Rev Up Your Drive: Unleashing the All-New Audi RS 3
The latest Audi RS 3 showcases a markedly sportier appearance. At the forefront of its bold design is the hexagonal Singleframe, bordered strikingly, which now sits flatter and broader, amplifying the dynamics of this compact sports car with its rhombus-pattern grille. The dual functional side air intakes, highlighted by vertical black blades and three slots above the front splitter spanning the car's entire width, contribute to a lowered stance reminiscent of the 1987 Audi Sport quattro S1 Pikes Peak. The newly designed daytime running lights further underline the car's aggressive performance capabilities. The digital signature within the RS 3 flashes a checkered flag. It consists of 24 elements, allowing drivers to select three additional daytime running light designs for the first time via the MMI touch display, a feature standard in the Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung models equipped with matrix LED headlights.
At the rear, the RS 3 makes a robust statement with motorsport-inspired elements. Vertical side reflectors mirror the theme of the front air intakes. A large, RS-specific diffuser, highlighted with a central red reflector and flanked by two sizeable oval tailpipe trims in black frames, accentuates this dynamic. The taillights, too, sport a new arrow graphic that lights up dynamically, enhancing the progressive design as you approach or leave the vehicle.
The RS 3's expressive exterior is further distinguished by unique RS-specific colours like Kyalami Green and Kemora Grey, alongside new metallic shades such as Ascari Blue, Progressive Red and Daytona Grey in a matte finish for the first time. All UK models feature the Singleframe and diffuser in a gloss black finish. The standard matt-black 19-inch aluminium cast wheels boast a 5-Y-spoke design, with the Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung models featuring a motorsport-inspired 10-cross-spoke design in either matt dark grey or glossy metallic black.
Internally, the RS 3 is designed for performance, from the new steering wheel and RS sport seats to the sporty displays. The steering wheel is flattened above and below in perforated leather for a sportier grip. At the same time, the RS sport seats provide enhanced support with Fine Nappa leather, RS honeycomb stitching, and Dinamica microfibre accents. The standard contour and ambient lighting highlight the new design elements, including a flatter-designed shifter and centre console. Planar lighting in the door panels dynamically illuminates upon locking and unlocking the vehicle, featuring hundreds of back-lit lasered rhombus shapes, underscoring the RS 3's sporty appeal.
The Audi virtual Cockpit Plus, standard across models, offers Sports, Performance, and Runway views. In Runway mode, speed is displayed in reverse order, placing the highest revs at the forefront. The newly added rev counter centrally displays RPMs, with additional readouts for power output, torque, g-forces, acceleration, lap times, and colour-coded temperature ranges for various vehicle systems on the 10.1-inch touch display. The RS 3 also introduces an app store, enabling direct installations onto the infotainment system, independent of smartphones.
The iconic 2.5 TFSI engine from Audi Sport powers the RS 3, delivering 400PS and a peak torque of 500Nm. In the Carbon Vorsprung models, this engine enables the RS 3 to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds, reaching top speeds of 155 mph or 174 mph. The unique 1-2-4-5-3 cylinder firing sequence ensures a distinctive sound, further refined by the RS exhaust system's variable flap control, offering a richer, more consistent tone across various driving modes.
The RS 3 continues to excel in straight-line speed, outpacing its rivals, while its cornering capabilities have significantly improved. The Torque Splitter, allowing fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, enhances vehicle dynamics, particularly in corners, enabling more precise handling and earlier acceleration. The newly optimised algorithm within the modular vehicle dynamics controller sharpens response times across all lateral dynamics components, delivering a more stable, agile drive.
Overall, the Audi RS 3 meets premium standards visually and tactilely and creates a holistic sensory experience, from the distinctive new car smell to the harmonious interior materials tested rigorously for quality and comfort. The RS 3 is a testament to Audi's commitment to innovation, performance, and driving pleasure.
