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Matt Brogan7 Oct 2013
NEWS

RS 3 engine choice undecided: Audi

MQB architecture to host its hottest iteration yet, though the choice of engine is still "undecided"
Audi has told press gathered for its 2013 Alpine Tour that its next RS 3 is still in the pipeline, and will likely arrive to coincide with one of the major motor shows ahead of its 2015 launch.
The RS 3, which shares Volkswagen Group’s MQB architecture will almost certainly be offered in both sedan and Sportback format, though a spokesperson for Audi says the final engine choice is still “undecided”.
Previously, the RS 3 was powered by a turbocharged five-cylinder unit displacing 2.5 litres. The engine is currently offered in Audi vehicles including the TT-RS and all-new RS Q3. It is possible this engine will make a comeback in the next RS 3, though an engineer close to the source told motoring.com.au that it is only one of “a number of engine choices available” to the project, and that the final decision has not yet been made.
Spy photographers at Automedia have caught a mule in action (pictured) and believe it's most likely that Audi will stick with the 2.5-litre five-cylinder, but upgraded for more power. 
A higher output version of VAG’s 2.0 TFSI is also a consideration, however, which would mean the RS 3 would be motivated by a similar recipe to that of the Volkswagen Golf R.  So too is the recently revived narrow-angle V6, formerly of Volkswagen Golf VR6 and R32 fame. VAG said last month the engine would be rebirthed with twin-turbo power after engineers concluded its life as a naturally aspirated unit was over.
Sources have told motoring.com.au previously that the renewed V6 engine could find its way into a number of new high-performance models, including the new Volkswagen Scirocco, Passat and Tiguan, as well as having applications in light commercial vans such as Transporter and Multivan. With many of these models sharing the MQB architecture of the Audi A3, it is feasible that the 15-degree narrow-angle six-cylinder mill would be considered.
It is anticipated that the new RS 3 will share many of the styling cues of the recently released RS Q3, including 19-inch alloy wheels, model-specific 18-inch disc brakes flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel and leather-clad sports seats.
The RS 3 will adopt model-specific bumpers and is tipped to be offered exclusively with Audi’s seven-speed S tronic (dual-clutch) transmission.
While it's early to speculate on output figures, we’re told to expect an "improvement" over the previous RS 3, which delivered 250kW and 450Nm. The new RS 3 will compete against the likes of Mercedes-Benz’s red hot A 45 AMG and BMW M 135i, both of which retail for around $75k. 

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Written byMatt Brogan
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