AUDI has introduced updates to its hard-charging RS 3 vary this week, the Sedan and Sportback duo that includes a revised design with added carbon-fibre detailing, flat top- and backside steering wheel, new normal and non-obligatory tyre choices, and “extra exact tuning of its chassis management methods”.
The modifications are enough, Audi says, the make sure the RS 3 is the quickest automotive in its class with a Nürburgring Nordschleife report lap time of seven:33.123 – outpacing the BMW M2 by a full 5 seconds and the Mercedes-AMG A forty five S by greater than 10 seconds.
Whereas Audi Australia has but to substantiate the arrival of the up to date RS 3 for native showrooms, head workplace says the mannequin will likely be provided with non-obligatory semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres, and as normal with revised front-to-rear and left-to-right torque variation, digital stability management and adaptive dampers.
Audi says the revised parts improve the lateral dynamics of the RS 3 to supply improved agility and better cornering speeds. Understeer is lowered with the help of “finely dosed brake interventions”, the compact sports activities automotive mentioned to observe nook radii extra exactly than earlier than permitting the drive to speed up sooner when exiting bends.
The modifications are additionally mentioned to make oversteer simpler to provoke, permitting drivers to acquire the identical drift angle sooner than earlier than. The “advanced oversteer” of the RS 3 aimed toward enhancing racetrack efficiency with stability management deactivated, permitting expert drivers higher flexibility in eking essentially the most from their lap time.
Curiously, all of the modifications listed include no alteration to Audi’s famend 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine which continues to provide 294kW of energy and 500Nm of torque. The 0-100km/h normal stays unaltered at 3.8 seconds. High velocity is listed at 290km/h.
The two.5 TFSI engine stays paired with Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive as normal.
Visually, modifications to the RS 3 Sedan and Sportback present a sharper aesthetic, the duo sporting a brand new frontal motif with hexagonal-shaped Singleframe grille, twin facet intakes, and new-look daytime running- and LED headlights with chequered flag signature.
Fascia modifications are joined by new-look tail-lights, oval exhaust ideas, and a selection of three new paint colors – Ascari Blue, Daytona Gray (matte), and Progressive Crimson.
Elective ten-spoke Efficiency Version alloy wheels are actually obtainable.
Becoming a member of the newly formed steering wheel contained in the cabin are Nappa leather-based or non-obligatory RS sport seats alongside carryover 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit instrumentation, 10.1-inch infotainment array, LED ambient lighting, colored seatbelt choices and transmission shift indicator (displayed when transmission is about to guide mode).
Since its launch in 2011, the Audi RS 3 has bought nearly 80,000 items worldwide, all producer on the model’s Ingolstadt, Germany, plant. The most recent iteration will likely be priced at a €2000 ($A3300) premium over the outgoing mannequin, retailing from €66,000 ($A108,860) in Germany.
Australian availability, specification and pricing is but to be confirmed, although we anticipate a rise in worth over the present $95,715 start line when the mannequin touches down in native dealerships.
