With the same unique engine as before and standard torque-vectoring AWD with a drift mode, the hottest version of the most recent A3 sedan is making its way to the United States.
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Audi RS3: Is it a 4WD?
On paper, it appears to be the world’s hottest production hot hatch. The 4 big tyres on the Audi RS3 Sportback are powered by no less than 362 turbocharged horsepowers, which is 27 bhp more than its predecessor and far more than the 297 bhp VW Golf R. Oh, and purely by coincidence, it has seven more horsepower than its vowed arch-rival, the similarly equipped, turbocharged, five-door Mercedes A45 AMG.
The hardware will be recognizable. Audi’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine now produces more power than it ever has thanks to updated intercooling and turbocharger technology. A permanent four-wheel-drive system fueled by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is how all that power gets to the road.
That equipment, according to Audi, can reach 62 mph in 4.3 seconds, although keep in mind that Ingolstadt is typically careful with its timing kit. A sprint in under four seconds is probably doable. Maximum allowed speed is 174 mph. That’s supercar speed, not hot hatch speed.
The current A3’s MQB underpinnings serve as the foundation for the RS3, which has larger front and rear tracks and sits an inch closer to the road. For the time being, it’s only offered in SportbackAudi jargon for “five-door hatch”form, but the RS team acknowledges they’re looking at additional body types.
Yes and again. Quite sideways, in fact. Allegations that its earlier RS models, and the old RS3 in particular, have always been too nose-led and understeery to satisfy, have apparently had them a little stirred up. Audi’s engineers have been working on making the quattro system more push-me than pull-you, and they are proudly bragging that the RS3’s rear-mounted, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch can, if necessary, distribute all of the available torque to the rear axle. Even the dizzying phrase of “performing controlled drifts” is in the commercial pitch. You won’t see this phrase frequently in official Audi literature.
What is it?
The RS3 megahatch from Audi is currently in its third iteration, while the saloon model is in its second generation (which incidentally holds the Nrburgring record for compact cars, if that floats your boat). the same basic components, including the superb performance of a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine coupled to quattro all-wheel drive. At first glance, it appears to be a bit of a massagethere isn’t any more power (394 bhp), but there is a little more torque (369 lb ft), and both are more accessible than before. However, that may be selling the new version shortmore on that in a moment. Larger intakes, broader tracks, and impressively boxy arches are all present. The vehicle itself is slightly larger, broader, and higher than the preceding RS3 Sportback, but retains the same wheelbase. It also has a smaller trunk (by about 50-litres).
Some of the other modifications that actually make a difference are the big news. All vehicles sold in the UK come standard with adaptive damping and a device known as the “RS torque splitter” by Audi, which divides the available torque between the two rear wheels to a maximum of 50%. A new mVDC (vehicle dynamics controller) should enable better/faster integration of the chassis systems. Other optional features include ceramic brakes (which save 10kg), an optional RS exhaust (standard on some variants), and an optional RS exhaust system. Oh, and certain versions include customizable lights (LEDs are normal) that, when you approach the car, can spell out “R… S… 3” and then, in 8-bit, a checkered flag. I’m still unsure of whether that is brilliant or horrifying.
Can the Audi RS3 handle snow well?
Even with winter tires, it just cannot manage all that power on light snow and icy roads, despite its incredible performance on a dry road and the ability of its all-wheel drive system to make you a hero on a track. The two best winter vehicles up in the highlands were the Porsche 911 and Audi RS3.
How much will RS3 cost in 2022?
The price of the updated compact sedan with the turbo five-cylinder is $2800 higher than the outgoing model. The base price of the 2022 Audi RS3 is $59,995. It boasts an all-wheel drive system and a 2.5-liter inline-five engine with 401 horsepower.