Hot new Audi RS 3 previewed

Audi has released new images of the all-new 2021 Audi RS 3 performance car ahead of its launch later this year.

Teasing lightly disguised versions of both the five-door hatch and the sedan, the two Audi RS 3 models shown feature distinctive '1-2-4-5-3' numerals plastered down their flanks – a reference to the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo's firing order that lives on for another generation.

Sizing up against the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, the 2021 Audi RS 3 continues to produce 294kW and 480Nm of torque – 16kW and 20Nm down on the AMG A 45 S.

But thanks to the Audi's all-wheel drive quattro drivetrain, it should be able to at least match its rival's 3.9sec 0-100km/h time and top out at 270km/h.

Advertising its potent performance, the new Audi RS 3 features wider intakes, larger wheels and bigger brakes, and at the rear there's a new diffuser and spoiler that are less than subtle hints of a completely reworked aero for better high-speed stability.

Wider front fenders with wheel-arch extractors, side skirts and a pair of large oval exhaust pipes on either side of the diffuser complete the exterior upgrades and ensure the RS 3 won't be mistaken for the lesser A3 or S3 models.

Like the previous generation, the new Audi RS 3 comes with a dual-clutch transmission that offers dedicated launch control.

Other trick tech will include adjustable dampers and a torque vectoring system, plus adaptive variable-ratio electric power steering.

Based on a heavily updated version of Volkswagen Group's MQB evo architecture, the revised platform boosts rigidity and stiffness and brings a saving of around 35kg – although most of that weight is offset by new tech and added safety gear.

Inside, a pair of heavily bolstered RS-branded sport seats, sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals are found, while the 10.1-inch virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster has RS-specific displays.

Australian deliveries are expected to begin early in 2022, with pricing to start from close to $90,000. The current Audi RS 3 opens at $86,136 plus on-road costs.

Posing alongside the new RS 3 duo are new Audi Sport boss Sebastian Grams and Audi Sport sales boss Rolf Michl.

Grams didn't comment on the new RS 3 but did announce in an accompanying interview that plug-in hybrid Audi RS models were on the way.

Michl, meanwhile, said he expects more than half of all Audi RS models to be either partially or fully electrified from from 2024.

By 2026 this will rise to 80 per cent.

When the Audi RS 3 is launched in 2022 it's tipped to be the last outing for the non-electrified five-cylinder turbo, with Audi likely to replace the hot hatch with a pure-electric model based on the VW Group's MEB platform.

When it does, Audi will finally end its association with its trademark inline 5-pot that dates back to 1976.