A3 Sportback e-tron

Make
Audi
Segment
Hatchback

It's no secret that Audi has been developing a new RS3 hot hatch. What wasn't fully known, however, was when exactly it would debut. Fortunately we now have our answer. According to Autocar, the new Audi RS3 will have its official launch at the Paris Motor Show this October. As expected, it'll be based on the current A3 five-door hatchback. Power will probably come from the same turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five as the outgoing RS3. This is also the engine that powers the TT RS.

However, inside sources have hinted that power output will be boosted thanks to various refinements and modifications. Audi has a goal of beating the previous RS3's 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds. The new model will also weigh less thanks to riding on a lightweight platform. What's also very likely is for Audi to build an RS3 sedan specifically for the US market. No details just yet as to when that'll launch, but it for sure won't appear until sometime after the hatch variant.