[monopole]

its on Audi UK website

[terminator x]

Late 2017 it says so early 2018 imho just before they stop them for a new model eg the one after the 8V.

TX.

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[kalexan]

2018 for the next Sportback would make the most sense and probably maximise Audis potential market (and profits). Only question now is what will it be the final runout RS of the 8V production line? Sportback Performance or a Saloon LMS. With BMW releasing an M2 CSL next year would Audi look to compete with them?

http://www.topgear.c...ls-could-be-way

A completely new 2018 based car would be a big step change, too early maybe, then again how long is a piece of string?

[Snake Pliskin]

Thing is .... if you want an RS3, if you don't get a run out model of this car in say late 17 / early 18 no doubt it will be 2+ years after that before the brand new chassis RS3 arrives.

[MikeFish]

I like it. Don't understand why people are saying the Sportback looks meaner etc, the whole point of them is to be a bit of a Q car! I am sure if they'd gone all Honda on the styling then people again would slate it.
I guess everyone was expecting the Sport Concept which was never going to happen...
If this had been released at the same time as the Sportback I probably would have gone for it, but I've had mine nearly a year now and no way am I changing it ;-)

Who says they are supposed to be Q cars? I've never thought of the RS range as Q cars; that's what the S is for. RS should be aggressive and in your face. The clubsport received so many good comments and was not that outrageous so why not make the RS look like that?
The M2 manages to have different panels so why can't the RS3? The baby M looks great, as does the Focus RS, the Honda went too far and Audi didn't go far enough.

[Spaceman_RS3]

I'm with you Mike

[poolmeds]

I'm with you Mike

x2

[monopole]

I think looks wise, people will shrug them off thinking they're just a push-over kitted out A3. In reality, what they are is all go without the drama-show. Kinda embarrasses a lot of cars with all the glamour-show, only to have no(bit harsh) some go. And in a lot of cases, a damn site cheaper.

 

I do think the current S and S-Line, in looks, is too similar, which does the same for the S3, it can take you by surprise. The bigger looking grill and front intakes sets aside the S3 and RS3, but not much else, but again, they can both be taken for an A3 S-Line, but will definitely leave a lot of drivers going "W T FFFFffffff.... 12.2s .........." and you shouting out the window "yeah, STOCK mate LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL"

[kalexan]

x3, so much potential not finally used. Even a pop up spoiler like the RS5 would have been a nice touch. I didn't realise the Lamborghini Head had been moved over to front the RS brand, he has more swagger than the cars he is now fronting, at Lambo that never seemed to be the case.

What annoys me is that the German manufacturers show a production spec car yet it takes almost a year (more in Audis RS line) to reach customers, that's quite shocking really. I get the impression Jaguar Landrover are far quicker in this respect? In the tech world you show the product and take orders for it the same week.

[Fivepotfan]

x3, so much potential not finally used. Even a pop up spoiler like the RS5 would have been a nice touch. I didn't realise the Lamborghini Head had been moved over to front the RS brand, he has more swagger than the cars he is now fronting, at Lambo that never seemed to be the case.

What annoys me is that the German manufacturers show a production spec car yet it takes almost a year (more in Audis RS line) to reach customers, that's quite shocking really. I get the impression Jaguar Landrover are far quicker in this respect? In the tech world you show the product and take orders for it the same week.

There has been a lot of juggling around within Audi, the RS brand management has recently been 'realigned' in the UK and of course Audi now calling it Audi Sport as a global image.

 

Audi have now got a lot of work on their hands at the moment due to the release of new models which have lots of newer technology. The development (meaning reliable development) of all this new tech seems to have had a bit of an impact on the supply chain and it is probably this that has impacted (postponement) on the ordering release dates for many new cars that have been announced (S3, S4, S5, TTRS plus a few lesser models). Throw in the mix the new RS4 Avant and RS5 (due out late summer 2017) and things begin to get very hectic.

 

The rule of thumb for Audi seems to be that if you see a development car on test, then it is usually at least 12 months before it gets officially revealed. Then the dealerships get their demos delivered some time after, we all go out and test drive one and place our orders. Add on the factory lead time of around 3 months (possibly a little more) and hey presto it's 2018 before you know it!

 

So realistically, even if a RHD saloon appeared in the UK for 'late 2017', it's not likely to be on your drive before sometime in 1st quarter of 2018. Which would just happen to good timing to release news of a new Sportback with all the same goodies as the saloon????

 

Getting back to the saloon, I am really looking forward to the first road tests to find out how it performs with the updated engine and revised Haldex system. As for the looks, IMO the back view of the car (the view most drivers will get LOL) is it's best angle. If it had the swollen wheel arches of the Clubsport concept car I would seriously be looking at owning one!

[ConR]

Audi is very conservative when it comes to their styling on cars in general.  I mean, a base A3 or Q5 is a pretty bland looking car....from any angle.

