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

By Nick Jaynes Published May 21, 2014

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.

Recommended Videos

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)

Former Automotive Editor

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

Cars

Slate’s new EV truck colors are straight out of a Crayola box

Slate Auto and Crayola have teamed up to give the affordable electric truck a vibrant makeover.

Slate Crayola Orange Car Render

If there was ever an electric truck that looked like it needed a splash of color, it was Slate's. The Bezos-backed startup has announced a new partnership with Crayola, bringing the iconic crayon maker's unmistakable palette to its minimalist electric pickup. And yes, one of the available colors is actually called Razzmatazz.

From 64 crayons to four wheels

Cars

Self-driving cars keep getting in the way of first responders, and Uncle Sam just ran out of patience

Robotaxis are supposed to make roads safer, but first responders say they're becoming a real problem.

Waymo Jaguar I-PACE sensors close up

Self-driving cars are supposed to make our roads safer, but it seems that they are doing the opposite. NHTSA administrator Jonathan Morrison sent a letter to autonomous vehicle developers this week, and he didn't hold back. He called the pattern of driverless cars getting in the way of first responders "unacceptable," and said a car that can't safely handle an emergency scene is a danger to everyone around it.

What's actually going wrong?

Cars

Xiaomi built an SUV that doubles as a camping tent, and its range numbers are equally wild

A pop-up camping roof, 300 miles of electric range, and a gas extender for when the tent life takes you somewhere the grid hasn't reached yet.

Car, Transportation, Vehicle

Xiaomi went from selling smartphones to making profitable electric cars and turned profitable in just two years, a feat that took Tesla a decade.

Now, the automaker has unveiled a whole new EV sub-brand called Sky Nomad; it’s answer to the outdoor and family lifestyle market. What’s even more interesting is the lineup’s first vehicle could come with a built-in retractable roof that literally pops up into a camping tent.