According to a recent announcement from Audi USA, the 2022 RS3 will cost $58,900 ($59,095 plus a $1,095 destination tax). The new performance sedan is arrived to quicken the heartbeats of Audi enthusiasts. It is wider, lighter, and more powerful than the outgoing model.
The 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that powers the 2022 Audi RS3 will still produce 401 horsepower (299 kW/406 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. Actually, that is more than the European model, which is only capable of 394 horsepower (294 kW/400 PS).
In June, Audi informed us that the increase in power was due to “a specific request from Audi USA.
But they added that because the increase is so slight, they did not expect a noticeable change in performance.
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Will there be an Audi RS3 in 2022?
Near the end of last year, we took a test drive in the new 2022 Audi RS3 in Euro-spec configuration, and we were impressed. Now that we’ve experienced the 2022 Audi RS3, our most recent impressions of the compact sedan confirm our initial ones: Drivers who enjoy enjoyable dynamics should pay attention to this compact performance vehicle. And the RS3 is an even better choice if you want to drive something a little different.
What’s New to the Eye
Although Audi claims that the 2022 RS3 is “completely new,” it still rests on the MQB platform that supported the outgoing model. However, there are noticeable enhancements available, and even a cursory glance at this second-generation model makes you notice its more aggressive external style. You may select a black roof for the beginning price of $59,995, which contrasts with vibrant body hues like Kyalami Green, Python Yellow, and Turbo Blue (“traditional” colors like red, white, gray, black, and more are available). Other notable cosmetic modifications include exaggerated wheel-arch flares, a larger grille and front air intakes, a more aggressive rear bumper, and a somewhat larger wicker-style spoiler. The LED headlights and taillights also have entertaining entry/exit animations, such as a “R-S-3” design that illuminates in-step on the driver’s-side front lamp and a checkered flag pattern on the other. If that weren’t enough, the RS3 has more presence and curb appeal than its predecessor thanks to the new version’s sharper side-scalloping.
Audi consistently produces some of the best interiors in the industry, and the RS3’s cockpit is no exception. Everything about it is brand-new, from the sport seats with honeycomb stitching to the gearshift and dash, and it has a sharp, purposeful appearance. With the $1,500 Design option, you may upgrade to a steering wheel covered in Alcantara, carbon fiber trim pieces, and stitching, dash accents, and seat trim in Kyalami Green. For the time being, you won’t have a choice other than that vivid green for cabin accents.
Anthony Garbis, senior manager of product planning for Audi in the U.S., explains that if you choose the design package, you will receive green interiors and exteriors. The cause? “I adore green. I’m trying to make everyone go green “He continues, laughing. “The new Kyalami green is available. That serves as the new RS3’s “communication color” globally. The life cycles of the autos must also be planned. You don’t want to just dump everything at once. Other colors, other packages, and items we request to keep the car fresh are all things we will have later. What will you do for years three and four then?”
Unfortunately, if you’re a consumer who doesn’t like green, your only option is to wait.
New Hardware
The 2022 Audi RS3’s three main componentsits engine, suspension, and RS Torque Splittertell a three-part storyline that goes beyond just how it looks.
With software changes and a little increase in boost pressure, Audi’s renowned 2.5-liter direct-injected turbo five-cylinder engine continues from the previous RS3, producing 401 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. These numbers provide a 7-horsepower and 15-lb-ft edge over the new RS3 versions offered in other nations, and they surpass the old model by 1 hp and 15 lb-ft. Yes, the loudest RS3 you can buy fresh from a dealer is available in the United States. According to Audi, the automobile will reach 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. We’ll have to wait to test the new version to see if the firm is conservative in their estimate, but that’s the time we recorded with the old version.
The former magnetic-shock suspension system has been replaced in terms of suspension by Audi’s RS Sport Suspension Plus with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). The new suspension offers a wider variety of performance based on conditions and/or driver-selectable modes, as opposed to the previous one, which offered only two damping rates and could be cruel in terms of ride quality on various RS versions. Every damper has a valve that may be electronically regulated to alter the flow of oil into its reservoir, altering resistance but not fluid viscosity as would occur in a magnetic system.
