cars news 10: Five-Cylinder Audi RS 3 is Coming to the U.S. with 400 HP, Four Doors

Here’s another one to add to the Audi RS lineup in the U.S. The 2018 Audi RS 3 sedan made its debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, and the automaker said this RS model is definitely making its way to the U.S. It’s coming with a 2.5-liter, turbocharged inline-five-cylinder engine making 400 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

With that said, the RS 3 will be sold as a sedan. The Sportback hatch body style would be nice too, but we’ll take whatever RS models we can get. In fact, it appears that Audi USA fought very hard to make the RS 3 happen. During a round table discussion with journalists in Paris, Filip Brabec, Audi of America’s director of Product Management, told us “that without the U.S. market this car wouldn’t exist. This car was pretty much made with the U.S. market in mind.” So there you go. If you buy this car and like it, you can thank the top guys at Audi of America for making it happen.

With its strong engine and relatively light body, the RS 3 is estimated to go from 0-62 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The inline-five is paired with a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that sends power to all four wheels via Quattro all-wheel drive. Compared to the normal A3, the RS 3 has a front track that’s wider by 0.8 inch, with the rear track stretched out an additional 0.6 inch. Other performance bits include front brakes with eight-piston calipers (carbon-ceramics are optional), a fixed rear spoiler, and a lower suspension.

Audi says the RS 3 should arrive here by next summer. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but expect it to be competitive with the Mercedes-AMG CLA45. The RS 3 will also help launch the brand’s Audi Sport label, a program that the automaker will detail in the coming months.

Source: Audi