The new Audi RS 3 compact sports car with 400 hp and 500 Nm

The Audi RS 3 is unique in the segment with its high-performance 5-cylinder engine. Nine times in a row, the 2.5 TFSI engine has been named "International Engine of the Year". And in the new generation of the compact sports car, the engine has more traction than ever before. The new Audi RS 3 models sprint from 0-100 km / h in 3.8 seconds (before 4.1 sec.). The top speed of the RS 3 is limited to 250 km / h.

As an option, it can be increased to 280 km / h. With the RS dynamics package and ceramic brakes, the top speed is even 290 km / h. Thus, the Audi RS 3 is the best in its class regarding acceleration and top speed. A crucial factor in this connection is the torque, which has been increased to 500 Nm (from 480 Nm) and is available between 2,250 and 5,600 rpm. This means that the Audi RS 3 now accelerates even faster from low speeds. In addition, the maximum output of 400 hp is available earlier than before at 5,600 rpm, and it can be utilized up to 7,000 rpm. A new engine control unit also ensures faster activation of all driveline components.

The power of the 5-cylinder engine is transmitted to the road by a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox with short shift times and a sporty spread. The unique ignition sequence 1‑2‑4‑5-3 in the engine and the accompanying fantastic sound make the driving experience extremely addictive. For the first time, the exhaust system is equipped with complete variable damper control, which allows for intermediate positions so that the sound characteristics are spread even more. It can be adapted via the driving dynamics system Audi drive select. For example, in the Dynamic and RS Performance driving modes, the dampers open significantly earlier so that the sound becomes even more pronounced.

The new Audi RS 3 is the first Audi model with Torque Splitter as standard. It replaces the rear axle differential and the previous vane coupling unit on the rear axle. Instead, an electronically controlled vane coupling is now used on the individual drive shafts. In this way, the torque is optimally distributed to the rear axle. The Torque Splitter function increases the torque of the inner axle in turns at high wheel load in connection with sporty driving, which reduces the tendency to understeer. In left turns, the system transmits the torque to the right rear wheel, and in right turns, the torque is transmitted to the left rear wheel. In straight-ahead driving, the torque is transmitted to both wheels.

The new technology also allows for controlled operation (in confined areas), and here the Torque Splitter function transfers all the power to one of the rear wheels. In this connection, Audi has developed a specific RS 3 mode - RS Torque Rear - as the operating mode. Another novelty is the RS Performance setting specifically for the racetrack. The Torque Splitter function here allows for exceptional dynamics in sporty driving with the least possible understeer and oversteer. The driving settings are selected via the driving dynamics system Audi drive select, where you can also choose the profiles Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, RS Individual and Efficiency.

The standard-fitted RS sports suspension offers newly developed RS 3-specific shock absorbers and an RS-specific valve system. The valves provide a particularly sensitive response from the shock absorbers. In this way, the shock absorption responds even faster and more efficiently to the current driving situation.

The larger wheel steering, where the wheels lean more towards the road surface, provides more precise steering and greater lateral steering force. Compared to the Audi A3, the new Audi RS 3 has more negative steering on the front axle. A four-link construction with a separate spring-damper unit, auxiliary frame and hollow stabilizer has been used for the rear axle. The stiffer wheel bearing housing compared to the Audi A3 and S3 absorbs the greater transverse forces provided by the Torque Splitter function. The negative wheel steering is here almost half a degree greater than on the A3. RS ‑ specifically tuned progressive steering varies the gear ratio depending on the steering angle - the larger the steering wheel rotation, the lower the gear ratio, and the steering becomes more direct. In addition, the servo function is speed-dependent and can be regulated via Audi Drive Select modes. The setup of springs and shock absorbers is particularly tight, and the body is lowered 10 mm compared to S3 and 25 mm compared to A3.

The modular driving dynamics controller is also a novelty in RS 3. The central system registers the data from all components relevant to the transverse dynamics and ensures a more precise and faster interaction. The modular driving dynamics controller synchronizes the Torque Splitter system, the adaptive shock absorbers and the torque distribution favouring precise steering and driving characteristics.

As standard, larger and newly developed 6-piston steel brakes keep the power from the 5-cylinder engine in check. As an option, a ceramic braking system is available in the dimensions 380 x 38 mm on the front axle and with a specially adapted pedal data field for the braking force amplifier. The high-performance brake system weighs 10 kg less than the steel brake system. The internally ventilated and perforated brake discs measure 375 x 36 mm at the front and 310 x 22 mm at the rear, making them larger and more robust than on the predecessor model. Also, ventilation elements improve the cooling time of the brakes by 20%.

For the steel brakes, you can order red brake saddles instead of black ones. If you decide on ceramic brakes, you can choose between grey, red or blue brake saddles.

The compact sports car's expressive appearance is characterized on the front by the wide RS bumper, the newly developed single-frame radiator grille with a distinctive grille in the beehive look and the large air intakes.

As standard, the Audi RS 3 is equipped with flat, wedge-shaped LED headlights and LED taillights, including dynamic turn signals. As an option, Matrix LED headlights with tinted covers are available.

Behind the front wheel arches, a distinctive extra air intake is a new design element. The side skirts with black mouldings are also new, and together with the wider wheel arches, they contribute to the expressive look of the Audi RS 3 model. The track width on the front axle has been increased by 33 mm compared to the predecessor model, and on the rear axle, it is 10 mm on the Sportback version. As standard equipment, the RS 3 has 19-inch rims, and as an option, Audi offers for the first time Performance-Semi-Slick tires from the brand Pirelli P Zero "Trofeo R". The sporty finish is marked by the newly designed RS-specific bumper at the rear with an integrated diffuser and RS exhaust system with two large oval exhaust pipes.

Also, in the cabin, many RS-specific elements emphasize sportiness. The information is displayed in the 12.3-inch large Audi virtual cockpit plus, which is standard equipment. As an option, the speed is shown in the new RS-Runway design, where the values ​​are displayed graphically as a runway for aircraft in reverse order - the maximum speed in the foreground and the lowest speed in the background. In addition, the Audi includes a virtual cockpit plus a display of G-forces, lap times and acceleration from 0‑100 km / h, 0-200 km / h, 1/4 mile and 1/8 mile.

The RS-specific gearshift indicator in the manual gear mode scales the speed in motorsport from green over yellow to flashing red to show the optimal time to shift gears. The 10.1-inch touchscreen includes the so-called RS-Monitor, where the temperature of coolant, engine and gearbox oil and the tire pressure can be read. For the first time, the Audi RS 3 is also available with a head-up display, which in addition to the gearshift indicator, projects relevant information to the windscreen - directly in the driver's field of view.

As standard, the Audi RS 3 is equipped with an RS Sport multifunction leather steering wheel with a flat bottom and high-quality change switches made of cast zinc. Alternatively, a round RS steering wheel with hands-on detection is available.

The pre-orders for the Audi RS 3 Sportback and Audi RS 3 Sedan will open shortly with a market launch in the autumn. The recommended approximate price for Audi RS 3 Sportback is 58.000 euros, and for Audi RS 3 Sedan is 59,000 euros.

From 0 to 100 km / h in 3.8 seconds, a top speed of up to 290 km / h, RS Torque Splitter, semi-slicks and specific RS driving settings - the new Audi RS 3 offers driving dynamics at the highest power and delivers the best performance in the segment. @via Audi.