Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
Spy photographers have once again caught an upcoming vehicle undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before its official debut.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS Facelift Includes Mild Turbo
Porsche is developing an updated 911 GT3 RS, according to new images snapped at the German Nürburgring, which will include updates under the hood.
For the first time ever, the GT3 RS will receive a turbocharged 4.0-L six-cylinder engine, dubbed a "mild-turbo" by Porsche, insiders said. With the extra boost, the GT3 RS will likely exceed the current output of 525 hp and propel the sports car to zero to 60 mph in less than three seconds.
The front fascia of this tester is identical to the current production model, indicating that Porsche is not yet ready to start testing the tweaked front bumper and headlights that the car will likely receive. However, there are some visible changes to the rear, including new air outlets in the corners of the rear bumper and new taillights.
Additionally, some alterations have been made to the diffuser, likely aimed at improving efficiency while also making the sports car look more aggressive than ever before, along with larger exhaust pipes.
The interior of the updated 911 GT3 RS has not yet been snapped but it is understood that the broader facelifted 992 range will switch to an all-digital instrument cluster, meaning the GT3 and its RS stablemate should too. Other than that, a few other alterations are expected, insiders said, although there could be some minor changes to the trim options available to customers.
Volkswagen Golf R350 to Put Emphasis on Power
The turbocharged 2.0-L, four-cylinder engine that powers the Volkswagen Golf R could gain some extra muscle in 2026, as a new version—rumored to be named the Golf R 350 after its supposed 350-hp output—has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring.
The prototype has an emphasis on cooling, sporting a vented hood, enlarged radiator and revised front bumper. Lightweight wheels with R-branded calipers, along with the familiar quad exhaust and roof spoiler, round out the package. Behind the wheel during testing was German racer Benjamin Leuchter, who piloted a Golf GTI TCR in 2017 and won his class at the Nürburgring 24 Hours that year.
Beyond added power, the Golf R 350 is expected to feature chassis upgrades, weight-saving measures and revised steering and transmission calibration. Production plans have yet to be announced, sources said.
Swan Song for the Audi RS3 GT
In 2011, Audi unveiled a variant of the A3: the RS3 Sportback. Derived from the S3 Sportback, it was powered by a distinctive 2.5-L TFSI five-cylinder engine, a design long championed by the Ingolstadt, Germany, brand. However, stricter emissions regulations are putting an end to the iconic motor.
Before the power plant is phased out, Audi Sport was recently caught testing the RS3 GT at the Nürburgring. The prototype was seen sporting aggressive aerodynamic add-ons like canards on the front bumper, a revised splitter and a roof-mounted spoiler, as well as carbon fiber components to help trim weight.
The car was riding on bold new wheels that showcase sizeable rotors and blue brake calipers, hinting at upgraded stopping power. Expect sharper steering and likely a revised suspension setup as well, insiders said, especially if engineers have unlocked more output from the engine.
The most powerful RS3 to date delivers 401 hp, but the upcoming GT is expected to raise the bar even higher, possibly exceeding 416 hp to outgun rivals like the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S.
