The new Audi RS 3: unmatched sportiness suitable for everyday use
• 400PS five-cylinder engine with 500Nm of torque • RS Torque Splitter and new RS 3 driving modes for even more agility • 0-62mph in class-leading 3.8 seconds • Up to 180mph top speed with optional dynamic pack • Prices start at £50,900 with orders beginning in August • First customers due to take delivery at the end of 2021 • Four specifications: RS 3, Carbon, Launch Edition and Vorsprung
From 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, up to 180mph top speed, RS Torque Splitter and specific RS driving modes – the new Audi RS 3 offers driving dynamics of the highest calibre and the best numbers in its segment. Equipped with a 400PS five-cylinder engine, the high-performance unit delivers rapid acceleration with a highly intoxicating sound. Visually, the RS 3 demonstrates its sporty DNA with a widened body, RS sports exhaust system, and cockpit displays like those found in race cars.
“With the third generation of the Audi RS 3 Sportback and the second generation of the Audi RS 3 Saloon, we now offer premium sports cars that are suitable for everyday use and equally thrilling to drive on public roads and racetracks,” says Sebastian Grams, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “They represent the entry point into our RS world and, thanks to the torque splitter, the ultimate in outstanding performance in the compact segment.”
Unmatched acceleration and top speed: the 2.5 TFSI
With its five-cylinder, high-performance engine, the Audi RS 3 is one-of-a-kind in the segment. The 2.5 TFSI has won the “International Engine of the
Year” award nine times in a row. In the latest generation of the compact sports car, the engine is now more powerful than ever before developing 400PS and 500Nm of torque - allowing a 062mph sprint of just 3.8 seconds. Top speed for the standard RS 3 is limited to 155mph, but Launch Edition and Vorsprung models see that increase to 174mph. With the RS Dynamic package and ceramic brakes, customers can even reach a top speed of 180mph. This makes the Audi RS 3 the best in its class in terms of acceleration and top speed. This is primarily due to the 20Nm increase in torque over the previous RS 3, which is available between 2,250 and 5,600rpm. As a result, the Audi RS 3 accelerates even faster from low rev ranges. The engine’s maximum power of 400PS is available earlier than before at 5,600rpm and extends over a broad plateau to 7,000rpm. A new engine control unit also increases the speed at which all of the drive components communicate with each other. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission puts the power of the five-cylinder engine to the road – 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. For the first time, the exhaust system features a fully variable flap control system that supports intermediate positions, thus broadening the sound characteristics even further. It can be adjusted via the driving dynamics system Audi drive select. In the Dynamic and RS Performance modes, for example, the flaps open much earlier – the emotional elements of the sound are even more pronounced. In addition, the unmistakable sound of the five-cylinder engine is further enhanced by the optional RS sports exhaust system.
“There are fewer more iconic engines in the world than Audi’s 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder,” commented Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle. “Now more powerful
than ever before, and with classleading performance figures to back up its striking new design, the introduction of the RS 3 Sportback and Saloon reinforce Audi Sport’s commitment to setting the benchmark in every segment.”
Powerful deceleration: sixpiston steel and ceramic brake system
The RS 3 comes standardequipped with larger and newly developed six-piston steel brakes to keep the power of the fivecylinder engine in check. A ceramic brake system measuring 380 by 38mm is optionally available on the front axle with a pedal characteristic curve specially adapted to the brake booster. The high-performance brake system is 10kg lighter than the steel brake. Its internally ventilated and drilled discs measure 375 by 36mm at the front and 310 by 22mm at the rear - this makes them larger and more stable than in the previous model. Air control elements improve the brakes’ cooling time by 20 per cent.
This more quickly reduces peak temperatures during hard braking while pedal feel remains the same. In addition, it also reduces brake pad wear, which are 15 per cent larger and copper-free. Those who opt for the ceramic brakes can choose between grey, red, or blue brake calipers. Those who prefer the steel version can order red calipers instead of the black ones.
Expressive and unmistakable: exterior and lighting
The design of the new Audi RS 3 is even more dynamic than that of its predecessor and is available in standard, Carbon, Launch Edition and Vorsprung specifications. In the front, the wide RS bumper, the redesigned Singleframe with its distinctive honeycomb grille, and the l arge air intakes give the compact sports car an expressive appearance.
The RS 3 comes standardequipped with flat, wedge-shaped LED headlights and LED taillights including dynamic turn signal lights. Matrix LED headlights will feature on Carbon, Lanch Edition and Vorsprung models, with darkened bezels that feature digital daytime running lights around their outer downturned angles. With its pixel field of 3 x 5 LED segments, it provides an unmistakable look – a checkered flag appears in the left headlight as a dynamic leaving and coming home scene, and the RS 3 lettering appears on the driver’s side. When driving, the checkered flag lights up on both sides.
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 front axle track has been widened by 33mm compared to the previous model. On the Sportback, the rear axle track has increased by 10mm. The RS 3 is standard-equipped with 19inch cast wheels in a 10-Y spoke design, while true racing design is embodied by the optionally available five Y spokes with RS branding. The motorsports-inspired finishing touches include the redesigned RS-specific rear bumper with integrated diffuser and the RS exhaust system with two large oval tailpipes.
The new Audi RS 3 models can be ordered in two exclusive RS colours: Kyalami green and Kemora grey. The roof of the Saloon - Carbon edition only - is also finished in Brilliant black for the first time. Individual exterior features, such as the honeycomb grille in the Singleframe, diffuser inserts, and window trim come finished in
a luminium on standard models. For an even sportier look, carbonfibre-reinforced polymer inlays are available on Carbon, Launch Edition and Vorsprung specifications, which also extends to the mirror caps. The same applies to the tailgate spoiler on the Saloon and the roof edge spoiler on the Sportback, but for the Carbon edition only.