[Auto] New Audi RS 3: unrivaled sportiness suitable for everyday use

[SougarLord]

 

It is equipped with a 294 kW (400 hp) five-cylinder engine that offers fast acceleration with powerful sound and now reaches 500 Nm of torque and responds even faster to the throttle. Visually, the RS 3 demonstrates its sporty DNA with a widened body, an RS sports exhaust system and, inside, screens like those used in competition.

 

“With the third generation of the Audi RS 3 Sportback and the second generation of the RS 3 Sedan, we now offer high-quality sports cars suitable for everyday use and equally exciting for road and track driving,” says Sebastian Grams, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. "They represent the entry point to our RS world and, thanks to the torque splitter, offer extraordinary dynamic behavior within the compact segment."

 

Unmatched top speed and acceleration - the 2.5 TFSI

With its high-performance five-cylinder engine, the Audi RS 3 is one of a kind. The 2.5 TFSI has won the “International Engine of the Year” award nine times in a row. Now in the latest generation of the compact sports car, this block is more powerful than ever. The new RS 3 versions accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in just 3.8 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 250 km / h, a figure that can be increased to 280 km / h with an optional adaptation. With the RS Dynamic package and ceramic brakes, it is even possible to reach a top speed of 290 km / h. Therefore, the Audi RS 3 becomes a benchmark in its class for acceleration and top speed. This is mainly due to the increase in torque up to 500 Nm, available between 2,250 and 5,600 rpm, which represents an increase of 20 Nm compared to its predecessor. As a result, the Audi RS 3 accelerates even further from low revs. Maximum power of 294 kW (400 hp) is available at a lower speed than before, 5,600 rpm, and is maintained up to 7,000 rpm. A new engine control unit also increases the speed of communication between all components of the powertrain.

 

Power reaches the tarmac via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with shorter transitions between gears and sportier gear ratios. The unique engine firing order, 1-2-4-5-3, and the incomparable sound it emits make the driving experience that much more exciting. For the first time, the exhaust system features fully variable throttle control to select intermediate positions, further expanding the range of loudness. It can be adjusted via the Audi drive select dynamic driving system. In addition, the optional RS sports exhaust system further enhances the unmistakable sound of the five-cylinder engine.

 

Maximum agility: RS Torque Splitter and RS 3 specific modes

The new RS 3 is the first Audi to be equipped with the torque splitter system as standard.

 

Replaces the differential with multi-plate clutch on the rear axle. Instead, there is an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch on each of the transmission axle shafts. In this way, the engine torque is optimally distributed on the rear axle. During more dynamic driving, the torque of the outer rear wheel is increased, subject to a greater load, which significantly reduces the tendency to understeer. In other words, when cornering to the left, it transmits more torque to the right rear wheel; in curves to the right, to the rear left. In a straight line it distributes it between the two wheels.

 

This new technology also makes controlled skidding possible on closed tracks: in that case, the torque splitter directs all the power to just one of the rear wheels, and can deliver up to 1,750 Nm per wheel. To this end, Audi has even developed a specific drive mode for the RS 3, the “RS Torque Rear”, as a drift mode with its own characteristic torque splitter curve. Built specifically for track riding, RS Performance mode is another completely new feature. It uses a configuration for the engine and gearbox that is precisely matched to the semi-slick tires, available for the first time for the RS 3 as a factory option. In this case, the torque splitter provides a particularly dynamic and sporty ride in the longitudinal direction, with the least possible understeer and oversteer. These modes can be selected via the Audi drive select dynamic driving system, which also offers the comfort, auto, dynamic, RS Individual and efficiency profiles.

 

More dynamism and precision: RS sport suspension

The RS sport suspension as standard features newly developed dampers and a RS 3-specific valve system. The valves ensure a particularly responsive shock absorber response in compression and rebound movements. In this way, the damping reacts more quickly and efficiently to every driving condition. The RS plus sports suspension with adaptive damping control is available as an option. Continuously and individually, it adjusts each shock absorber to the road conditions, driving situations and the mode selected in Audi drive select.

 

The greater camber of the wheels relative to the road results in a more precise steering response and greater lateral control. To achieve this, the hub carrier has been modified, and the lower triangle, subframe and stabilizer bar bushings are more rigid.

 

The rear axle is a four-link design with separate shocks, a subframe and a tubular stabilizer bar. The stiffer wheel mounts than those of the Audi A3 and S3 absorb the greater lateral forces generated by the torque splitter. The progressive steering specific to the RS varies the ratio depending on the steering angle: as the steering angle increases, the ratio decreases and the steering becomes less gearbox. It also offers a speed-dependent degree of assistance that can be changed with Audi drive select. The spring and shock absorber configuration is remarkably firm; the bodywork, meanwhile, is ten millimeters lower than in the S3 and 25 millimeters lower than in the A3.

 

Another novelty of the RS 3 is the Modular Vehicle Dynamics Controller (mVDC). This central system captures data from all components relevant to lateral dynamics, thus ensuring that they interact more accurately and quickly. MVDC syncs torque splitter, adaptive dampers, and selective wheel torque control for precise steering and handling. In short, it increases the agility of the vehicle, especially on winding roads.

 

Powerful deceleration: optional six-piston ceramic brake system

The RS 3 is equipped as standard with steel brakes with larger, newly developed six-piston calipers, commensurate with the power of the five-cylinder engine. As an option, a 380 mm diameter, 38 mm thick ceramic brake system is available on the front axle, with a specially adapted pedal characteristic curve. The high-performance brake system weighs another 10 kg less than the steel one, whose ventilated and perforated discs measure 375 mm in diameter and 36 mm thick at the front, and 310 mm and 22 mm at the rear. That is, they are larger and more stable than in the previous model. Elements that direct the airflow improve cooling by 20%. This reduces temperature spikes more quickly during hard braking, while maintaining pedal feel. In addition, it also reduces wear on the brake pads, which are 15% larger and have no copper. Those who opt for ceramic brakes can choose between calipers finished in gray, red or blue. Those who prefer the steel version can request red calipers instead of the black ones.

 

Expressive and unmistakable: exterior and lighting

The design of the new Audi RS 3 is even more dynamic and eye-catching than its predecessor. At the front, the wide RS bumper, the redesigned Singleframe grille with its distinctive honeycomb grille and large air intakes give the compact sports car an expressive appearance. The RS 3 comes standard with flat, wedge-shaped LED headlights and LED taillights including dynamic turn signals. Available as an option, Matrix LED headlights feature darkened bezels and their outside angles draw down the digital daytime running light. With its 3 x 5-segment LED pixel arrangement, it provides an unmistakable appearance: a checkered flag appears on the left headlight, as a dynamic representation of departure and arrival home, and the RS 3 lettering appears on the driver's side. When driving, the checkered flag lights up on both sides.