A brand new Audi RS3 debuts on the 4th generation A3 platform.
If you think the Audi S3 is already a little bit too “high-performance” for such a small car, wait till you get a load of the all-new Audi RS3. In the hierarchy of Audi’s performance model range, the “RS” cars are always the most insane production cars on offer. While not quite as stripped-down and track-focused as some Porsches, they do offer figures that are right on the edge of what’s possible on a street legal vehicle. This latest RS3 is no different.
Audi have been releasing RS3 models since the 2nd generation facelift of the Audi A3. This latest RS3 is based on the 4th generation A3, which was released back in early 2020, before the pandemic struck. The A3 comes in two bodystyles, the 5-door hatchback and the 4-door sedan. There are RS3 models for both bodystyles. There’s also a slightly lower tier performance model called the S3 that’s available.
What’s powering the 2021 Audi RS3?
Unlike the other variants of the A3, the RS3 uses not a 4-cylinder but an inline 5-cylinder turbo engine. This unique motor churns out 400PS and 500Nm of torque, which allows the RS3 to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Speed is limited to 250km/h by default but can be optionally upgraded to 280km/h or even 290km/h with the RS Dynamic package and ceramic brake options. There’s a fully variable flap control system and an RS sports exhaust system to really take advantage of the unique 5-cylinder growl.
The power is sent to all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. There’s a torque-splitter in place of the multi-disc clutch package on the rear axle. Instead, each of the drive shafts get their own electronically-controlled multi-disc clutches. This drastically improves the car’s dynamics in corners, cutting the tendency to understeer significantly.
This new quattro setup allows for controlled drifts despite having all-wheel drive. There’s a specific drive mode that allows for this called “RS Torque Rear”, which is essentially a fancy “drift mode” for the RS3. “RS Performance Mode” is the one you want to select to go around a track as quickly as possible. There are also the standard “comfort”, “auto”, “dynamic”, “efficiency” and “RS Individual” Audi Drive Select modes available too. Semi slick tyres are available from the factory as an option.
How’s the interior of the new Audi RS3 models?
The Audi RS3 interior features a few sporty characteristics. There is now a 12.3″ Audi virtual cockpit plus which displays rpms in bar graphs or an “RPM runway” if you want it to. It also has a 10.1″ infotainment display which can display an “RS Monitor”, as well as a projected heads up display.
There are also appointments around the interior that are sportier overall. There’s a carbon-fiber instrument panel and RS sport seats with RS embossing and anthracite contrast stitching. Optionally, the seats come in fine Nappa leather with RS honeycomb stitching.
There’s also a 3-spoke RS Sport multifunctional leather steering with a flat bottom. It has zinc shift paddles, a 12 o’clock stripe and an RS mode selector.
