In May, our eagled-eye spy photographers caught an Audi RS3 tackling the Nurburgring. While it wore the current RS3’s body, the wider wheel arches told the truth – it was the next-gen RS3. Now, we have more spy photos of the properly camouflaged RS3 prototype.
Camouflaged covers the entirety of the hatchback; however, there are several things the camo can’t hide. This appears to be a design evolution of the current car, featuring a similarly well-defined shoulder and the styled scallop down the side. Like most design evolutions, though, there are plenty of new bits, too.
Check out more Audi A3/S3/RS3 spy photos:
The fender wings are wider, hinting that the new model is wider than the outgoing one. The front fascia appears to be all-new with redesigned headlights, an aggressive and large grille, and redesigned air intakes on at corners of the lower fascia. The rear is the same with a new taillight design, redesigned rear bumper fascia, and a unique spoiler.
Inside, the RS3 should look a lot like the A3 that’s debuting in March. That means it should feature the company’s latest MMI. It also appears the tablet-style display will now be integrated into the dashboard. It’s unclear if the HVAC controls will keep their traditional knobs and dials or if Audi will replace them with a secondary screen.
Gallery: Next-gen Audi RS3 spy photos
The next-generation Audi RS3 should receive an updated version of the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder powering the current car. It develops 394 bhp; however, the new model should receive a small power increase.
It could be a while before the next-generation Audi RS3 debuts. First, the German automaker will reveal the A3 in March – likely at the Geneva Motor Show. Then, the sportier S3 version will debut before the top-tier RS3 arrives near the end of next year.
Source: CarPix