Audi Readies a Track-Focused RS 3 as a Possible Sendoff of the Legendary Five-Cylinder

[Source: Autocar]

The current Audi RS 3 is a performance car marvel with its powerful and charismatic turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine. Unfortunately, that jewel of an engine is on the endangered species list thanks to tightening EU emissions regulations. According to a report by Autocar, Audi is preparing a track-focused special edition of the RS 3 as a sendoff of the beloved and unusual 5-pot engine.

Autocar spied this new RS 3 variant testing on the famed Nürburgring. The lightly disguised car proudly displays several features that hint at its sportiness being dialed up to eleven. Up front there is a more aggressive splitter. A set of dive planes are also clearly visible. Move along to the side of the car and you see a set of brake calipers painted blue. And out back is a larger and more aggressive spoiler.

Audi RS 3 Future

What does all of the mean? Well, it could be the typical good news/bad news scenario. The good news is that this RS 3 looks to take performance to the next level with more aero, and potentially better braking and even more power. We are just guessing at this point but an RS 3 track edition with 10 percent more power than the standard car is entirely possible. The bad news is that this could spell the end of the 5-cylinder RS 3 as we know it.

The car spied is an RS 3 Sportback which is not a model offered here in the U.S. So, if there is a final track edition RS 3 planned, will it come to America? We would certainly hope so, but Audi has a long history of keeping some very tasty models out of American hands.

As soon as we learn more information about this track-orientated RS 3 we will be sure to share with you here.