Audi RS3 Cabriolet rendered. File under ‘God, please make this true’

By Nick Jaynes May 22, 2014

audi rs3 cabriolet rendered cabrio rendering — Image used with permission by copyright holder

I don’t know about you (which makes sense, since we’re strangers), but I absolutely love the Audi S3 Cabriolet. And I also love the RS5 Cabriolet. So it would stand to reason that would also love an RS3 Cabriolet.

Sadly, such a thing doesn’t exist … yet.

In these renderings from one of my favorite automotive artists, theophiluschin, we see a very convincing glimpse into an RS3 Cabriolet. The embiggened lower air intakes, accented with carbon fiber splitters, really get my heart pumping.

What could those gaping air inlets be feeding thick, cool air to? I’m hoping it’s the heart of the A3 clubsport quattro: a 525 horsepower 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine. This power, sent to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro system, could send the RS3 Cabriolet to 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds.

Audi RS3 Cabrio rendering2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

In the back, I really love the sharp rear lip spoiler and the rear diffuser with the twin tailpipes incorporated in the rear bumper. I can almost hear the raw rumble of the five-cylinder now.

Again, this has nothing to do with reality; it’s all fiction. Audi has made no mention of creating such a compact performance convertible.

But a boy can hope, can’t he?

(Photo credit: theophiluschin)

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.