But the main adjustment that enthusiast drivers will value is the RS Torque Splitter. With software and tuning tailored specifically for Audi, it is the same equipment found in Volkswagen’s Golf R. A clutch-pack torque-vectoring rear end replaces the Haldex differential and less desirable brake-based torque vectoring of the preceding RS3, as we’ve previously detailed. It may distribute all of the rear-wheel torque to either side, which aids in steering the chassis through turns. There is no way to physically detach the front axle from the drivetrain, however switching to Torque Rear mode enables large, simple, sweeping drifts because the front wheels are only being turned by a negligible amount of motor torque.
How Does It Drive?
Generally speaking, magnificently. A pleasant improvement from the previous suspension is that the new suspension has enough compliance in its default Comfort mode to make long trips easy on your back. Activate Dynamic mode, then go to the RS Performance submenu if you want more action and don’t mind getting moved around a bit. More suspension options are available, one of which is also called Comfort. However, the name is deceptive because it is the softer of the two track settings and is not meant for use on Shopping Mall Lane but rather the undulating Nrburgring Nordschleife. Even so, we discovered it to be perfect for spirited driving on exciting desert roads close to Pahrump, Nevada. The considerably harsher Dynamic mode option is accessible in the same submenu and is designed for Germany’s Hockenheim Grand Prix road track, which is comparatively smooth. While the steering, which is also adjustable, doesn’t offer unearthly sensation, it is swift enough to let the RS3 favorably respond to inputs, and its weight makes it fun to navigate curves.
The 2022 Audi RS3 proved to be a blast of a wonderful time as we put it through its paces on the racetrack at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump in addition to driving it on the road. We rapidly came to rely on the Quattro all-wheel-drive system and the rear-end torque splitter while driving in RS Performance mode with the stability control disabled because both did a superb job of controlling throttle inputs. Understeer is virtually always going to be the chassis’ default setting due to the RS3’s engine being placed front of its front axle and contributing to a 59/41 percent front/rear weight distribution. We were astonished by how quickly and how hard we could accelerate coming out of corners with the car uttering hardly a hint of complaint. However, it’s easy to avoid slamming the front end unless you overcook yourself into a slow curve. This is greatly influenced by the trick differential: Just maintain full speed as you exit the bend and trust the system to manage the grip.
The RS3’s front track is 2.7 inches wider than its rear, which aids in this, and the tires Audi chose for it further contribute to its generally neutral handling on the track: Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires with Bubblicious-stickiness are now available as factory options for the RS3 ($450). It was fun to throw ourselves into corners, keep the accelerator on the floor at the apex, and accelerate quickly toward the next braking zone as the variable sport exhaust ($1,000) rumbled behind us. Despite the surrounding air temperature being close to 100 degrees, the brakes never got tired of striking their targets.
The vehicles we tested on the track had optional carbon-ceramic front rotors ($5,500 when purchased with a carbon engine cover that increases top speed from 155 to 180 mph). The RS3’s performance supported Audi’s claim that rear carbon-ceramics are unneeded and a waste of money due to the vehicle’s front-heavy weight skew. If you choose to continue with the factory-installed steel brake discs, you’ll be delighted to know that they have increased in size and have bigger pads and RS5 calipers for 20% greater cooling than before. The only aspect of the brake pedal’s feel that we didn’t particularly enjoy during our on-track hammering was its lengthy, rather spongy travel. Although we didn’t have any issues with the stopping power per se, we occasionally struggled to make consistent inputs, particularly in a few places on the circuit where reasonable severe braking was required.
Take It or Leave It?
The 2022 Audi RS3 merits serious attention if you’re searching for a fast, rapid, terrific-handling, non-electric, compact luxury performance sedan with sharp looks and exceptional driving dynamics. There is a lot to enjoy about this car, including its potent engine, rapid acceleration, Quattro-provided turning traction, good handling balance, and the new RS Torque Splitter, which enables plenty of smokey sideways antics if you get tired of driving straight. Its delivery isn’t as severe as, say, a BMW M vehicle, and it’s smaller than the majority of performance four-doors on the market right now. Both of those qualities are quite attractive to a particular kind of buyer. Audi won’t discuss sales volume, but don’t anticipate to see a fleet of RS3s clogging up American roads. This should give owners a sense of belonging to a small, exclusive club once more. Those individuals are right: It’s conceivable that this car will be remembered as something remarkable from a bygone era and one you wish you had seized while you had the opportunity in a few short years.
