The five-cylinder high-performance engine makes the Audi RS 3 something unique in its market segment. The 2.5 TFSI engine has won the title "International Engine of the Year" nine times in a row! In its latest generation, the engine is more powerful than ever.
The new RS 3 models do 0 to 100 in 3.8 seconds. The top speed is in both cases limited to 250 km / h, but as an option, it can be upgraded to 280 km / h. With RS dynamics package and ceramic brakes, the two variants can also reach a top speed of 290 km / h. This makes the Audi RS 3 best in class, both in terms of acceleration and top speed. This is mainly due to the maximum torque of as much as 500 Nm, which is available in the speed range from 2,250 to 5,600 rpm. The torque has thus been increased by 20 Nm compared to the previous model. The result is that the Audi RS 3 accelerates even faster from lower speeds. The engine's peak power of 400 hp is available earlier than before, at 5,600 rpm, and extends over a wide plateau to 7,000 rpm. By allowing the various drive components to communicate with each other, the new engine control also helps to increase speed. The new RS 3 has a mixed consumption according to WLTP of 9.0-9.1 l / 100 km for RS 3 Sportback and 8.9-9.0 l / 100 km for RS 3 Sedan with CO2 emissions of 205-207 g / km respectively 203-204 g / km.
The engine power is transmitted to the road via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox with a sportier gear ratio. The 5-cylinder engine's unique ignition sequence (1-2-4-5-3) and the incomparable sound it gives rise to takes the driving experience to a new level. For the first time, the exhaust system is equipped with fully variable flaps with intermediate positions, making the sound characteristics even more dynamic. The flaps can be adjusted via the Audi Drive Select driving dynamics system. The Dynamic and RS Performance driving modes, e.g. the flaps much earlier, make the mammoth sound even more enjoyable. With an RS sports exhaust system (optional), you complete the unmistakable sound from the 5-cylinder engine.
The new RS 3 is the first Audi model with torque splitter as standard. The torque distributor replaces the rear axle differential and the vane clutch package that was previously mounted on the rear axle. On the RS 3, an electronically controlled lamella coupling on the drive shaft is used instead, which distributes the engine's driving force optimally between the wheels on the rear axle. In sporty driving, the splitter increases the driving torque on the outer rear wheel and has the highest load when cornering, significantly reducing the tendency to understeer. In addition, in left-hand curves, the driving force is distributed to the right rear wheel, in right-hand curves to the left rear wheel and when driving straight to both rear wheels.
The new technology also makes it possible to operate the car on racing tracks. The torque splitter then sends all the power to one of the wheels (up to 1,750 Nm per wheel). Audi has also developed a special driving mode, "RS Torque Rear" - which is a drifting mode with its own characteristics for the splitter.
The RS sports chassis is standard and equipped with newly developed shock absorbers and valve systems, both specially developed for RS 3. The valves give the shock absorbers an extra sensitive response as part of the compression and return characteristics. This means that the damping can react faster and more efficiently to different driving conditions. "RS sports chassis plus", with adaptive damper control, is available as an option. The system then continuously adjusts the shock absorbers individually according to the driving situation and which driving profile is selected on the Audi drive select. The three modes - comfortable, balanced and sporty - change the damper characteristics in a very noticeable way.
Another novelty for Audi RS 3 is mVDC (modular Vehicle Dynamics Controller). The central system collects data from all components involved in the lateral dynamics, thus ensuring that they interact with each other in a faster and more precise way. mVDC synchronizes the torque splitter, the adaptive shock absorbers and the wheel-specific torque distribution, thus making the steering and road properties more precise. Overall, it makes the car even more agile, especially on curvy roads.
To be able to control the power from the 5-cylinder engine, the RS 3 is delivered as standard with large, newly developed brake discs with a 6-piston calliper. As an option, the ten kilos lighter ceramic brake discs (380x38 mm) are offered with a pedal characteristic that is specially adapted for the brake force amplifier. The system's ventilated and perforated brake discs measure 375x36 mm at the front and 310x22 mm at the rear. This makes them larger and more stable than those on the previous model. In addition, air control details reduce the braking time of the brakes by 20%. This means that they can bring down the top temperatures more quickly during hard braking while the pedal feeling remains unchanged. The effective cooling also reduces the wear on the brake pads, which are 15% larger and copper-free. If you decide on the ceramic brake system, you can choose between having the brake calliper painted in grey, red or blue. Those who choose the steel braking system can order red-painted callipers. By default, they are black.
The Audi RS 3 has an even more dynamic appearance compared to its predecessor. The front is characterized by wide RS bumpers, large air intakes and a newly designed single-frame grille with a clear honeycomb pattern. As standard, the RS 3 is equipped with wedge-shaped LED headlights and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals (running lights). Optional Matrix LED headlights with digital warning lights. With their pixel field on 3x5 LED segments, they give the car a unique look. When unlocking or unlocking the car, a dynamic light signature with RS 3 in writing lights up on the driver's side and a target flag on the other. When driving, the black and white checkered flag is lit on both sides.
The new Audi RS 3 is equipped as standard with cast 19-inch rims with 10-spoke Y-design. For an even sharper racing look, there are 5-spoke Y-design rims and an RS logo. Audi now also offers the Pirelli P Zero "Trofeo R" performance semi-slick tires for the first time.
The new Audi RS 3 is available in two exclusive RS colours: Kyalami Green and Kemora Grey. For the sedan version, you can now, for the first time, have the roof painted in the contrasting colour brilliant black. RS-specific exterior details, e.g. the single-frame grill, as standard, is painted in black, with a matt or high-gloss finish. As an option, the Aluminum optics package is also offered, which highlights the front bumper, diffuser insert and window panes a little extra. Those who want to give the RS 3 an even sportier look can choose carbon fibre-reinforced sill mouldings. The rear-view mirror covers, the tailgate spoiler on the sedan version and the roof edge spoiler on the Sportback can also be decorated with this material.
Even inside, we find many RS-specific details that enhance the sporty look. The Audi virtual cockpit plus digital instrument cluster is standard. Here, the engine speed is shown in a bar graph, and power and torque as a percentage. The tachometer is also available in the new design "RS Runway". The values are displayed here in the reverse direction - with the highest speed in the foreground and the lowest in the background. The Audi virtual cockpit plus has displays for g-forces, lap times, and acceleration from 0-100, 0-200, a quarter mile and an eighth-mile.
The RS sports seats adorned with an embossed RS logo and contrasting, anthracite-coloured seams - and the instrument panel in carbon fibre enhance the genuine racing feeling on board. The chairs are available in Nappa upholstery (optional) with honeycomb-shaped RS seams and contrast seams in shiny black, red or new colour green. In addition, matching RS Design packages are available in red and green. The packages contain special floor mats with contrasting seams and RS embroidery, as well as seat belts with coloured edges. With the Design package plus, you also get coloured edges in red or green on the seats and coloured decor on the air inlets.
The Audi RS 3 is equipped as standard with a 3-spoke, leather-covered RS multifunction sports steering wheel that is flattened at the bottom. The steering wheel is equipped with high-quality shift paddles in cast zinc. If you choose the Design package and the RS mark, you also get an indication line placed at 12 on the steering wheel to see the steering angle more quickly when driving sportily. Alternatively, you can choose a completely round RS steering wheel that also is touch-sensitive for steering assistance functions. Both steering wheels have a button for the new RS driving mode on the right steering wheel, where the driver can choose between the Audi drive select modes RS Performance, RS Individual or most recently used mode. The instrument display and head-up display have an even sportier look with a flashing shift indicator in both RS modes.@via Audi.
