standard are 19-inch 235/35 tires, with the option to upgrade the front to a set of 255/30.
Looks-wise, the RS3 sedan has a three-dimensional honeycombe grille. LED headlights with daytime running light signature come standard. Compared to a regular A3, the RS3 sedan is 20mm wider up front and its wheelbase is 14mm longer. Audi offers the RS-exclusive colors Nardo Gray and Catalunya Red as options for this model.
Inside, you get a dark-toned interior and standard black fine Nappa leather sport seats with the RS badge. The steering wheel is flattened at the bottom and comes with its own set of buttons. The entertainment is delivered by a seven-inch multimedia interface (MMI) screen. A nifty feature of this car is the onboard LTE, courtesy of a factory-installed Audi SIM. With this, you can use the MMI screen to navigate through Google Earth, as well as check information on the weather, fuel prices, and traffic. You can also use this LTE as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your gadgets.
The RS3 sedan also comes with new safety features. These include the traffic jam assist, which briefly controls the steering in traffic at speeds of up to 65kph, the emergency assist braking system, and the cross-traffic assist rear feature that looks out for crossing vehicles when you pull out of a parking space.
This new model will be launched in 2017 in China and the US under the Audi Sport label. No word yet if or when it'll hit our shores.
