[Auto]The new Audi RS3 LMS is here

[Ale X Erfan]

Audi has shown off its new RS3 LMS, revealing a fresh contender for global TCR racing categories with a number of mechanical, technological and safety upgrades.

The 2021 Audi RS3 LMS – which will take on rivals such as the Hyundai i30 N TCR, Renault Megane RS TCR and Honda Civic Type R TCR – also gives us our first glimpse of the new RS3 road car.

Design has taken a dramatic step forward as well, featuring a gigantic front valance with a wide grille, pumped-out wheelarches, a deep-vented bonnet and a central-exit exhaust under a big rear wing.

It might be hard to see the forthcoming road car within its aggressive shape, but its angular lights, a toned-down wide grille and accentuated rear end should feature on the new-generation A3's RS variant.

The new RS3 LMS, like the previous version, has an EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine under the bonnet.

It's packing more than your garden-variety Golf GTI, though, given this version delivers around 335bhp and 310lb ft to the front wheels through an updated six-speed sequential racing transmission (with paddleshifters).

Race engineers are able to adjust the newly developed multi-disc locking differential quickly from the outside.

Audi has also pointed out the new RS3 LMS is one of the safest race cars in the segment. 

'No other TCR touring car offers as many optional safety components as are on board as standard in the Audi RS3 LMS,' Audi says.

These safety additions include a steel-tube rollcage, a six-point harness system, an exit hatch through the roof, strong polycarbonate rear window, strategically-placed racing bucket seats and a fire-extinguishing system.

Seat-wrapping safety nets are optionally available.

Head of Audi Sport customer racing Chris Reinke praised the success of its predecessor and expects the new car to be available in the second half of 2021.

'[The previous RS3 LMS] has been one of the best sellers of Audi Sport Customer Racing. One hundred and eighty cars have been built and they won many TCR races and titles all over the world,' said Reinke.

'The 2021 model is now ready to undergo an intensive testing programme and hopefully it will be available for our customer teams in the second half of the year.'