When it comes to on-track performance, the ultimate compact car is the new Audi RS3.
The all-new Audi RS3 has set a new record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in its class. It is now officially the fastest compact model to complete a lap there, which it did in just 7 minutes and 40.748 seconds.
This record was set by Frank Stippler and his team. The only adjustment made was to the tyre pressure in the Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slick tyres.
To learn more about this feat, check out the press release below.
PRESS RELEASE
With a time of 7:40.748 minutes, the new Audi RS 3 Sedan is the fastest compact model on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. In June, Audi Sport racing and development driver Frank Stippler beat the previous lap record in that class by 4.64 seconds. Above all, the torque splitter, with its fully variable torque distribution on the rear axle, contributed to the record time – Vorsprung durch Technik.
Vorsprung durch Technik: The setup for the best time
The basis for the record is the interplay of top technologies. For the first time ever, a torque splitter is being used in an Audi model. It distributes torque fully adjustably between the rear wheels – controlled via amultiple disc clutch on each of the drive shafts. During dynamic driving, it increases the drive torque to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load. This means that on right turns, there is more torque on the left rear wheel and the opposite on left turns. The RS 3 therefore turns into the curve even better and follows the steering angle more precisely.
The setup is completed by the Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slick tires, which are now optional ex factory for the first time, the 19 inch ceramic braking system in the front, and the RS sport suspension plus with adaptive damper control. It individually and continuously adjusts each shock absorber to the road conditions, the driving situation, and the mode selected in Audi drive select. RS Performance mode is equipped with two setups for different racetracks – one is adjusted for comfort on uneven tracks like the Nordschleife, where minimizing vertical excitation while maintaining high lateral dynamics matters, and the other is a sporty setup for even racetracks like the Hockenheimring. With its ceramic braking system and adaptive suspension, the legendary five cylinder high-performance engine in the RS 3 delivers a maximum speed of 290 km/h (180.2 mph) – the highest in its segment. The RS 31 is also the best in its class with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds.
