The fourth-generation Audi A3 was introduced in March 2020, the S3 sports version was released in August of the same year. Now the company from Ingolstadt has shown the top model RS3.
"Erescu" is not so easy to distinguish from S3, but there are still visual changes. The area of the air intakes in the front bumper is once again increased, and it is partially painted black. Similar metamorphoses are at the back, with the only difference being that the grille there is fake. The “four-barrel” of the exhaust system was replaced by two pipes of a larger diameter.
Specially designed for the RS3 were 19-inch wheels in high-gloss black. They are wearing Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R half slicks.
Even more aggression has become in the cabin. Contrasting red or green (depending on the desire of the buyer) accents are abundantly used. The Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel has a zero position mark. RS sport seats with optional Nappa leather upholstery provide extra lateral support.
As in the previous RS3, the legendary 2.5 TFSI in-line “turbo five” is used here. Apparently, German engineers squeezed all the juice out of it in the last generation of the trio, because the maximum power remained the same - 400 hp. The torque was raised from 480 to 500 Nm. The car is only available with a seven-speed "robot" S tronic and all-wheel drive.
But there are still changes in hardware. The rear diff is replaced by a node called the RS Torque Splitter. It consists of a package of electronically controlled clutches. This system provides traction vector control and will allow you to transfer up to 100% of torque to any of the rear wheels.
According to Audi, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time has been reduced from 4.1 to 3.8 seconds. The stock top speed is limited to 250 km/h, but it can be pushed up to 280 or 290 km/h with the purchase of optional equipment packages.
The Audi RS3 is 10mm lower than the S3 and 25mm lower than the regular A3. The developers have increased the negative camber angle (one degree in front and half in the rear). It is designed to improve the response to the deviation of the "steering wheel". Installed 375 mm brake discs at the front and 310 mm at the rear. For a surcharge, 380 mm front ceramic “pancakes” are offered.
Sales of the RS3 in Europe will begin in August, with first deliveries scheduled for autumn. In Germany, a hatch costs from €60,000 and a sedan from €62,000.
Audi RS3 of the new generation retained the "turbo" and received an innovative rear axle
