Audi RS3 sets new Nurburgring lap record
The 'compact' class leader usurps the FWD hatches and claims a 7:40 lap
Another Nurburgring lap record has been set - we know, we know. But you still have to admire it when manufacturers manage to improve engineering and technology enough to beat everything else in the market.
Especially when that record is set by something lumped into the 'compact' class, rather than hypercars or dedicated track special. That said, it is the Audi RS3, so certainly not your Dacia Sandero revving up to 77mph.
With a time of 7 mins, 40.748 sec, the RS3 Saloon beat the previous record, held by the Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R, by 4.64 secs, with racing and development driver Frank Stippler at the wheel. (Stippler also drove for the RS Q8 record, so knows what's what around the Nordschleife). Cue, surely, the campaign for a front-wheel drive Compact class to be added, because Megane vs. RS3 does seem an uneven contest; that said it does go to show what the Trophy-R achieved with just 300hp and a pair of driven wheels. Running on Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slicks, with a slight pressure change pre-run, the 'ring record RS3 is the same as that you'll be able to buy from the showroom later this month. Although the tyres won't be offered to UK customers due to a perceived lack of demand; best get nagging you dealer if you want that perception changed.
Audi puts the success down in part to the torque splitter, being used for the first time on an Audi model, which distributes the torque between the rear wheels, controlled via a multiple disc clutch on each drive haft. The rest of the set-up includes 19-inch ceramic brakes, RS sport suspension with adaptive damper control, and RS Performance mode as part of Audi Drive Select driving modes. Under the bonnet is the RS3's 2.5-litre, five-cylinder petrol unit that kicks out 400hp and 369lb ft torque.
Audi RS3 Technical Project Leader Marvin Schwätter said, "when we started development, we didn't know just how quickly our compact sports car would really be on the Nordschleife. But over the course of endurance testing, we determined that we could reach very good times and set a new record."
The lap record comes ahead of the market release of the RS3 Saloon and the Sportback, with prices starting at £51,900 and £50,900 respectively. Is now the time for an Audi to be the darling of the Touristenfahrten crowd? We'll find out soon enough!
Putting aside whether the Megane was 100% customer spec., I think the fact the RS3 ran tyres your can’t order the car with (and semi-slick ones at that) rather undermines this attempt IMO. The Megane ran on tyres that customer cars came with. Stick semi-slicks on that and let’s see what happens.
what time would it do running a set of PS4's or whatever the factory fit tyre is ? If they posted both times it would make the record relevant and interesting, as it stands currently it's just blar blar.
That’s £20k more than the Audi.
Making a conclusion about the cars based on times is all nonsense though - 4 seconds faster could be down to air temp, tyre compound, track temp or size of the pro drivers’ clackers.
Putting aside whether the Megane was 100% customer spec., I think the fact the RS3 ran tyres your can’t order the car with (and semi-slick ones at that) rather undermines this attempt IMO. The Megane ran on tyres that customer cars came with. Stick semi-slicks on that and let’s see what happens.
what time would it do running a set of PS4's or whatever the factory fit tyre is ? If they posted both times it would make the record relevant and interesting, as it stands currently it's just blar blar.
More sloppy writing from PH staff.
Yes I know we don't pay to read this stuff but I presume the people that write it are salaried and therefore owe it to their readers to be a little more careful before hitting 'send'.
t.E.g.
http://www.safebraking.com/bmw-18-and-19-inch-brak...
BMW is not talking wheel diameter in a recent press release, they are talking rotor diameter for their new line of performance brake kits for the 2015 X6 M. Let me put this into perspective, the Bugatti Veyron only has 15.7" rotors in the front and the Ferrari 458 only has 15.4" rotors. The BMW Power Kit also comes with larger 18-inch front brake discs, with a retrofit kit to increase the diameter to a whopping 19".
From the press release:
Larger, inner-vented 19-inch BMW M Performance lightweight brake discs increase the heat resistance and therefore the effectiveness of the brakes under extreme conditions. The blue painted brake calipers, with imprinted BMW M logo at the front, are showcased particularly effectively by open wheel rim designs.
BMW is offering the brake package with the factory warranty that probably does not cover wear on the pads of rotors. They have not indicated if the kits are carbon-ceramic or cast, in the pictures it looks like it could go either way. If the 19 rotor is cast iron, it should weigh as much as a manhole cover.
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