Update July 20th: We’ve added new spy shots of the facelifted Audi RS 3 Sportback to the image gallery.
Back then, we thought that they might be prepping a different model, perhaps the rumored range-topper with even more power. Be we were wrong because, as it turns out, they are indeed readying the mid-cycle refresh of the Audi RS 3.
Caught while being thrashed at the Nurburgring recently, the 2024 Audi RS 3 Sportback has some design updates at both ends. For one, the grille is shorter, and the side vents are smaller. The headlights have the same size and shape, but you can bet on them at least sporting new graphics. The changes continue at the rear with a new bumper, a bigger diffuser, and repositioned reflectors with a vertical design. Despite being partially covered by the vinyl stickers, the taillights clearly have a new pattern with an arrow-like appearance.
It retains the signature dual oval exhaust tips, and we can partially see the beefy brakes with red calipers behind the black Y-spoke wheels. The pictured prototype had additional black accents on the outside and came in a light blue hue. We can at least expect Audi to give it a new steering wheel and to update the software of the two main screens in the cabin, the digital dials and the infotainment system. Since it already has a minimalist gear selector on the center console, chances are it will remain the same, but we cannot know for sure yet. If anything, it might get new tech gear and probably improved active safety.
Audi’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine powers the RS 3 family and the RS Q3. And there’s no reason to believe that the regular versions will get a power boost unless the company is trying to dethrone the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, whose 2.0-liter four-pot produces 416 hp (421 ps/310 kW). The current RS 3 Sportback enjoys 394 hp (400 ps/294 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque and takes only 3.8 seconds to accelerate to 62 mph (100 kph), or a tenth slower than the A 45 S, according to Mercedes-AMG. Therefore, giving it a few extra horses would inevitably make it quicker.
Speaking of extra oomph, it has been reported that Audi might be working on an even more powerful version of the RS 3, which wouldn’t feature any electric assistance. This could be a last hurrah to the series, as the Ingolstadt-based company claims its last ICE-powered vehicle will be introduced in 2026. Further down the line, every new car they launch will be battery-electric.
