Geneva 2015: Audi RS3 Revealed

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Revealed last year, the Audi RS3 finally made its public debut at the 2015 Geneva Auto Show.

Motivation for the RS3 is a 2.5-liter turbo-five capable of 367 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque. The power is fed to the Quattro AWD system via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, while the aforementioned Quattro system can direct 50 to 100 percent of that power to the rear with torque vectoring.

The RS3 is an inch lower than the A3, and loses 121 lbs over its previous incarnation for a weight of 3,351 lbs. Braking is handled with the help of carbon ceramic rotors up front and eight-piston calipers. All corners are shod in 19-inch wheels with 235/35 tires.

Other features include boost pressure indicator, lap timer, Nappa-covered sport seats, and plenty of RS badges.

Alas, while deliveries are set to begin this summer, none will be headed to the United States; Audi is rumored to be considering an RS3 sedan for North America.





Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Bludragon Bludragon on Mar 03, 2015

    Wow, talk about a sleeper. Aside from that badge and the arch filling wheels, there is nothing to make one suspect this packs any more punch than a fwd 1.8T. I do have one question though, do they really need 8 piston calipers to hold onto the rotors?

  • Mark Morrison Mark Morrison on Mar 03, 2015

    The subtle looks are what attract some people (me). I like to be under the radar. I have no need to go 'look at me'

  • SCE to AUX My B5.5 was terrible, but maybe the bugs have been worked out of this one.
  • Zerofoo 5-valve 1.8T - and OK engine if you aren't in a hurry. These turbocharged engines had lots of lag - and the automatic transmission didn't help.Count on putting a timing belt on this immediately. The timing belt service interval, officially, was 100,000 miles and many didn't make it to that.
  • Daniel J 19 inch wheels on an Elantra? Jeebus. I have 19s on my Mazda 6 and honestly wish they were 18s. I mean, I just picked up 4 tires at over 1000 bucks. The point of an Elantra is for it to be cheap. Put some 17s on it.
  • ToolGuy 9 miles a day for 20 years. You didn't drive it, why should I? 😉
  • Brian Uchida Laguna Seca, corkscrew, (drying track off in rental car prior to Superbike test session), at speed - turn 9 big Willow Springs racing a motorcycle,- at greater speed (but riding shotgun) - The Carrousel at Sears Point in a 1981 PA9 Osella 2 litre FIA racer with Eddie Lawson at the wheel! (apologies for not being brief!)
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