Audi has unwrapped the 2021 RS3 LMS, a race automotive constructed for the TCR sequence. The entry-level touring automotive options a number of updates to its drivetrain, styling and security options, and previews what the following road-going RS3 will appear like as properly, should you can visualize it with out all of the downforce-generating bits.
A turnkey race automotive for the TCR class overseen by FIA Group A, it goes towards vehicles just like the Honda Civic Sort R, Hyundai i30 N, and Renault Megane RS. (Sadly, Mazda’s TCR program was axed because of the coronavirus pandemic). All TCR vehicles are primarily based on manufacturing vehicles you should buy on the dealership, however they’re normally taken from the meeting line and handed off to motorsports improvement groups to complete.
Within the case of the RS3 LMS, the our bodies are constructed at Audi’s Ingolstadt plant, whereas race-tuned variations of the VW group’s EA888 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo are in-built Györ, Hungary. Each are then despatched to Martorell, Spain, for last meeting alongside Audi’s R8 LMS race vehicles.
In line with Audi, the engine’s block, head, valvetrain, injection system and turbo stay unchanged from inventory, however racing-specific cooling programs are put in. Output of as much as 340 horsepower is fed to the entrance wheels via a twin-plate racing clutch right into a paddle-shift, six-speed sequential gearbox.
All vehicles embrace a roll cage, hearth suppression system, facet affect safety, and roof hatch in case one thing goes awry on the observe. Hopefully, these will not be mandatory with dual-circuit brakes, adjustable stress distribution and ventilated entrance rotors and calipers. Race suspensions function quite a lot of adjustable factors, from entrance and rear sway bars to suspension arms with shims of various thickness to regulate camber.
Beneath the bodywork, you possibly can form of see the road automotive peeking via. The headlights are slimmer, the grille wider. We have seen fats fenders on RS3 take a look at mules as properly, however nothing as large because the race automotive’s. TCR guidelines state that 5,000 street-legal variations of the bottom automotive have to be produced yearly. The race automotive goes on sale later this yr, so anticipate an announcement on the common RS3 quickly.
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