A new RS3 is Audi making it?
The 2022 Audi RS3 is little but mighty, being longer, broader, and meaner than before. With 401 horsepower, it explodes out its flared fenders, and it has a new electronic rear differential with a drift mode. The RS3’s increased capabilities have been put to the test by me on the road, track, and skidpad, and they are just as remarkable as I had hoped.
The front and rear LED lights of the RS3 perform a welcoming dance when the key fob is unlocked, which ends with a playful “R-S-3-checkered flag” in the driver-side front lights. As usual, Audi paid close attention to lighting technology, including the RS3’s exclusive Matrix LED headlights and sequential LED turn signals at either end.
While the A3 and S3 sedans on which it is based have modest, geometric style, the RS3 has undergone significant changes that increase both performance and visual aggression. The wheel arches of the RS3 were dramatically flared to accommodate larger wheels and tires, and it rides almost an inch lower than the original A3. Additionally, compared to the previous RS3, the front track is 1.6 inches wider. The rear of the front flares have air vents carved into them to help cool the RS3’s brakes and further emphasize how wide they are.
The front bumper of the RS3 is more aggressively designed, starting with a gloss black grille surround that flows into headlamps with a darker hue. My vehicle also has the Black Optic Plus package, a $750 add-on that covers the Audi rings, rear emblems, and roof in black and gives the standard 19-inch wheels a matte black appearance.
Above a massaged rear bumper with gloss black, hexagon-pattern elements and a black rear diffuser that encloses the dual oval tips of the RS3’s exhaust, a little lip spoiler rests above the trunk lid.
Is the Audi RS3 no longer produced?
Choosing to stop producing the TT RS and RS3 The TT line would no longer be produced, according to Audi, who made the announcement in 2019. The manufacturer said that sales goals were no longer being fulfilled. Additionally, the introduction of brand-new all-electric cars was the final straw for these Audi sports cars.
What hues will the 2022 RS3 be available in?
Kyalami Green, Turbo Blue, Kemora Gray, Mythos Black, Glacier White, Tangor Red, Python Yellow, and Daytona Gray are the eight exterior color possibilities for the 2022 Audi RS 3.
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.
What makes the new RS3 so pricey?
The top-spec Vorsprung, whether you choose the hatchback or saloon, is in group 40, while the regular RS 3 is in group 35. That is basically comparable to the group 41 Mercedes-AMG A 45, so obtain a price before making a purchase. Due to its intricate suspension system and highly tuned engine, the RS 3 will probably cost more to maintain than a conventional A3, and it will use up consumables like tyres more quickly. When it comes time to replace the (expensive) optional ceramic brakes, prepare for a sizable additional expense.
Compared to the Mercedes, which at least receives unlimited mileage over the same time period, the RS 3’s warranty is quite standard at three years and 60,000 miles. For about 500 and 1,000, respectively, you can increase your warranty coverage to four years and 75,000 miles or five years and 90,000 miles.
Engines, drive & performance
The 2.5-liter, five-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine in the RS 3 produces the same 395 horsepower as the previous generation. However, acceleration has improved since more of the power is now available at lower revs. The new RS 3 is the fastest hot hatch on the market, taking just 3.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph, a tenth of a second faster than the 415 horsepower Mercedes-AMG A45 S. If you’re going to do a lot of racetrack driving, you can choose to remove the speed limiter so the car can go up to 180 mph.
The RS 3 has always been quick going straight, but has always disappointed in turns. The RS 3 now sits 10mm lower than even the Audi S3 thanks to a new suspension system that has been installed to enhance that aspect of the vehicle. The RS 3 keeps you entertained and wanting more, but the S3 leaves you feeling cold.