The new Audi RS 3 opens a new dimension among sporty compacts

We still had to see how far Audi could go with the RS version of its new Audi A3, and the truth is that it has not disappointed us at all. The new Audi RS 3 promises strong sensations not only with a more powerful engine than ever, but also with a chassis designed to take the driving experience to another level.

And not only thanks to the new variable torque distribution system for the rear axle, the so-called torque splitter, whose operation and new “drift” mode we explain in detail. Beyond the torque splitter, everything about the new Audi RS 3 is designed and sized with the aim of becoming the new benchmark. As proof, 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and a top speed of up to 290 km/h. No other car in the segment matches these figures.

Audi is already taking orders for the new Audi RS3, which will reach dealerships after the summer. The Sportback price starts from 77,500 euros, and the RS 3 Sedan costs 1,100 euros more.

Lion’s heart: the RS3’s 2.5 TFSI, now with more power and more torque

Of the 5-cylinder 2.5 TFSI engine of Audi there is little we don’t already know. No fewer than nine consecutive times it has won the “International Engine of the Year” award, and everything points to it continuing to do so. Simply put, it has no rivals in its class.

In this penultimate evolution, power reaches 400 CV, but at a lower rev range and is maintained for longer: from 5,600 to 7,000 rpm. Maximum torque increases by 20 Nm, to reach 500 Nm, available between 2,250 and 5,600 rpm. We have already talked about what the new RS 3 is capable of against the stopwatch when it comes to acceleration. And the top speed, limited to 250 km/h, can be increased to 280 km/h with an optional adaptation, or reach 290 km/h if equipped with the RS dynamic package and ceramic brakes.

Few adjustments to the engine were needed, which only received a new control unit. The exhaust is new, featuring for the first time a variable butterfly valve selector that allows intermediate adjustments to modulate the sound according to the programme selected in the Audi drive select. Power is delivered to all four wheels through the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, which has sportier gear ratios and has shortened the time needed for gear transitions.

Torque splitter, chassis settings and specific RS modes

According to Audi, one of the keys to the agility the new RS 3 boasts lies in the aforementioned torque splitter system. Instead of the multi-plate clutch differential of the previous model, an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch is now installed on each of the rear wheel half-shafts. The system increases the torque received by the outer rear wheel, reducing understeer and improving agility.

Furthermore, Audi adds two specific driving modes, RS Torque Rear and RS Performance. The first is a kind of “drift” mode, with little use beyond facilitating controlled slides. The second is oriented towards track driving and includes specific settings for the semi-slick tyres offered as a factory option, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R.

The suspension features specific dampers that allow a faster response, and stiffer anti-roll bars. The negative camber of the wheels has also been increased by half a degree, by modifying the subframe and the lower wishbone bushings. Optionally, the RS plus sport chassis, with adaptive damper control can be fitted.

At chassis level, the new modular vehicle dynamics controller is a novelty, synchronising the operation of the torque splitter, the adaptive dampers and the selective wheel torque control. The progressive steering is specific to the RS models, reducing the steering ratio as the steering angle increases, for greater quickness and precision.

Finally, regarding the chassis, the standard brakes have larger discs and six-piston steel calipers. Optionally, a powerful high-performance braking system can be fitted, or 380 mm ceramic front discs.

Exterior and interior design of the new Audi RS 3

If there is a Audi RS that flaunts muscle, it is the new RS 3. The Singleframe grille design with its honeycomb mesh and especially the large air intakes give it a very “raw” look. LED headlights with dynamic indicators are standard, and Matrix LED headlights are available as an option, allowing choices such as the chequered flag or the RS 3 logo.

The standard wheels are 19 inches, with a 10-spoke design. Two exclusive body colours are offered: Kyalami green and Kemora grey. An exclusive detail is that, for the first time on the RS 3, the roof can be painted in a contrasting colour, though only on the saloon. The mirror housings and sill trims, as well as the rear spoiler on the Sedan and the wing on the Sportback, are available in CFRP, carbon fibre reinforced polymer.

In the cabin, the Audi virtual cockpit plus with a 12.3-inch screen is standard, which now offers a new display mode in which the rev counter shows values in the opposite direction to the usual. The touchscreen of the multimedia system reaches 10.1 inches and features the “RS Monitor”, which allows monitoring of engine coolant temperature, engine and transmission oil temperature, as well as tyre pressure. For the first time, the RS 3 can also be equipped with a head-up display that includes an indicator of the optimal moment to change gear.

The flat-bottomed RS Sport three-spoke steering wheel includes large integrated shift paddles, made of high-pressure die-cast zinc. It features a red band at 12 o’clock, as is customary in racing cars, to more easily indicate the steering wheel position during sporty driving. A round steering wheel with capacitive grip recognition can be fitted as an option. In both cases, the RS Mode button is available, allowing direct selection of the RS Performance and RS Individual modes of the Audi drive select.

New Audi RS 3 image gallery