New 'ring record-breaking Audi RS3 breaks cover
Same 400hp, but a raft of chassis tweaks improve lap time - and should make the RS3 even better to drive
Credit where it’s due: Audi is making up for lost time where the RS3 is concerned. Having spent 10 years making good but far from great five-cylinder A3s, the third-generation car of 2021 has really turned things around. A properly reworked front axle, a torque-splitting diff and decent suspension tuning made it fun to drive around bends - and not just the bits between them. Now, less than three years after that car’s introduction (and presumably with one eye on how much longer the 2.5 turbo can live), a significant refresh of the RS3 promises even faster lap times - and a bit more fun, too.
We knew about the new Nurburgring record back in June, the 7:33.123 recorded by Frank Stippler more than 7.5 seconds faster than before (with the same 400hp) and over 5.5 seconds faster than the previous record holder in the compact cars class, the BMW M2 (7:38.706). Presumably, BMW will be back soon enough with its own facelifted effort. Or perhaps not, given this Audi update seems more extensive than the BMW facelift.
It was decided that the Torque Splitter needed refining, now using ‘finely calibrated brake interventions’ on the inside wheel as well as diverting torque to the outside one to help cornering. Audi is promising a more eager turn-in and reduced understeer, with ‘the agility of the RS3’ now able to be deployed sooner. A new algorithm for the vehicle dynamics controller, the central brain that controls everything including the diff, ESC and dampers, should mean everything responds that bit quicker than before. There are new standard tyres, too, which should further improve cornering performance, though Audi hasn’t yet confirmed the brand (they were Pirellis before, we think).
Fun has been a consideration for this RS3, too. ‘Evolved oversteer’ is the phrase used in the press material, which was a pleasant surprise. As opposed to requiring a great big stamp on the gas as before, even in the RS Torque Rear mode, Audi says oversteer ‘is easier to initiate in the RS3 via the steering angle’. Fantastic news - and one very clever algorithm. Higher cornering speeds, greater stability and easier skids sound like a good overhaul to us.
There’s some interesting news under the bonnet, too. While it’s the same 400hp/369lb ft and seven-speed dual-clutch as before, an exhaust tweak should have restored some of the RS3’s voice. A ‘consistent and fuller-bodied sound’ in all modes is promised thanks to ‘optimised’ exhaust flap control between 2,200rpm and 3,500rpm. Hopefully ‘optimised’ means ‘open’. The RS sports exhaust is standard fit.
Externally, this new RS3 is ever so slightly different to what came before. Kyalami Green and Kemora Grey seen here continue as RS-specific colours, with matt Daytona Grey alongside metallic Ascari Blue and Progressive Red joining the palette. The Singleframe grille up front is now even broader than before, the air intakes are accentuated by vertical black blades, and the matrix LED headlights now have three different DRL signatures that can be changed in the infotainment. Audi’s still gonna Audi. There will be absolutely no doubting whether it’s an RS3 or just a plain old S3 that’s 30cm from your rear bumper. The rear diffuser gets a central reflector like it’s a racing car and the wheels remain 19-inch diameter, with a choice of two designs. In the information we have, there’s no mention yet of ceramic brakes returning.
The interior is now distinguished by a new steering wheel, more supportive seats and an app store. The red buttons on the wheel are shortcuts to the Performance and RS Individual mode. It’s perhaps still not a classic Audi interior, this RS3, though it does look improved.
Audi UK has confirmed that the new RS3 will kick off at £59,510 for the hatch and £60,510 for the saloon, so orders and deliveries can’t be far off. Standard kit includes Nappa leather, a head-up display and Sonos 3D Premium Sound; an upgrade to Carbon Black (£64,160/£65,160) brings the darkened Matrix LED lights (it’s plain LEDs as standard), the alternative wheel design and some carbon goodies. The Carbon Vorsprung buds on that with black wheels, the 174mph top speed raise, pano roof and some additional assists.
Which wouldn’t normally be essential, though it sounds like the only model offered with the RS Individual, RS Performance and RS Torque Rear drive modes. And it would be a shame to miss out on those, though it’ll need at least £68,650 for the privilege. We’ll let you know if it's worth all that as soon as possible.
