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In a surprise move well ahead of its intended Geneva Motor Show debut in March, Audi has pulled the wraps off of its latest RS 3 Sportback. Official photos are now out in circulation and some publications like AutoCar have even gotten a ride in them. We’ll follow this information flow as it comes out. For now, here are the photos and a summary of what we know.

Likely the most important detail to fans of Audi’s RS-car lineage is that of the engine. This will come from an updated version of brand’s 2.5 TFSI 5-cylinder turbo (EA-855) pushing 362 bhp in RS 3 form. That power is expected to push the RS 3 Sportback from 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds. Top speed will be limited to 155 mph, though there will be an option that raises this to 174 mph.

The 2.5 TFSI is now said to meet EU6 emissions requirements, yet still offers up 32 bhp and 11 lb ft of torque more than the version fitted in the first-generation RS 3. Much of this can be attributed to a new turbocharger design that now pushes up to 1.3bar of pressure. Specifically, this places the new engine at an impressive 156 bhp per liter, while delivering an even wider torque band. Impressive.

In order to deliver that power, Audi has fitted its 7-speed S tronic DSG transmission. Audi claims improvements in transmission fluid design and this may very well reflect the electric pump driven spray configuration that keeps the gears themselves out of a pool of oil. We reported on such a design in the new A6 2.0 TFSI, and it seems likely that this will carry over to Audi’s other S tronic designs though this remains unconfirmed at the time of this writing. AutoCar also reports that downshifts are now done with an automatic double clutching effect that smooths out the transmissions performance.

Like the new TT and TTS models, the electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch Haldex V differential is now moved to the rear axle assembly. This improves weight distribution, while the unit also sheds more than three pounds over the previous car’s system thanks to the removal of a pressure accumulator.

One of the big advantages to this new Haldex configuration is the improved power delivery. For starters, it is programmed to offer between 50 and 100% of power to the rear, depending on the needs. Like the TTS, it is expected that it will roll down the road with constant drive at all four wheels just like quattro systems in Audi’s larger offerings. Further, pairing braking with over-driving of the rear wheels will allow for a more neutral feeling or even throttle driven oversteer. We’ve experienced this first hand in the new TTS and Audi AG head of development Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg has told us directly that the RS 3 and upcoming TT RS models will feature even more aggressive programming for this computer-driven all-wheel drive and torque vectoring setup.

Like most other RS offerings, the audible tone of the RS 3 will benefit from an adjustable exhaust system. This two-stage configuration will use flaps to control the flow of gasses and sound in order to offer a more aggressive experience on demand.

Braking has also been improved on the latest RS 3. The new hardware includes 370 mm steel discs paired with 8-piston calipers at the front and 310 mm steel discs with single piston calipers at the rear. An optional 370 mm carbon ceramic front disc setup will also be an option.

The suspension of the RS 3 also receives a healthy dose of upgrades over S3 and A3 models. For one, the track increases 24 mm at the front and 4mm at the rear. The car gets a new aluminum pivot bearing design at the front, and Audi Magnetic Ride suspension as an option. The latter will pair with Audi Drive Select.

For rolling stock, the RS 3 gets a new rotor design alloy wheel in 19-inch diameter and fitted with 235-35-19 series rubber at all four corners. A second setup with matte titanium or high-gloss black 19-inch wheels will offer 255-30-19 tires at the front and 235-35-19 at the rear.

Like all RS-models, the RS 3’s ESP system comes in three flavors – standard, sport and full-off. quattro GmbH development boss Stefan Reil once told us this is something unique to the RS-car philosophy. While you can widen your A3 or S3’s parameters before engaging the safety net by engaging ESP Sport, RS cars allow you that third choice to fully defeat the system. Simply put, this means’ it is off. Reportedly, it won’t even cut in during left foot braking, and we suspect more advanced drivers will appreciate that fact.

Of course this new RS 3 will be based on Audi’s modular transverse (MQB) matrix and that offers up some improvement opportunities. For one, it’ll use more hot-formed high strength steel and get an aluminum hood panel. Whether or not it gets the carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) front quarter panels of the previous generation car remains to be seen, but we do know it drops more than 120 pounds over its predecessor.

At the front, the RS 3 Sportback appears to borrow its chin design from the Wörthersee-launched A3 clubsport quattro concept. Paired with this fascia is the familiar matte aluminum grille framing a honeycomb texture grille complete with lower insert featuring ‘quattro’ script logo just like Audi’s other more recent RS-car offerings including RS 6, RS 7 and RS Q3.

On the outside, changes seem to match the original car. Only the front fenders appear to be widened, and they’re paired with matte aluminum mirror covers, larger side skirts/sills, a slightly evolved rear fascia with RS trademark oval tailpipes and a new stepped lip rear upper spoiler that bears strong resemblance to that of the RS 6 Avant.

Inside, the RS 3 gets a few upgrades to set it apart from its A3 and S3 siblings. Sport seats will be standard, while a leather and Alcantara flat-bottom steering wheel appears to be all new. It’s paired with the same leather and aluminum shifter from the RS 6, while the car also gets unique instrument cluster gauge appearance, stainless steel pedals, Alcantara door trim and carbon fiber beltline trim.

Carbon fiber backed shell seats will be optional, this time with built in side airbags (take note America) that are said to be more than 15 pounds lighter than the standard sport seats. A second interior design package will include red accents on the knee pad, air vents, floor mats and seat belts.

Initially the RS 3 will launch as a Sportback body style, though sources at Audi suggest an RS 3 sedan is being readied. Sources of Kable’s for the AutoCar story suggest a sedan body style is in the works in order to compete head to head with the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG, and this has also been corroborated by off-the-record discussions with Audi of America executives who are keenly eying the potential for the more U.S. market friendly sedan body style.

So what’s it like to drive… or at least ride in? AutoCar had the chance to ride along with Audi factory driver Frank Stippler who gave them some insight and compared the car with its predecessor. You can find that at the bottom of the AutoCar report HERE.