This is how imposing and beastly the new Audi RS3 could be

For many years, Audi has been tantalizing us with what we consider one of its most attractive products, the RS3. The one that has been proclaimed on more than one occasion as the king of sports compacts is about to bow out to make way for its successor, which faces the daunting task of living up to expectations. For now, only a few test mules have been spotted, but they have been more than enough for the designer X-Tomi Design, to set his imagination to work.

It is true that renders can often border on the absurd or even the improbable, but we admit that this supposed Audi RS3 looks quite realistic. The designer has taken advantage of the little that can be glimpsed from the prototypes and the current A3 to recreate what will very soon be a tough rival for the Mercedes-AMG A 45s, which holds the title of king of kings.

The RS3’s characteristic width remains intact in this render, where more prominent wheel arches and a much more abrupt bumper do the job of reminding viewers that they are not looking at an ordinary vehicle. The singleframe grille is flanked by rough, aggressive air intakes combined with a dedicated front splitter.

The rear has not been shown, but we can imagine that, in the minds of the designers at Audi as well as those at X-Tomi Design, there is a diffuser designed to house a dual cylindrical exhaust outlet. The cabin will remain faithful to the new technology equipment introduced by the four-ring brand with the standard A3, and as novelties we will find bucket-style seats and a specific steering wheel with RS Mode buttons.

As for the mechanical side, we can expect the RS3 to continue showing off that superb turbocharged five-cylinder engine capable of delivering 400 CV of power. However, rumors suggest that Audi’s plans include a RS3 Performance, that is, a variant that would accentuate the styling and offer a power level close to 430 CV.

The dates considered so far for the presentation of this tasty compact were in 2021, something that does not seem to have changed despite the health and economic crisis that is hitting us. Either way, Audi is preparing everything to checkmate its main rivals, but will it be mate?