Pics: Audi RS3

[Erik]

Possibly the next Audi RS3

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3393/3408452289_f643e3feb2_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3408452871_d0e9912bdb_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3409262606_3ab59339b9_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3408456743_bb8fc024c6_o.jpg

[The Pretender]

I doubt this is a RS3 mule at all.
The Audi S3 is the best A3 to use for base development of the next Gen A3 and the new R5T engine the best engine to use.
The A3 8P will be replaced end next year, i can't see Audi bringing a RS3 based on the old car.
The next Gen A3 will probably have a low boost 2.5TFSI inline five engine version in his line-up. (A3/S3)

[Qisha]

Dear Friends,

keep in mind, no B8 RS4. So, a RS3 Sportback could fill this place... :)

Qisha

[The Pretender]

Dear Friends,

keep in mind, no B8 RS4. So, a RS3 Sportback could fill this place... :)

Qisha
Yes, but not based on a good year to go old model.
I can not see someone buying a expensive old model RS3 with the next Gen around the corner.

[tailpipe]

Qisha,

Is the B9 A4 an update to the existing model (as in B6 to B7) or is it a brand new chassis and model?

As the development of new models on the MLP platform continues, have Audi's engineers found a way of moving the engine further back? If so, I can see why they might wait before making the next RS4. If not, then the delay seems strange.

[Leadfoot]

Yes, but not based on a good year to go old model.
I can not see someone buying a expensive old model RS3 with the next Gen around the corner.

Unless the next A3 isn't based on the Golf platform I can't see there being a problem releasing the RS3 as it approaches the end of it's production cycle, this has been the way quattroGmbH has previously released it's models. Anyway the new Golf is really an evolution of the old car and not a completely new direction. I see the possibility of a RS3 as a fill-in model until the RS4 eventually surfaces in 2012 (maybe).

The new Golf GTi isn't a dramatic improvement over the Mk5, most of it's improves come from the active suspension and the trick diff, not from anything dramatically different in chassis or platform design.

[Ruergard]

A sportback with the 2.5T engine would be one great little car, Audi please give us this!

[Ricoloco]

That RS3, if it will come, will cost A LOT of money......

[ZeroCool]

remember also that the Sportback was not introduced at the same time like the 3-door A3 ;)

so it's possible ...

[Leadfoot]

Now that the price is officially known for the TT/RS what price would that leave a RS3 to be?

I personally think Audi are too dear for the TT so I hope that they will readjust their pricing policy for a RS3 version, anything over £36k will be too much in my opinion.

[The Pretender]

Unless the next A3 isn't based on the Golf platform...
I hope the next gen A3 will be B8 based but smaller.