IRELAND - The Scorchingly awesome AUDI RS3 launches in September starting at €66,750.

• All-new RS3 launches in Ireland in September, starting price of €66,750 OTR
• Weight reduction of 55kg and increase in power of 27bhp versus its predecessor
• Fine Nappa leather, LED headlights, 19” alloys, Audi Drive Select and RS Suspension and Brake System as standard
• The most powerful production five-cylinder engine produced in RS history

Audi Ireland has announced that the all-new Audi RS3 will launch in early September, with a starting price of €66,750 OTR. Order books are now open.

“There is a long tradition of five-cylinder engines at Audi” says Prof Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at Audi AG. In the ‘80s, such engines turned Audi into a sporty brand, both in motor sports and in production. The all new Audi RS3 Sportback features the latest generation of our 2.5 litre, five-cylinder engine.

Power and prizes

The six-time Engine of the Year award-winning 2.5 TFSI produces 367 bhp and 465 Nm of torque in the new model. The turbocharged engine accelerates the compact five-door from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, and top speed can be increased to 280 km/h upon request. It consumes just 8.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres with CO₂ emissions of 189 grams per kilometre, leading to an annual road tax of €750.

A seven-speed S tronic, which shifts even faster than the previous model, directs the power of the 2.5 TFSI to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The quattro system features torque vectoring based on intelligent software and is designed through-and-through for maximum driving enjoyment. The all-new Audi RS3 Sportback steers directly into corners. On low-friction road surfaces, drivers can even perform controlled drifts, if desired.

Inside and out

Compared with the Audi A3 Sportback, the body is 25 millimetres lower. The pivot bearings of the front axle, the progressive steering, the RS-specific sport suspension and optional Audi magnetic ride adaptive damper control are designed specifically for the RS.

Customers can choose from a palette of eight paint finishes to either accentuate or subtly play down the purposeful look – it includes the two new shades, Nardo grey and Catalunya red, metallic, the latter available exclusively for the RS 3 Sportback.

Availability

The new top model of the A3 family is rolling into dealerships in September 2015 with an on the road price of €66,750. The all new Audi RS3 Sportback complete package is rounded out with sharp interior and exterior details and a generous list of equipment.

Christian Gussen, Managing Director of Audi Ireland, said the new RS3 “demonstrates Audi’s transition from racetrack experience to road car performance in its key competencies of quattro and engine technology”.

“The enhanced driving experience is delivered thanks to engineering innovations in weight reduction, dynamic suspension improvement and quattro technology.  Audi Sport continues to deliver remarkable performance figures,” said Mr Gussen.