The new Audi RS3

The new Audi RS3 is the first Audi model that comes standard-equipped with a torque splitter and that gives it some unique and somewhat unexpected features.

The new Audi RS3 Photo by Audi AG
The new Audi RS3 Photo by Audi AG
The new Audi RS3 Photo by Audi AG
The new Audi RS3 Photo by Audi AG

From 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, up to 290 km/h top speed, RS Torque Splitter, semi slicks, and specific RS driving modes - the new Audi RS3 offers driving dynamics of the highest caliber and the best numbers in its segment. Equipped with a 294 kW (400 PS) five-cylinder, the high-performance engine delivers rapid acceleration with a highly intoxicating sound. The power unit now delivers 500 Nm of torque and responds even faster. Visually, the RS3 demonstrates its sporty DNA with a widened body, RS sports exhaust system, and cockpit displays like those found in race cars.

Unmatched acceleration and top speed: the 2.5 TFSI
With its five-cylinder, high-performance engine, the Audi RS3 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. 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. This is primarily due to the 500 Nm increase in 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 294 kW (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.

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. 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.

Maximum agility: RS Torque Splitter and specific RS3 modes
The new Audi RS3 is 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. Instead, an electronically controlled multiple disc clutch is used on each of the drive shafts. This ensures that the right amount of torque is optimally distributed along the rear axle. During more dynamic driving, the torque splitter increases the drive torque to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load, which significantly reduces the tendency to understeer. In left-hand curves, it transmits the drive torque to the right rear wheel, in right-hand curves to the left rear wheel, and when driving straight ahead to both wheels.

The new technology also makes controlled drifts on closed-off tracks possible - in this case, 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. In this case, the torque splitter delivers a particularly dynamic, sporty ride along the longitudinal axis with as little understeer and oversteer as possible. These modes can be selected via the Audi drive select driving dynamics system, which also offers the following profiles: comfort, auto, dynamic, RS Individual, and efficiency.

The Audi RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan will be available to order in Europe starting in mid-July 2021. The new RS3 models will be launched in the fall of this year. The base price for the RS3 Sportback is set at 60,000 euros, while the RS3 Sedan is listed at 62,000 euros.

Mathias Haegglund Code Collector, Globetrotter, and Occasional Gamer.