5 things we love about the latest Audi RS3
The new Audi RS3 has just arrived on local soil and after sampling it for a day, we can conclude that it is hugely impressive. Not only is it packed with incredible technology it also managed to set a Nurburgring lap time of 7:40.748, matching the original 1000hp, W16 quad-turbocharged Bugatti Veyron…Let that sink in for a bit. Here are further the highlights about the new RS3.
1. Hyper performance
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 500 Newton metres – 20 Newton metres more than in the predecessor. Boasting 294 kW 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.
2. The soundtrack to match
The impressive propulsion of the multiple award-winning five-cylinder engine is appropriately orchestrated by a new exhaust system. For the first time in an 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.
3. More fun in the corners
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.
Another new addition is the RS Torque Rear mode, which makes drifting possible. It is designed for use on closed roads. In this mode, the torque splitter induces considerable oversteer by transferring all of the rearward drive torque to the wheel on the outside of the curve.
4. More than just illumination
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.
The highlight of the RS3 lighting technology is the headlights pixel field of 3 x 5 LED segments, it provides an unmistakable look – when the vehicle is opened, the RS 3 lettering appears on the driver’s side and a chequered flag appears in the pixel field of the other headlight, creating a dynamic scene.
5. Interior design
In the interior, too, many elements specific to the RS accentuate its sportiness. The standard equipped 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus displays the revolutions per minute in the “RS Runway” design. The 10.1-inch touch display in the instrument panel also displays the coolant, engine, and transmission oil temperatures, as well as the g-forces and, optionally, the pressure of the tyres.
The expressive look is enhanced by the carbon-fibre trim in the 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.
