Riot in the sporty compact class, because Audi blows its A3 the cheeks – and vigorously. The noble energy bar with the charismatic 400 hp five-cylinder makes you dream of the good old days, when electrification played no role outside of the local Carrera track.
BMW has the unique selling point of rear-wheel drive with its M2 and Audi counters well known sonor with its 2.5 liter five-cylinder turbo. Somewhat surprisingly, it delivers the same 400 hp that its predecessor conjured up on the road with its all-wheel drive, but should definitely delight fans of compact class vehicles with its appearance. Its appearance is a whole lot sportier than the already known dynamic package of the Audi A3 / S3. Anything but restrained aprons, sills and air inlets as well as the displayed fenders ensure this. In addition there is the unique sound of the cylinder quintet, which is realized by the ignition sequence 1-2-4-5-3 of the engine. For the first time, the Audi RS3 offers fully variable flap control for perfect sound. The whole thing is garnished with high-tech equipment that makes the RS3 a true driving machine.
294 kW / 400 PS and 500 Nm maximum torque between 2,250 and 5,600 rpm are less power than the competition from the Mercedes AMG A45 or BMW M2, but the performance speaks from 0 to 100 in 3.8 seconds and a governed top speed of 290 km / h is a completely different language. “With the third generation of the Audi RS 3 Sportback and the second generation of the Audi RS 3 sedan, we offer top athletes suitable for everyday use who are equally enthusiastic on public roads and circuits,” says Sebastian Grams, Managing Director of Audi Sport, “they are the starting point in our RS world and with the torque splitter the ultimate for outstanding performance in the compact segment. “
In order to take driving fun to a new level, Audi has done a lot with its all-wheel drive. The torque splitter installed for the first time replaces the rear axle differential and the previous multi-plate clutch package. Instead, an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch is used on each drive shaft. In this way, the right torque is optimally distributed on the rear axle in order to achieve maximum propulsion. The torque splitter increases the drive torque to the rear wheel on the outside of the curve with the higher wheel load, which reduces the tendency to understeer. If you want, you can even drift with it, depending on the driving mode. On request, Audi will for the first time mount performance semi-slick tires from the Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” brand.
Overall, the new Audi RS3 offers its driver the driving modes Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, RS Individual and Efficiency. If you turn down the gears in the manual mode of the seven-speed dual clutch transmission, you will see a specially staged shift light in the instrument unit and head-up display next to a switch light, which announces the ideal time to upshift. If desired, the six-piston brake system can be exchanged for an even more resilient ceramic disc, which also reduces the weight on the front axle by ten kilograms. Inside there are probably contoured leather sports seats with honeycomb quilting, animated instruments and numerous motorsport applications. The market launch for the Audi RS3, which is available as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback variant, is in the fall. The prices start at 62,000 and 60,000 euros.
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