The legend is back

With the third generation of the Audi RS 3 Sportback and the second generation of the RS 3 Sedan, Audi is relaunching the sporty top-of-the-line pair in the compact high-performance segment. The award-winning five-cylinder engine now has more torque, making it even more powerful.

In combination with the RS torque splitter installed for the first time in an Audi, the A3 series’ emotional flagship model offers performance and lateral dynamics on a whole new level. Local market introduction of the RS 3 model range takes place today with prices starting at R1 215 000 for the RS 3 Sportback and R1 245 000 for the RS 3 Sedan (inclusive of VAT and all taxes).

The 2.5 TFSI: unmatched acceleration and top spec

With its five-cylinder, high-performance engine, the Audi RS 3 is one-of-a-kind in its 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. This is mainly due to the increased torque of 500Nm – 20 Nm more than in the predecessor. It ranges from 2 250 and 5 600r/min.

Boasting 294kW of power, they sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds thanks to launch control – three-tenths of a second faster than before. The models’ top speed, which is electronically limited to 250 km/h, can be optionally increased to 290 km/h (if the RS Dynamic package Plus is selected) – just like acceleration, this is an unmatched figure in the compact segment. In the NEDC combined cycle, the RS 3 Sedan and RS 3 Sportback consumes 9.0 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, on average.

The impressive propulsion of the multiple award-winning five-cylinder engine is appropriately orchestrated by a new exhaust system. For the first time in a RS 3, it features a fully variable flap control system that supports intermediate positions, thus broadening the sound characteristics even further.

The differences can be experienced in the various modes offered by the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. In the dynamic and RS Performance modes, for example, the flaps open much earlier – the electrifying elements of the sound are even more pronounced. The standard RS sports exhaust system brings out the unmistakable sound of the five-cylinder engine even more clearly.

RS torque splitter and specific RS 3 modes for maximum agility

The RS torque splitter, installed for the first time in an Audi, makes the driving experience even more exhilarating and provides a dynamic balance. It replaces the previous rear axle differential with an upstream multiple disc clutch package. Instead, an electronically controlled multiple disc clutch is used on each of the drive shafts that distributes torque between the rear wheels in a fully variable manner.

This results in even greater stability and agility. During dynamic driving, the torque splitter increases torque delivered 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 difference in propulsive forces means that the new RS 3 turns into curves even better and follows the steering angle more precisely – especially when cornering at high speeds.

Exterior and lighting: expressive and unmistakable

The RS 3 comes standard equipped with Matrix LED headlights with darkened bezels that feature digital daytime running lights around their outer downturned angles. LED taillights, including dynamic turn signal lights, door entrance LED lighting with RS logo projection in the front, contour ambient lighting with multi-coloured accents are other exciting standard lighting features as well.

Audi delivers the RS 3 with 19-inch cast wheels in a 10-Y spoke design as standard. True racing design is embodied by the optionally available 5-Y spokes with RS branding.

Driving dynamics made visible: the interior

The standard equipped 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus displays the revolutions per minute in the “RS Runway” design. In this case, the values are displayed in the opposite direction in a manner that visually resembles an airplane runway – the highest number of revolutions in the foreground and the lowest in the background. In addition, the Audi virtual cockpit plus includes displays for G-forces, lap times, and acceleration from 0 – 100km/h, 0 – 200km/h, quarter mile, and eighth of a mile.

Local standard equipment highlights

The Audi RS 3 model range is highly equipped with ideal specification and features which proudly showcase its performance, digital and design points. The following equipment highlights are worth mentioning: Audi RS virtual cockpit; darkened Matrix LED headlights with dynamic light design; black styling package; Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound; Audi smartphone interface; Audi connect e-call functionality; sport seats in front; RS sports exhaust; rearview camera; park assist; comfort key with safelock; progressive steering and 19-inch wheels (to name a few).

The new Audi RS 3 Sportback and Sedan will officially go on sale in South Africa from September 1 and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan.

Source: QuickPic