New Audi RS3 spied hiding its aggressive styling

- First sighting of the fully-blown RS3 model at the ‘Ring 

- Will follow the new-gen A3 next year 

Audi is prepping the new-gen A3 sedan and hatchback ahead of their official debut next year. We spotted a near-production prototype of the A3 in Africa a few weeks back, and now, Audi has already gotten busy with its hotter version – the RS3. Spied up close around the Nurburgring, the new-gen RS3 prototype was wearing an aggressive body kit.  

At first glance, there aren’t many differences in the prototype compared to the current model. However, on closer inspection, we could see those wider fenders and flared wheel arches on this hatchback version. This suggests that the new RS3 will have a wider track than its predecessor.  

The cascading grille with typical RS style bumpers is hard to miss while the newly designed headlamps seem to take its cues from the new-gen A1. The rear has those large oval exhausts along with aggressive diffusers and a petite roof-mounted spoiler. Even the tail lamp design is new which will be seen on the new-gen A3 as well.  

No view inside the cabin is available at the moment. But given that the new interior layout of modern Audis is similar, we could see the same bits in the new A3 as well. The RS version, however, will add sporty seats, better upholstery and RS badging all around the cabin.  

Under the hood, the current RS3 packs a 2.5-litre five-cylinder motor with 400bhp/480Nm. Whether this motor will be carried forward is yet to be seen. If there’s no new engine for the RS3 in Audi’s stable, we could expect a thoroughly updated version of the current engine, even some form of electrification. This would be done to make the motor more efficient while also increasing the power output.  

We don’t expect Audi to reveal the new-gen RS3 any time soon. We are awaiting the next-generation A3 to break cover first and that would probably happen in March, perhaps at the Geneva Motor Show. Then, there will be the souped-up S3 before the top-spec RS3 arrives.