In the latest generation of the compact sports car, the engine is now more powerful than ever before. The new RS3 models sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Their top speed is limited to 250 km/h, but 280 km/h is also available as an optional upgrade.
With the RS Dynamic package and ceramic brakes, they can even reach a top speed of 290 km/h. This makes the Audi RS3 the best in its class in terms of acceleration and top speed.
500 Nm at your service
This is primarily due to the 500 Nm torque, which is available between 2,250 and 5,600 rpm. That is equal to 20 Nm more than its predecessor. As a result, the Audi RS3 accelerates even faster from low rev ranges.
The engine’s maximum power of 400 PS is available earlier than before at 5,600 rpm and extends over a broad plateau to 7,000 rpm. A new engine control unit also increases the speed at which all of the drive components communicate with each other.
5-cylinder, 7-speed dual clutch, short shifter
A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is what puts the power of the five-cylinder engine to the pavement – with short shifting times and a sportier gear ratio spread.
The engine’s unique 1‑2‑4‑5-3 ignition sequence and the incomparable sound that comes with it make the driving experience that much more exhilarating.
The new Audi RS3 is also the first Audi model that comes standard-equipped with a torque splitter. It replaces the rear axle differential and the previous multiple disc clutch package on the rear axle.
First Audi to come with torque splitter
The torque splitter directs all of the power to only one of the rear wheels, with up to 1,750 newton meters per wheel possible. Audi even developed a driving mode specifically for the RS3 for this purpose – “RS Torque Rear” – as a drift mode with its own characteristic curve for the torque splitter.
The RS Performance mode, created specifically for the racetrack, is another never-before-seen innovation. It uses a specific engine and transmission configuration and is precisely tailored to the semi-slick tires that are, for the very first time, available for the RS3 as a factory option.
The design of the new Audi RS3 is even more dynamic and powerful than that of its predecessor. In the front, the wide RS bumper, the redesigned Single frame with its distinctive honeycomb grille and the large air intakes give the compact sports car an expressive appearance.
New design element
There is also a new design element behind the front wheel arches: an eye-catching additional air outlet. The rocker panels with black trim have also been redesigned and, in combination with the flared wheel arches, contribute to the expressive look of the new RS 3.
The RS 3 is standard-equipped with 19-inch cast wheels in a 10-Y spoke design. True racing design is embodied by the optionally available 5‑Y spokes with RS branding.
In the interior, too, many elements specific to the RS accentuate its sportiness. The displays appear in the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus, which comes standard.
RS-exclusive features
It displays the rpms in the form of a bar graph and shows power and torque as percentages. Optionally, the rpm display is available in the new “RS Runway” design.
The RS-specific blinking shift indicator in manual transmission mode changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, blinking in a manner identical to that used in motorsports, to indicate the ideal time to change gears.
Also available for the first time for the Audi RS 3 is a head-up display that projects relevant information onto the windshield in the driver’s direct line of sight in addition to the shift light indicator.
The genuine racing feeling is further enhanced by the carbon-fibre instrument panel and RS sport seats with RS embossing and anthracite contrast stitching.
