It may have only been previewed a couple of days ago, but the next-generation 2022 Audi RS3 Sedan has been leaked online ahead of an imminent unveiling.
These images were first posted to Spanish forum Cochespias before doing their rounds on the net, and they appear to be from the official Audi press kit.
A pair of driving shots show a bright green RS3 Sedan – likely to be Kyalami Green – with some interesting detailing to distinguish it from lesser A3 and S3 Sedans.
Up front there’s a gaping new grille with gloss black surrounds, quite similar to that of the RSQ8 SUV. Huge intakes in the front bumper feed the five-cylinder turbo engine’s intercoolers, and the aggressive headlights are likely Matrix LED units – also optional on lesser models.
Down back the A3 Sedan has been treated to a makeover, with Audi Sport’s signature oval-shaped exhaust pipes, as well as a grille-like insert and boot lip spoiler extension.
First seen on the camouflaged prototypes earlier this week, the thinly-spoked alloy wheels (likely one of several designs that will be offered) are shown in a bi-colour finish.
There’s no proper images of the cabin just yet, but we already know what the A3 and S3 interior looks like so we can expect the same here but with different trimmings in the form of available carbon-fibre trim, RS sports seats, racier drive modes, and special RS sports displays for the MMI infotainment and Virtual Cockpit displays.
Also expect the choice of Nappa leather or Alcantara suede upholstery, as well as RS design packages that have pops of colour inside to match the exterior.
The 2022 Audi RS3 Sedan and Sportback were previewed earlier this week as camouflaged prototypes, with a full reveal expected in the coming weeks or months.
Headlining the new model’s spec sheet is a re-jigged 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo – a fan favourite for its unique exhaust note – generating the same 294kW as before but a meatier 500Nm of torque (+20Nm).
Audi claims the new hyper hatch and sedan will hit 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.8 seconds (-0.3s), making it one of the fastest compact vehicles in the world. For reference, the wild Mercedes-AMG A45 S claims 3.9 seconds.
The other major change in this new generation is the introduction of the RS Torque Splitter rear differential, allowing for fully variable torque vectoring between the rear wheels as well as facilitating a new Drift Mode.
Up to 100 per cent of drive torque can be directed to the outside rear wheel in this mode to assist the driver in making the perfect drift on track.
Specific new suspension for the RS3 has been honed for the racetrack, as has the new RS Performance Mode and optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres. The new RS3 also rides 25mm lower than the standard A3 and 10mm lower than the S3.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for our coverage of the new Audi RS3’s reveal in the coming months.
Do you like the new RS3 Sedan’s design? Let us know in the comments below!
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