HOT NEW AUDI RS 3: ADVANCE INFORMATION

Audi has given us advance information on its new Audi RS 3 Sportback and sedan that are expected to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2022.

Its 294 kW five-cylinder engine now delivers 500 Nm of torque and responds even faster than the previous unit. It will sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h, but with the RS Dynamic package and ceramic brakes, they can even reach a top speed of 290 km/h.

A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission has short shifting times and a sportier gear ratio spread.

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.

The new Audi RS 3 is the first 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 respective outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load, which significantly reduces the tendency to understeer.

The new technology also makes controlled drifts on closed-off tracks possible. The torque splitter directs all of the power to only one of the rear wheels, with up to 1,750 newton metres per wheel possible.

The RS Performance mode, created specifically for the racetrack, It uses a specific engine and transmission configuration and is precisely tailored to the semi-slick tires that are a factory option.

The standard RS sports suspension features newly developed shock absorbers and a valve system both specific to the RS 3. Larger wheel camber results in a more precise steering response and increased cornering force.

The RS 3 comes standard-equipped with larger and newly developed six-piston steel brakes.

The new Audi RS 3 has a wide RS bumper, a revised Singleframe honeycomb grille and large air intakes.

Behind the front wheel arches are additional air outlets. The rocker panels with black trim have been redesigned. There’s a RS-specific rear bumper with integrated diffuser and the RS exhaust system with two large oval tailpipes.

On the Sportback, the rear axle track has increased by ten millimetres.

Pirelli P Zero ‘Trofeo R’ performance semi-slick tyres are optional.

The new Audi RS 3 is offered in two exclusive RS colours: Kyalami green and Kemora gray. The roof of the sedan can also be ordered in a contrasting Brilliant Black.

In the interior many elements specific to the RS accentuate its sportiness. The displays appear in the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus, which comes standard. It displays the revs in the form of a bar graph and shows power and torque as percentages. Optionally, the rpm display is available in the new ‘RS Runway’ design. In The Audi virtual cockpit plus includes displays for g-forces, lap times and acceleration from 0-100 km/h, 0-200 km/h, quarter mile, and eighth of a mile.

The 10.1-inch touch display has an ‘RS Monitor,’ which displays the coolant, engine, and transmission oil temperatures as well as tyre pressures.

Also available for the first time is a head-up display that projects relevant information onto the windshield in the driver’s direct line of sight in addition to the shift light indicator.

There’s a carbon-fibre instrument panel and RS sport seats with RS embossing and anthracite contrast stitching. The seat upholstery is optionally available in fine Nappa leather with RS honeycomb stitching and glossy black, red, or, for the first time, green contrast stitching.

Audi RS 3 has a three spoke RS Sport multifunctional leather steering wheel with a flattened bottom. It features built-in, high-quality die-cast zinc shift paddles.

Further information on pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch.

NOTE: Audi advises, “This media information is intended for a global audience, and elements of it may not accurately reflect Australian features, specifications or timeframes unless specifically stated otherwise.”