New Audi RS3 GT: The Final Chord of the Five-Cylinder Engine
The Audi RS3 prototype was spotted on the Nürburgring track with more aggressive aerodynamic elements. The limited RS3 GT version could become the swan song of the German hyper-hatchback, the final evolution of the non-electrified five-cylinder engine.
Competition and Audi’s New Approach
The world of hot hatchbacks has always been an arena of fierce competition. The Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A45 remain the main contenders in the hyper-hatch segment, but more affordable options like the VW Golf R are gradually closing the gap. To maintain its advantage, Audi seems to be preparing a more extreme version of the RS3, which may receive a GT badge and be released as a limited series.
Exterior and Aerodynamics
Photographers captured a lightly camouflaged RS3 Sportback prototype at the Nürburgring. From a distance, the model could be mistaken for a regular RS3, but upon closer inspection, a number of interesting aerodynamic improvements are visible. The aggressive body kit is complemented by sharp edges on the front bumper, a slightly redesigned splitter, and a larger rear spoiler. The latter is likely made of carbon fiber, matching the front elements and diffuser.
The prototype rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, introduced by the updated RS3 in 2024, but the brake calipers are now finished in blue. They are usually black or red in the standard version, or anthracite glossy when ceramic brakes are chosen.
Chassis and Engine Updates
The improved aerodynamics are likely paired with an updated chassis setup aimed at enhancing the car’s behavior both on the road and on the track. Audi Sport engineers may rework the adaptive suspension and electronic systems to unleash an even wilder side of the RS3.
As for the powertrain, more power is expected from the iconic turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. Sebastian Grams, Managing Director of Audi Sport, previously hinted at a more powerful version, adding that it could be done without the help of electrification. This means the GT will develop more than the 395 hp of the standard RS3 and the 401 hp of the Performance version. We assume Audi will try to surpass the 416 hp of the competitor A45 AMG’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, creating the world’s most powerful internal combustion hyper-hatchback.
The Future of the Five-Cylinder Engine
Reports indicate that the hyper-hatchback could mark the final chapter for Audi’s five-cylinder engine in Europe, where stricter emission standards make its future uncertain. For now, the RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan remain the only models still using this engine, as the TT RS and RS Q3 have already ceased production.
A serious Audi RS3 GT version, if it gets that name, is expected in 2026 as a limited special series. It will likely become the most expensive member of the A3 family and the last hatchback of the internal combustion engine era.
This potential release of the RS3 GT not only demonstrates Audi’s enduring engineering prowess but also symbolizes the end of an era for one of the most beloved engines among car enthusiasts. Growing environmental demands and the shift to electric vehicles are making such models increasingly rare, turning them into revered artifacts of automotive history. For many enthusiasts, the RS3 GT could become not just a car, but an investment in future collector value.