In the December issue of CAR we tested the new Audi S3 (track test vid here). While we came away impressed with this “gentleman’s hot hatch”, we always knew there was a hotter range-leader in the pipeline in the guise of an RS. Now comes news that there’s not one but two new models on the way to take station above the S3. The expected RS3 is supposed to debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Between that halo model and the S3 Audi are seemingly planning an S3 Plus.
This gap-filler is alleged to utilise an uprated version of the EA888 engine. Audi are keen to beat the output figure of the Mercedes-Benz A45, which pumps out 265 kW from its force-fed, inline four. Rumour has it that the S3 Plus will develop nearer 280 kW and almost 500 N.m.
Timing of the Audi S3 Plus is set for 2015, but we could see a motor show reveal before the year is out.
With the S3 Plus Churning out more power than older RS3, one has to wonder how much we can expect from the range-topper? Perhaps a figure as high as 300 kW. One thing’s for certain, the horsepower wars are set to rage for a few more years yet.
