The world has a new master in the compact class. No other production model is faster or more agile than Audi's latest power device, the new RS3. A first ride showed that physical boundaries can apparently be shifted.
The fact that the RS3 is a very special Audi model is shown by its “welcome”. If you approach the car and press the key, 15 LED fields light up in the matrix light, which successively symbolize an R, an S, a 3 and finally the checkered racing flag. Welcome to the world of Audi Sport GmbH.
A true master
Ambitious drivers who like to chase the RS3 down the slopes at the weekend could see the flag more often as winners in the future. Because what Audi has put technically on the wheels in the 3rd generation of the RS3 Sportback (2nd generation in the sedan) is far beyond the normal driver's awareness. At least when there are real professionals behind the wheel and push the compact model to the limits of driving physics - and the front passenger to the verge of swooning.
One of these professionals is Robert Kämpf, the project manager of the RS3. Kämpf lets his latest creation fly around the closed ADAC course that it just smokes. Perfect load changes, directional ideal line, a new level of driving dynamics and also skillful power drifts are part of the RS3 freestyle. Mind you: We are talking about an all-wheel drive model of the compact class.
Improved at the back
As safely and routinely as Audi man Kämpf also masters the RS3, the technology also helps with this type of driving maneuver. The Audi engineers have developed a component for the new generation of the RS3 that has a significant share in agility, the so-called torque splitter. High tech on the rear axle. Before that, the RS3 had a Haldex clutch and an electronic limited-slip differential that slowed down the inner wheel a little in sharp corners, but kept the outer wheel running. Now both flew out, replaced by the torque splitter. It has an electronically controlled clutch for both sides that can be opened and closed by actuators in a few hundredths of a second, depending on the driving situation. The actuators are each controlled by a mini electric motor.
As a result, this means: The torque splitter technology allows a quick and precise distribution of power to the wheels, not only reducing the torque for the inner wheel when cornering, but also accelerating the outer wheel. The RS3, equipped with a completely different rear wheel carrier than the basic models, can be driven around the corner over a wide range and at high speed, from neutral to oversteering. Racing fans should already rub their hands and the torque splitter at the regulars' table will provide new material for discussion. Especially since the component not only offers a high safety factor, but also has a positive effect on efficiency. “When it is slippery, the torque splitter helps to stabilize the car,” says engineer Kämpf, “and in sailing mode we can decouple the rear axle. That saves fuel. "
Weltklasse
But even with the remaining drive units, the RS3 is in the field of superlatives in its class. Its 400 hp and equally robust 2,5-liter five-cylinder now sends 500 Newton meters of torque into the transmission and, in the best case, lets the RS3 shoot from zero to 3,8 km / h in just 100 seconds. Porsche level, best in class and thirteenth faster than the previous RS3.
Kämpf does not contest the fact that Mercedes with the AMG A45 (two-liter four-cylinder, 421 hp) and BMW with the M2 Competition (410 hp) have a few more horsepower under the hood. “It was more important to us to give the engine a wider speed range and to provide it with high torque early on,” says the project manager, “the five-cylinder now turns up to 7.000 rpm and the 500 Newton meters are already at 2.250 rpm . "
Keeps up with M.
The class leader is the RS3 at top speed. 290 km / h can be activated (prerequisite: the customer orders the dynamic package and the ceramic brakes) and should make many a driver of a top-class sports car look at his speedometer in amazement when the four rings of a compact model appear in his rear-view mirror.
Station wagon more popular than limousine
Audi Sport GmbH can pay for entry into the RS world with 60.000 euros. The RS3 sedan costs 2.000 euros more. So far, around 30 percent of customers in Germany have chosen them. The RS3 should be at dealerships in autumn, and it will be configurable from August.
The world has a new master in the compact class. No other production model is faster or more agile than Audi's latest power device, the new RS3. A first ride showed that physical boundaries can apparently be shifted.
