Born in the field of competition, tested in the most extreme conditions and then taken to series production. Such are the high-performance RS models from Audi Sport, which combine premium finishes with the versatility necessary for daily use and unmatched performance. And this is true regardless of whether there is a powerful combustion engine under the hood of an Audi RS model… or whether high performance comes from the incredible thrust provided by an electric drive.
Currently, the Audi Sport model family is the largest in its history, with 14 body types, including the R8 supercar with 620 horsepower, the Q5 Sportback SUV with 450 horsepower and the Q8 with 600 horsepower. horsepower, or the Audi GT e-tron with an electric motor that can develop up to 646 horsepower. The most recent Audi RS 3 Sportback models and the second generation of the RS 3 Sedan take performance and dynamic behavior to a higher level, thanks to the 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and the innovative Torque Splitter system, installed for the first time. once in an Audi. The new RS 3 Sportback is priced at 77,840 euros, while the RS 3 Sedan starts at 78,840 euros.
In its latest evolution, the 400bhp five-cylinder engine has increased peak torque to 500 newton-meters, and not only is the peak power range higher, but delivery is also more progressive. Power is transmitted through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that has sportier gear ratios and shorter gear transitions. Together with the distinctive engine start and an exhaust system that features fully variable control for the first time, the acoustic experience is unmistakable. The new RS 3 versions accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h, a figure that can be increased to 280 km/h with an optional adaptation, and 290 km/h with the optional RS dynamic plus package.
For the first time, the RS 3 is equipped as standard on the rear axle with the Torque Splitter system, a new technology that actively and variably distributes the engine torque between the rear wheels to achieve maximum agility and stability, reducing the tendency to understeer in the curves. In addition, it allows controlled drifts on closed tracks by activating the new specific Torque Rear mode. The system also provides a particularly dynamic and sporty ride in the RS Performance driving mode, created especially for circuit driving.
The new RS 3 Sportback and Sedan use an engine and gearbox setup that is precisely matched to the semi-slick racing tyres, available for the first time for the RS 3 as an option from the factory. Various driving modes are also available and can be selected via the Audi Drive Select dynamic driving system, which offers the profiles “comfort”, “auto”, “dynamic”, “RS Individual” and “efficiency”. The standard RS sports suspension features newly developed dampers that react faster and more effectively to every driving condition. The RS plus sports suspension with adaptive damping control is optionally available. The specific progressive steering varies the ratio depending on the angle of rotation. The newly developed braking system includes steel discs with six-piston calipers, matching the power of the five-cylinder engine. A high-performance ceramic brake system is also available as an option.
The RS 3 demonstrates its sporty DNA with a body that stands out with its flared wheel arches, grille with distinctive honeycomb grille, large front air intakes, wedge-shaped LED headlights, rear diffuser and aluminum wheels. 19-inch 10-spoke. Kyalami Green and Kemora Gray are two new body colors exclusive to these models. In addition, on the Sedan model the roof can be ordered in the contrasting color gloss black. Side sill inserts, wing mirror caps and spoiler are available in carbon fiber reinforced polymer. Matrix LED headlights with blacked-out bezels can be optionally installed, providing an unmistakable look: their arrangement allows a checkered flag or RS 3 lettering to be dynamically displayed.
The genuine racing car look offered by the RS 3 bodywork continues in the passenger compartment, with a dashboard featuring carbon fiber inserts and sports seats with RS logos. The Audi virtual cockpit plus digital instrumentation presents RS-specific gauges and graphs on a high-resolution 31 cm (12.3-inch) screen, such as G-forces, upshift timing, oil temperature, engine coolant engine and transmission, tire pressure, accelerometer and stopwatch. Revs are displayed as a bar graph, and horsepower and torque are displayed as percentages. The three-spoke RS Sport multifunction leather steering wheel with a flattened bottom integrates gearshift paddles made of zinc. Optionally, a round RS steering wheel with capacitive grip recognition can be mounted. In both cases, the RS Mode button located on the right spoke allows you to select the new RS Performance and RS Individual modes through the drive select system. The Audi MMI Navigation plus system is part of the standard equipment, as well as a complete range of driving assistants, including the front Audi pre sense, the anti-collision and turning assistant, the lane departure warning, the assistant parking with park assist plus or cruise control with speed limiter.
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