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Here's the proof that Audi's RS3 is a racing certainty! Underneath the touring car-style bodywork of this sporty-looking model sits the running gear of the hottest A3 ever produced.Caught testing close to the manufacturer's headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany, with virtually no camouflage, the prototype follows recent Audi form by being disguised as a racer. However, the distinctive single windscreen wiper, quick-release bonnet pins and adjustable front spoiler won't make it on to the production version. These racy additions are simply Audi's attempt to give spy photographers the slip. As our exclusive picture shows, the much anticipated newcomer will feature a wider track than the standard A3 and has enlarged wheelarches to accommodate the beefier alloys. The car is being developed by Audi's Sport division - the team responsible for the barnstorming S4 and RS4 - and is scheduled to make its debut in show-rooms late next year. But while the car's existence is not in doubt, secrecy surrounds the RS3's engine. One option is an uprated version of the Golf R32's V6, which could easily be tuned to give 350bhp. The other alternative Audi has is to modify the 420bhp V8 found in the new RS4. This first glimpse of the RS3 comes just weeks after the maker confirmed that its less powerful stablemate, the S3, will appear before the end of the year. It will feature a 240bhp version of the firm's 2.0-litre T-FSI turbo engine, and be fitted with quattro four-wheel-drive transmission. Prices for the S3 are set to be around the ÂŁ30,000 mark; the RS3 will have a ÂŁ38,000 price tag. |
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An army of Rabbits is about to invade our shores and hot on its heels is word from Wolfsburg that the meanest of VW hatches, the R32, is coming back for an encore in fifth gen trim. The previous R32 was available in limited numbers in the U.S. and the new model will likely be capped at 5,000 units, as well. The company's 250-hp 3.2L V6 will power the new R32 and feature 4Motion all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). While rumors of an R36 are still just rumors, our appetite for a Golf faster than the current GTI can at least be sated in the meantime with the arrival of the R32. |
Quote, originally posted by Shomare » |
I hope Volvo is paying attention! |
Quote, originally posted by VolvoMax » |
The hatcback has almost no viability in the US. VW's issues are just the latest chapter in the saga. EVERYONE who has sold a hatchback above the $15k pricepoint has failed here. I am very much afraid that the C30 will fair no better. As for the R32, Volvo has no interest in competing w/ VW model for model. If and only if the C30's viability can be proven will you see an effort to expand the lineup. |
Quote, originally posted by frankhoffy » |
What about the Mazda3? That can get into the 20's. |
Quote, originally posted by frankhoffy » |
What about the Mazda3? That can get into the 20's. |
Quote, originally posted by Shomare » |
Having grown up during the energy crisis of the 70's and watching the set backs that newly imposed emissions standards had on the auto industry it was a breath of fresh air when my father purchase what was to be the first of many Saabs. That 900 Turbo opened my eyes to what a hatch has to offer as well as what turbo charging can do to a solid 4 cyl. While the American buying public (in general) is ignorant to the the advantages of hatch ownership there is opportunity for learning given the global climate, the rising cost of gas Now may the best time ever for Volvo to offer this hatch. Modified by Shomare at 2:08 PM 6-26-2006 |
Quote, originally posted by Shomare » |
True there are many who don't get the hatch but there are also plenty who do. That's who Volvo needs to sell to. |
Quote, originally posted by Shomare » |
Do you remember the 80's when all the Yuppies had to have a BWM? Not that I want to see it because I don't want to see myself coming and going but Volvo should seek to tap into that history / market for this decade. |
Quote, originally posted by frankhoffy » |
Volvo would be wiser to invest more in the XC50. Make it look pretty much exactly like the XC90, only smaller and more affordable, and they'll have a hit. C30 buyers should have two options: good power with decent fuel economy, or decent power good fuel economy. That's the only way it will be successful. |
Quote, originally posted by Shomare » |
Sad but true. Our Fuelish country would rather add another SUV to the highway then add an AWD car. ![]() |