The new Audi RS 3 2021 shows its weapons: 400 CV and "drift" mode

We still see it in camouflage, but what matters is inside. Audi will soon present the new Audi RS 3 2021, and first wants to make as much noise as its powerful engine, which will remain the 2.5-litre five-cylinder, but “vitaminised”. The power will reach 400 CV, available from a lower engine speed and for longer. Meanwhile, maximum torque will increase to 500 Nm.

The result is stratospheric performance: from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and the possibility to remove the top speed limiter of 250 km/h to reach 280 km/h… or up to 290 km/h with the optional RS dynamic package with carbon-ceramic brakes.

The new Torque RS Splitter differential of the Audi RS 3

However, beyond pure performance, Audi promises a major leap in dynamic qualities thanks to a new active torque vectoring system for the rear axle called RS Torque Splitter.

Compared with the previous multi-plate clutch system with a conventional differential, the new RS Torque Splitter uses two electronically controlled multi-plate clutches, one on each driveshaft to the rear wheels. This system actively and fully variably distributes torque between the two wheels of this axle, depending on parameters such as wheel rotation speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, steering angle, accelerator pedal position, selected gear and the vehicle’s yaw angle (the rotation of the car around its vertical axis).

Each clutch has an independent control unit, which allows “miracles” in torque distribution. For example, when driving sportily, the drive torque to the outer rear wheel (the one carrying more load) is increased by the required proportion, which automatically reduces the car’s tendency to understeer (plough straight on). Likewise, the Torque Splitter can counter oversteer by directing torque to the wheel on the inside of the bend. How the system acts depends on the driving situation… and on the programme the driver selects in the Audi drive select.

New RS driving modes: controlled drifts

This is not the only contribution of the new Audi RS 3. More than ever, the Audi drive select dynamic driving system takes on a special role. In comfort and efficiency modes, priority is given to the front axle, while in auto mode a more balanced distribution seeks more neutral behaviour. In dynamic mode, logically, more torque is sent to the rear axle to favour a more agile and dynamic drive.

But now there are two additional modes. RS Torque Rear mode even allows “drift”, that is, controlled slides, for which the system directs up to 100% of the torque to the outer rear wheel in the turn. It can apply up to 1,750 Nm of torque to one of the rear wheels individually.

As for RS performance mode, it is specially tuned for track driving, even taking into account the grip offered by the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres, which Audi will offer optionally as a factory fitment for the RS 3.

As is common among many manufacturers, the “judge” for validating the correct operation of the new RS Torque Splitter has been the Nürburgring circuit, where engineers and developers worked hand in hand carrying out continuous driving tests of up to 8,000 km.

Related information of interest

• Audi presents the new TCR car and previews features of the road-going RS 3
• The new Audi RS3 flexes its muscle at the Nürburgring
• This is how imposing and beastly the new Audi RS3 could be

Audi RS 3 Prototype image gallery