Though i guess theres a lot of satisfaction (if very sort lived) in slaying exotica, used to have great fun doing this when i was young
Though @ £70k i just couldnt, id be in an AMG GT for that figure with a stage 1 having the last laugh, but then ‘new’ has never been my thing, especially with how reliable newer cars are now..
Firstly, an E30 type car simply couldn't be mass produced today as there's no way it would pass safety/emission/homologation requirements and people nowadays expect a lot more comfort and convenience in their cars for everyday use.
To the normal car buyer, something like the RS3 is definitely an aspirational purchase and, like the E30, has its own unique engine (at this point, it's the only new car you can get with a 5 cylinder); in addition they're remarkably similar in size - E30 was 4345mm L x 1680mm W x 1370mm H with a wheelbase of 2562mm and weighed around 1360kg in its heaviest form; the RS3 sedan is 4389mm L x 1851mm W x 1412mm H with a wheelbase of 2631mm. Of course, the Audi is some 200kgs heavier but it also has literally twice the power of the E30.
Finally, BMW themselves don't currently have anything close to what I'd consider a similar car to the E30 in their line-up - the G87 M2 is not only bigger than the RS3 at 4580mm L x 1887mm H x 1403mm H with a 2747mm wheelbase but quite a bit heavier too at 1805kg(!) vs the RS3's 1565kg curb weight.
The pre facelift is coming down and I’d have one in a heartbeat, just boot is a bit small for todays kids guff
As long as someone else was cleaning them.
It literally takes minutes.
Better yet, get your wheels and calipers ceramic coated and it's even more straightforward.
On topic:
Interior looks like a decent refresh, good numbers, and (unsurprisingly) high price tag. I'd buy one.
Firstly, an E30 type car simply couldn't be mass produced today as there's no way it would pass safety/emission/homologation requirements and people nowadays expect a lot more comfort and convenience in their cars for everyday use.
To the normal car buyer, something like the RS3 is definitely an aspirational purchase and, like the E30, has its own unique engine (at this point, it's the only new car you can get with a 5 cylinder); in addition they're remarkably similar in size - E30 was 4345mm L x 1680mm W x 1370mm H with a wheelbase of 2562mm and weighed around 1360kg in its heaviest form; the RS3 sedan is 4389mm L x 1851mm W x 1412mm H with a wheelbase of 2631mm. Of course, the Audi is some 200kgs heavier but it also has literally twice the power of the E30.
Finally, BMW themselves don't currently have anything close to what I'd consider a similar car to the E30 in their line-up - the G87 M2 is not only bigger than the RS3 at 4580mm L x 1887mm H x 1403mm H with a 2747mm wheelbase but quite a bit heavier too at 1805kg(!) vs the RS3's 1565kg curb weight.
As for this Audi, a saloon in a nice blue with the gash carbon mirrors removed and an option to turn off any exhaust farting would do me rather well, I think.
Firstly, an E30 type car simply couldn't be mass produced today as there's no way it would pass safety/emission/homologation requirements and people nowadays expect a lot more comfort and convenience in their cars for everyday use.
To the normal car buyer, something like the RS3 is definitely an aspirational purchase and, like the E30, has its own unique engine (at this point, it's the only new car you can get with a 5 cylinder); in addition they're remarkably similar in size - E30 was 4345mm L x 1680mm W x 1370mm H with a wheelbase of 2562mm and weighed around 1360kg in its heaviest form; the RS3 sedan is 4389mm L x 1851mm W x 1412mm H with a wheelbase of 2631mm. Of course, the Audi is some 200kgs heavier but it also has literally twice the power of the E30.
Finally, BMW themselves don't currently have anything close to what I'd consider a similar car to the E30 in their line-up - the G87 M2 is not only bigger than the RS3 at 4580mm L x 1887mm H x 1403mm H with a 2747mm wheelbase but quite a bit heavier too at 1805kg(!) vs the RS3's 1565kg curb weight.
As for this Audi, a saloon in a nice blue with the gash carbon mirrors removed and an option to turn off any exhaust farting would do me rather well, I think.
It’s incredibly fast, comfortable, spacious and actually will be cheap to run. It’s probably the ultimate do it all car and the only car you’d ever need.
We know this forum has posters who like to be edgy and hate on stuff in an attempt to be cool but there is no denying this will be a sublime car for anyone to own.
I will admit however as much as I love it ultimately I don’t think I’d buy one personally at the moment.
My choice would be the hatch in green!
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