New In this week

Audi RS 3

Revenge of the Rings?

In the compact sports car category, the Audi RS 3 has claimed total domination since 2011. Thanks to a very powerful engine with a fabulous sound, it was a dream for everyone, despite dynamic behavior less interesting than that of the best traction units in the category (Renault Mégane RS in the lead). But since 2019, Mercedes-AMG is marketing an A45 S that is more powerful (421 hp), more efficient and funnier. This is Audi's response to the brand with the star, which returns with the same engine but a sharper dynamic arsenal. Under the hood, we still find the 5-cylinder turbo architecture of the brand's heyday in Group B. The unit remains at 400 hp but it climbs to 500 Nm of torque and is now coupled with an all-wheel drive system as sophisticated as that from its great rival AMG: thanks to a bridge capable of sending much more torque than before to the rear wheels, no more understeer of the previous Haldex. This new Audi RS 3, which can theoretically “drift”, goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3'8 and reaches 290 km/h in top speed (two record values ​​in the category). Looking forward to the match against Mercedes.

Opel Astra

Prettier than Peugeot 308?

A few months after the presentation of the third generation Peugeot 308, the Stellantis group lifts the veil on its German cousin. The new sixth generation Opel Astra uses the chassis, technology and engines of the French compact. But it has a radically different design from that of the Peugeot. Instead of the aggressive curves of the latter, it displays a beautiful purity with a minimalist front and an interior in the same vein. The stylistic approach is a bit out of place in today's market where we are happy to multiply flattering appendages and other provocative details. Under the hood, no surprises: the car has two small gasoline engines of 110 and 130 hp, a single diesel of 130 hp and two plug-in hybrid versions of 180 and 225 hp. We don't yet know its price, but the bill should start slightly below that of the 308 (€24). And if you dreamed of a high-performance OPC version, you're missing out: sport is no longer on the agenda at Opel.

MP Gemballa Marsien

La Porsche dunes

Those nostalgic for Porsche's Dakar epics will love the MP Gemballa Marsien. Created by Marc-Philipp Gemballa, the son of Uwe Gemballa who had to found a new brand due to a legal conflict with the owners of Gemballa, the Marsien takes the form of an all-terrain 911. Based on the recent Porsche 911 Turbo S type 992, it benefits from a deeply modified chassis and reinforced suspensions, designed by KW. Its ground clearance can be electrically increased to 25 cm or more if you opt for the optional suspension with increased travel. Evoking the victorious 959 at the 1986 Paris-Dakar, the Marsien also has a twin-turbo flat 6 pushed to 750 or 830 hp, depending on the version. Enough to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 2”6 and reach 330 km/h in the normal configuration, with road tires. MP Gemballa plans to sell 40 examples of this supercar with unusual capabilities, for a price set at 495 euros excluding taxes. This price does not take into account either the options or the price of the 000 Turbo S serving as a base (911 euros). Yes, it's a bit expensive...