When it comes to hot hatches, the Audi RS 3 is definitely at the pointy end of performance, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds, on par with the Mercedes-AMG A 45 and comfortably eclipsing the Ford Focus RS’s 4.7-second sprint time (until the RS500 arrives).
Nevertheless, the four-ringed brand isn’t standing still as we can see with this RS 3 sedan prototype being belted around the Nurburgring Nordschleife to the edge of adhesion, potentially revealing some interesting chassis traits.
In the video, we can see the RS 3 prototype exhibiting a bit of oversteer to help it bite into the apex with more authority. This means Audi may have adjusted the quattro AWD system to apportion more of the RS 3’s 270kW and 465Nm to its hind wheels. This could even extend to torque vectoring between the rear axle as well.
What’s unclear is if Audi will allow the epic angles the Focus RS’ ‘Drift Mode’ facilitates in its newest pocket rocket.
Other things notable from the video include the swirly camouflage along the front, rear and sides of the car, suggesting the RS 3 and its tamer A3 siblings may come in for some rhinoplasty. The usual pumped wheel arches are likely.
The RS 3 sedan is expected to debut at the Paris Motor Show next month. A product timeline leaked earlier this year suggests market entry will take place in July next year.
