After 180 examples assembled and delivered to prospects, the first-generation Audi RS3 LMS is retiring to make method for its extra superior successor. The 2021 RS3 LMS makes its official debut with many mechanical and tech upgrades, which is able to endure ultimate assessments and evaluations within the coming months earlier than gross sales start in the direction of the tip of this 12 months.
The brand new RS3 LMS is drastically completely different from its predecessor and takes after the newest era Audi A3 by way of design. The pilot automotive is completed in placing Audi Sport livery and includes a big radiator grille, centrally-mounted exhaust pipe on the again, and an enormous fastened rear wing. Regardless of the over-the-top design, it seems extra harmonious than earlier than.
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Identical to the earlier RS3 LMS, the brand new race automotive has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine beneath the hood. It’s an evolution of the EA888 engine household and on this utility, it delivers an output of as much as 340 horsepower (250 kilowatts) at 6,250 rpm and 332 pound-feet (420 Newton-meters) of torque at 2,500 rpm. A totally up to date six-speed sequential racing transmission channels the facility to the entrance axle, which is provided with a multi-plate limited-slip differential with adjustable preloading.
Audi is particularly happy with what it has achieved within the security division. It says that “no different TCR touring automotive presents as many non-obligatory security parts” because the RS3 LMS has as commonplace. These embrace a roll cage made from metal tubes, a six-point security belt, strong race bucket seats, a fireplace extinguishing system, and others. Optionally out there are seat-wrapping security nets on the proper and left.
The automaker has additionally made vital modifications to the suspension. The brand new design of the entrance McPherson axle, for instance, now permits for quicker modifications to the kinematics than ever earlier than. In flip, the four-link rear axle makes use of monitor rods as commonplace to realize bump steer results.
“Our new Audi RS 3 LMS thus takes on an excellent and accountable legacy,” Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport buyer racing, feedback. “The main focus of our improvement objectives for our newest mannequin was on the purchasers. Whether or not it’s about working instances or setup choices, security or cockpit ergonomics: we need to supply the groups a automotive that’s much more of a race automotive than earlier than, that has many sensible benefits in on a regular basis use and that may be operated economically due to long-running instances.”
