Audi recently confirmed its long-term commitment to combustion engines, which extends beyond the previously announced deadline of 2032. However, not all ICEs will be able to reach that threshold. We’ve already said goodbye to the W12 engine of the flagship A8 and the V-10 of the R8 supercar, and now another iconic engine is headed for retirement. The inline five is already limited to one model, the RS3, following the demise of the TT RS and RS Q3.
Before Audi ditches the 2.5-litre TFSI engine, it gives the RS3 the ‘GT’ treatment. New footage filmed at the Nürburgring CarSpyMedia It shows a prototype of the hot hatch that struggles to hide its aerodynamic body kit. The front fender flares suggest we’re looking at a track-focused version, but make no mistake: this will still be road legal. A sharper front spoiler edge can be seen, as can additional air intakes located below the license plate.
At the 0:15 mark, you can see the front brakes glowing as the test driver pushes the RS3 to its limits. The prototype appears to ride on a stiffer suspension, while the roll cage inside will definitely not make it to production. Other reasonable “GT” upgrades include stronger brakes, more precise steering, new wheels and tires, and a carbon fiber diet.
The biggest mystery is whether Audi is making any changes under the hood. In its current form, the RS3’s five-cylinder heart produces 394 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. Two years ago, Sebastian Grams, former CEO of Audi Sport, hinted at this More power would have been possible: “We’ll increase the five cylinders for the next step. We’ll improve that. There’s still a way to go.”
Either way, the engine’s days are numbered. “It will be a five-cylinder engine,” Audi CEO Gernot Dollner recently confirmed Maybe you end up with 7 euros“And while engineers could adapt the powertrain to meet stricter emissions standards, that won’t happen. Ingolstadt has crunched the numbers, and projected sales won’t justify the investment needed to make the inline five compliant. Euro 7 goes into full effect in November 2027.
However, the legendary engine is not gone yet. Although the prototype we see here is the five-door Sportback, we’re hoping the RS3 sedan will also receive the GT treatment. It should be, considering the hot hatch remains forbidden fruit in the United States. Meanwhile, Audi has allowed Cupra to use the engine for a comeback Formentor VZ5Another five-cylinder model without an American visa.
If the rumors are true, another model from the VW Group may also get the ‘EA855’. Reports indicate that A The ultimate Golf R It could eventually adopt the larger powertrain, but we’ll believe it when we see it. In the meantime, Audi is clearly cooking up a spicier RS3, and with Euro 7 locked in, we probably won’t have to wait long for its debut.
Audi has already confirmed that it will launch New RS models next yearand there’s a strong chance that this five-star swan song will be among them.
source:
Car Spy Media/YouTube
