Audi continues to expand its high-performance RS lineup and sadly some of them have never been available for our consumption in the U.S. Now times have changed, Audi has unveiled the 2018 RS 3 sedan, which marks the first time that it’s being offered in the U.S. Even better, Audi says that the new RS 3 sedan was developed specifically for the U.S. market.
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The RS 3 is powered by 2.5L TFSI engine paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission. The five cylinder generates 400 hp and 354 lb-ft. of torque is available. With that much power, the RS 3 sedan can reach 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top track speed of 155 mph, which can be increased to 174 mph with the optional Dynamic plus package.
The RS 3 sedan comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive, but to satisfy rear-wheel drive fans, the system has no pre-set torque distribution and instead specific RS programming that sends as much power to the rear as possible. The system also features four drive modes: comfort, auto, dynamic and individual.
Two brake systems are available on the new Audi RS 3. The standard system features ventilated front and rear disc brakes with eight-piston monobloc brake calipers painted black with the RS logo. Also available are front carbon ceramic discs, which save more than eight pounds and offer increased resistance to brake fade. The calipers on the carbon ceramic discs are finished in an Anthracite Gray with the RS logo.
Of course there’s more than just what’s under the hood. The RS 3 has a more aggressive body kit. From the front, the RS 3 wears the signature Audi Singleframe grille with three-dimensional honeycomb design and quattro script. At the rear, the RS 3 gets a body-colored rear spoiler lip, twin oval “RS” exhaust pipes and a rear diffuser in aluminum-matte finish with vertical struts.
Inside, the gets S sport seats and Audi virtual cockpit with the 12.3-inch display screen displays information on tire pressure, horsepower/torque and a G-meter.
Even though the new RS 3 is being labeled as a 2018 model, Audi is actually going to produce a limited number of 2017 RS 3 models. These will be the first vehicles arriving in the US and will be preconfigured with carbon fiber inlays, Audi virtual cockpit with MMI Navigation plus, Bang & Olufsen Sound System, 19-inch, five-arm-blade design wheels with titanium finish, red brake calipers and the RS sport exhaust system with black tips.
Pricing for the 2017 RS 3 starts at $54,500, while the 2018 RS 3 will be priced at $54,900.
Source: Audi
