The roar of Audi’s iconic five-cylinder engine is about to get its final encore. While Audi has doubled down on its commitment to combustion engines beyond the previously planned 2032 cutoff, certain powertrains won’t make it that far. The brand has already bid farewell to the W12 in the A8 and the V-10 powering the R8 supercar. Now, another beloved engine is destined for retirement: the potent 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder currently found exclusively in the RS3 hot hatch.
Before it fades into history, Audi is giving the RS3 a proper sendoff with the “GT” treatment. Recent spy shots from the Nürburgring capture a camouflaged prototype sporting noticeable aerodynamic enhancements intended to boost its performance on track while maintaining road legality. These include front canards for improved airflow, a larger front spoiler lip, and additional air intakes below the license plate.
The prototype also appears noticeably lower to the ground, hinting at a stiffer suspension setup designed to enhance handling. Though the visible roll cage inside is undoubtedly for safety during testing, it won’t make production. Other likely “GT” upgrades include upgraded brakes, sharper steering response, new wheels and tires, and possibly even weight reduction through carbon fiber components.
The real question on everyone’s mind is whether Audi will tamper with the engine itself. Currently, the RS3’s five-cylinder heart produces 394 horsepower and 369 pound-feet (500 Nm) of torque. A few years ago, former Audi Sport CEO Sebastian Grams hinted at potential for even more power: “We will increase the five-cylinder for the next step…There’s still a way to go.”
However, this might be its last hurrah. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner recently confirmed that Euro 7 emissions regulations are likely to spell the end for the five-cylinder engine. While modifications could technically bring it into compliance, Audi deems the projected sales volume insufficient to justify the hefty investment required. The stricter regulations go into full effect in November 2027.
Despite its impending demise, this legendary powertrain isn’t disappearing just yet. Although captured as a Sportback, there’s hope that the RS3 Sedan will also receive the GT treatment – especially considering the hot hatch remains unavailable in the United States. Audi has even allowed Cupra to utilize the engine in its returning Formentor VZ5 – another five-cylinder model currently barred from US roads.
Further fueling speculation, rumors suggest a high-performance Golf R could finally adopt this larger powertrain. But until it happens, we’ll remain cautiously optimistic.
Audi has confirmed new RS models are slated for release next year, and the RS3 GT stands as a prime candidate to lead the charge. It’s a fitting final act for an iconic engine, one that deserves a spectacular sendoff.