 

But I'm with you all in saying that the RS models are not aggressive enough.  Not when an M3's wheel arches could fit an entire Smart Car in them.

 

It's as if they add some trim pieces for the S models, then add some more trim pieces for the RS models.  Even the brand new R8 looks like as exciting as an A5 Diesel next to a Huracan or the new 488.

 

Come on Audi.  Throw in some hood scoops, some side vents.  Make those wheel arches look like a bag of popcorn in a microwave.  

[kalexan]

Conservative for sure, maybe it's the automotive equivalent of wearing a very sharp suit, instead of Reebok trainers and a shell suit (a la Focus RS).

Watched the Evo review on YouTube and up close the saloon looks a lot more palatable, though colours and options etc. will play on that greatly.

Looks like the M2 crowd are now facing a similar dilemma, convert the order now. or put it on hold for the facelift next year with an expected engine change. Rumour going around is that the current engine won't meet new regs for the expected facelift and it looks very like the M4 engine will get shoe horned in.

Thems the breaks... still think Audi have toned down the noise, the track video sounds exactly like the TTRS, great notes, lots of warble but no crackle or pop.

[Ozmosis]

Who says they are supposed to be Q cars? I've never thought of the RS range as Q cars; that's what the S is for. RS should be aggressive and in your face. The clubsport received so many good comments and was not that outrageous so why not make the RS look like that?
The M2 manages to have different panels so why can't the RS3? The baby M looks great, as does the Focus RS, the Honda went too far and Audi didn't go far enough.

I did say "a bit of a Q car" LOL

Yes they could have taken a bit more from the Clubsport as it does look fantastic, I guess using more bespoke body panels would have added to the list price though. Who knows what the bean counters play at...

But in the same respect, do the RS4, 5, 6 or 7 really shout 'in your face' as standard? I don't really think so. OK so they have more defined arches but they only really show when side by side with a standard one. Other than that, it's grill and bumper treatments that separate from the S-versions. In these eyes, anyway...

[T-800]

I did say "a bit of a Q car" LOL

Yes they could have taken a bit more from the Clubsport as it does look fantastic, I guess using more bespoke body panels would have added to the list price though. Who knows what the bean counters play at...

But in the same respect, do the RS4, 5, 6 or 7 really shout 'in your face' as standard? I don't really think so. OK so they have more defined arches but they only really show when side by side with a standard one. Other than that, it's grill and bumper treatments that separate from the S-versions. In these eyes, anyway...

Everyone will have a different opinion on Q car definition OZ......
I agree with what you say though.

[Oli]

Interesting how the alcantara is the opposite way around to the sportback, on the steering wheel

[RadiantDarkness]

Doesn't do it for me, but then I was not in the market for a saloon. They need to get RS3 SB out soonish if only for insurance to our current purchases. If one of us is unfortunate to write off our cars, you will be up a creak without a paddle as the number of replacements is shrinking fast!

[Russ360]

I'd be surprised if we see another revision of the RS3 SB. My understanding is the RS3 saloon will fit the gap of not having an RS4 saloon.

If they release an SB with this engine then it will reduce the residuals on the current and they won't want that!

[booker]

I did say "a bit of a Q car" LOL

Yes they could have taken a bit more from the Clubsport as it does look fantastic, I guess using more bespoke body panels would have added to the list price though. Who knows what the bean counters play at...

But in the same respect, do the RS4, 5, 6 or 7 really shout 'in your face' as standard? I don't really think so. OK so they have more defined arches but they only really show when side by side with a standard one. Other than that, it's grill and bumper treatments that separate from the S-versions. In these eyes, anyway...

 

From both the front and rear, RS4 -7 look much more aggressive than the 8v due to the flared wheelarches. The frontal view of the 8v is its most disappointing aspect in my opinion - I don't notice them approaching until the very last minute whereas the 8p and RS 4-7 are immediately obvious as soon as they come into view

[kevin69]

I think it pretty f*****d up that they would even bring out a new version of ours 8v models after just over year - and given it more power.
The 8p model was out for 3/4 years before introducing the the 8v. Which has kept the prices good on em.
I'm all up for progress, but not so soon.
Seeing the pictures ( might look better in flesh) I don't see anything that would make me swap my baby.
Looks boring.


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[Mattjj82]

Very much agree and I think that's the general consensus. If ou watch the Evo Car review one of the first things mentioned is the distinct lack of flared arches.
Imo it's far to tame for a RS model! As you say the RS4 and above models, are renowned for their arches. This is why the B5/B7 RS4 where such a great looking car and are still very well sought after.
Why thy didn't make the RS3 as per the clubsport concept I will never know... tbh I think the current S3 saloon looks better

From both the front and rear, RS4 -7 look much more aggressive than the 8v due to the flared wheelarches. The frontal view of the 8v is its most disappointing aspect in my opinion - I don't notice them approaching until the very last minute whereas the 8p and RS 4-7 are immediately obvious as soon as they come into view