Spy Shots – Audi RS3 Facelift

The Audi RS3 does many things better than just about any other vehicle in its class. We have seen the RS3 outrun supercars on winding roads – while still being a five-seater sedan. As Audi’s pint-sized supercar killer (aside from the TTRS), the RS3 punches well above its weight class. However, in comparison to some models in the Audi lineup, the RS3 looks a bit older. It seems, though, that this might be remedied soon enough.

Photos taken on the German Nürburgring race track today prove that the Audi RS3 will be getting a massive exterior refresh even though it received one just over a year ago. Externally, the current generation is still aggressive and fresh in our minds. The current generation RS3 received a more aggressive rear end more in line with the styling on the RS6 Avant while the front end now features massive aerodynamic intakes in front of the front wheels. With these, it also received new headlights and taillights adding to the style and its baby RS5.

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These spy shots show what looks more like a new generation of the RS3 than a facelift. The front mesh of the grille sits more in line with the grille found on the RS7 sedan, with more emphasis on the central grille as opposed to the ones off to the sides of it. The front looks sleeker as if it belongs on a larger model such as the S4 sedan. More similar to the front vents on the A3, the front of this possible RS3 is not the only part to look different from the current generation.

Spy Shots - Audi RS3 Facelift - Audi RS3 Facelift 006 — Spy shot of secretly tested future car

Spy Shots - Audi RS3 Facelift - Audi RS3 Facelift 008 — Spy shot of secretly tested future car

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Around the rear of the car, the diffuser and side panels look modified as well. The taillights flow smoothly as opposed to on other vehicles such as the Lexus IS500’s rear end. With the new rear bumper and diffuser, the RS3 looks more swoopy. With the model-specific massive exhaust tips, the RS3 looks aggressive, but maybe a bit more mature and grown up with the possible colour-matched surroundings as opposed to massive vent-styled elements.

The RS3’s facelift would not be debuting for at least another 18 months as the new design debuted in the last two years.