2018 Audi RS3 Starts at a Reasonable $54,900

Audi has announced pricing for the 2018 Audi RS3 just in time for next week's New York International Auto Show. According to Audi, the compact sports sedan will start at $54,900 and to us, that's one heck of a deal.

The almost $55,000 starting price will get you a 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder producing 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque coupled with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. Due to the borderline lethal combination of a lightweight frame and 400 hp, the RS3 is able to rocket to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds. So when you look at it that way, $54,900 isn’t too shabby.

Like many other Audi products, the RS3 will come with four drive modes, comfort, auto, dynamic and individual. Each mode will adjust shift points, steering feel, throttle response, and damper controls. In order to slow down the miniature rocket, Audi has elected to use eight-piston monobloc brake calipers, and if you want to spend a little extra cash, owners can opt for carbon-ceramic brakes.

Like all RS models, Audi has the signature SingleFrame honeycomb grill up front as well as enlarged intakes and other aerodynamic improvements. Unlike the S3, the RS3 has two large oval exhaust pipes opposed to the quad exhaust. When all is said and done, the 2018 Audi RS3 is a quick and aggressive looking sedan that is considerably less than the $64,000 BMW M3 sedan.