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Next-gen Audi A5 shows its heavily camouflaged face

The new Audi A4 is set to launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, so it shouldn't come as too big of a surprise that an updated A5 is on the way, as well. Our spies just caught the coupe testing for the first time while wearing heavy camouflage from nose to tail. Despite the concealment, some details are possible to make out, especially when comparing the two-door design to the previously spied A4. Audi is further differentiating the designs, and the A5's front end is significantly changed based on these photos. The headlights appear larger and more acutely angled than the narrower units on the sedan. Also, the lower bumper gets square intakes at each corner and the shape creates an additional opening in the center for the coupe. In profile, it's easy to notice the quicker sloping roof and smaller side windows. Only the rear end of the two models seem to share many significant cues. The new A5 reportedly rides on the same MLB Evo platform as the upcoming A4 to shed around 200 pounds. The two models might not launch at the same time, though, and the coupe could join the lineup somewhat later. S5 and RS5 variants are expected to join the range further down the line, too.

2018 Audi RS3 Sedan to make US debut in 2017 [UPDATE]

UPDATE: We've heard back from Audi, and the statement was as expected. According to spokesman Mark Dahncke, there's "nothing we can share at this time." We really want the Audi RS3 to come to the US market, and based on a report from Car and Driver, it doesn't sound like we'll be stuck waiting that long. The report claims the new compact rocket sedan will debut next year as a model year 2018 vehicle. Beyond that date, C/D's report expands on some of the details we reported on in our RS3 Sedan report from February. It backs up the claim about a 2.5-liter, turbocharged five-cylinder, but instead of a 400-plus-horsepower engine, C/D's report says it'd be "close to" 400 hp. That power would come from a turbocharged, 2.5-liter five-banger that's distinct from the unit currently offered in the Euro-market RS3 Sportback and the last-generation TT RS (the new 2.5 would first debut in that car's replacement). The new powerplant would be paired with Audi's seven-speed S-Tronic. According to C/D, all this powertrain goodness will allow the new RS3 to hit 60 in four seconds flat and run up to 174 miles per hour. If correct, that means Audi's newest high performer will be a tenth of a second faster to 60 and have an extra seven mph on the high end than the most potent Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG. And while the two-door BMW M2 isn't necessarily a direct competitor – because coupe – it's worth pointing out that the RS3 will be 0.2 seconds faster to 60 and have an extra 19 mph to its top speed. While C/D's report cites a "highly reliable source" for its information, we've naturally reached out to Audi to confirm as much as possible. We'll update this post as soon as Audi's PR team gets back to us. The company basically gave the usual "No comment." Related Video: News Source: Car and Driver Rumormill Audi Luxury Performance Sedan

300-HP 2013 Audi S3 Sportback unwrapped

Not content to let Volkswagen have all of the fun with its GTI and Golf R, Audi is rebooting its five-door S3 Sportback with rather monstrous power. Headed for an official unveil at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the new S3 rolls out with a 300-horsepower, 280-pound-feet of torque turbocharged 2.0-liter TFSI engine under the hood. The four-cylinder powerplant is strong enough to shove the Sportback to 62 miles per hour in just 5.0 seconds when connected to the optional S-Tronic gearbox, or 5.5 seconds with the traditional manual transmission. Top speed is said to be an electronically governed 155 mph. Almost as impressive as those performance figures are the fuel economy ratings: the S- S3 is said to average 34 miles per gallon.
All S3 Sportback models offer Quattro all-wheel drive, ride on a sport-tuned suspension tuned to a lower ride height (about one inch) versus the standard Audi A3. 18-inch wheels with 225-section tires are standard equipment, and 13.39-inch front brakes should offer serious stopping ability.
Audi has done a lot of work shedding pounds from this latest MQB-architecture S3, as well. The car has a curb weight of roughly 3,186 pounds, or some 154 pounds less than the outgoing model. 11 of those pounds were cut via weight-saving measures in the 2.0-liter engine.