2018 Audi RS3 Sedan: 400 HP, Five Cylinders, Coming to the U.S.

We’ve been gazing at the 400-hp Audi RS3 Sportback from afar for a while now, but the view will get a lot better when our version of the German pocket rocket launches in the United States next summer. Before it does that, however, Audi thought it best to put the RS3’s turbocharged inline-five and other performance tweaks into the A3’s sedan body, because, well, this is America, you know, and we all know how Americans feel about hatchbacks, right?

The official announcement serves as confirmation of what Audi has said several times: that it will offer Americans a version of the RS3 eventually. Even so, it’s nice to see the hotted-up sedan in the metal. The four-door, betrunked RS3 looks sharp and even a bit menacing with its extra vents up front, attractive 19-inch wheels, and a couple of huge exhaust outlets. The Quattro lettering included on every Audi RS model is prominently displayed on the lower grille, and the interior has red stitching throughout, with leather sport seats and several RS logos so you won’t mistake the car for a plebeian S3.

As for the componentry, it’s all relatively familiar stuff. The 2.5-liter turbo five with 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque is also used in the TT RS, Audi’s sports coupe that shares its MQB platform with the entire A3 range. Audi says the combination of the five-cylinder with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will get the RS3 from zero to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds; considering the last TT RS went from zero to 60 mph in well under 4.0 seconds, packing 40 fewer horses, we wouldn’t be surprised if the RS3 proves to be a bit quicker than Audi’s estimate. A top speed of 174 mph is also an impressive metric.

The RS3’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system will distribute torque with a stronger bias toward the rear axle (Audi doesn’t give specific numbers), and this car rides an inch lower than a regular A3. Standard 235/35 tires wrap around those hot-looking wheels, while a slightly curious setup with wider 255/30 tires up front will be an option, likely to better balance the car and fight understeer. Carbon-fiber ceramic brake rotors also are an option for the front axle.

There’s no word yet on pricing for the RS3, but don’t be surprised if the RS3 starts well above $50,000. The standard S3, with 108 horsepower less than the RS3, costs $43,850 to start, and RS models typically command significant price premiums over their S equivalents. For instance, the RS7 costs $30,800 more than the S7, albeit in a higher price bracket. In that price arena, the RS3 will have its work cut out for it contending with the BMW M2 and the Mercedes-AMG CLA45. At least it has both of those cars beat on power (for now) and comes standard with that unusual five-cylinder charm.