The latest Audi RS3 has only been here for about a year, but based on images captured by our spy photographers, it seems like Audi already has a facelift in the works.
The changes appear to be minimal, but they help to better solidify the compact performance car in the angular design shared by the RS lineup. Up front, the new grill is now sharper and wider, and it features a different mesh pattern in addition to a higher Audi logo.
The intakes flanking that grille have become more triangular like the RS6 and RS7, and they also appear to adopt those cars’ vertical air curtains in a more prominent fashion than before. We’d be interested to see if Audi decides to keep the polarizing black grille surround of the current model, or if they choose to revert to a more conservative body-colored one.
The RS3’s rear is under much heavier camouflage than the front, but it looks as though there could be a new diffuser, if not a completely revised bumper design altogether. The car also rides on a new set of multispoke wheels that we’re particularly fond of for those looking for a classier spec on their RS3, but there’s a high chance that these are just test wheels and won’t inspire the design that makes it to production.
Read More: Next-Gen Audi RS3 Will Reportedly Be An All-Electric Compact Rocket
In all likelihood the engine will stay the same, which means we’re still looking at a 2.5L turbocharged 5-cylinder. That being said, that type of engine configuration is very unique, and it pumps out a healthy 401 hp (407 PS / 299 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque to boot, so we’re not complaining. There is the chance that the facelifted model could see a slight bump in power, but it seems unlikely given that this new model didn’t even gain any power over the last generation
It seems that only time will tell, as this facelifted RS3 isn’t expected to be released for at least another year, so we’ll have plenty of time to find out what’s in store, including what will become of the regular A3 and S3.
