The new Audi RS 3 represents the epitome of unadulterated driving dynamics. This is Audi’s first vehicle to feature the RS Torque Splitter, which distributes drive torque between the rear wheels in a fully variable manner.
In combination with the 400 PS five-cylinder engine, the compact sports car is supremely agile. The 2.5 TFSI now unleashes 500 Nm of torque, 20 Nm more than in the previous model. The Audi RS 3 sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 290 km/h (180 mph) – record numbers in the segment.
The RS Torque Splitter makes active, fully variable torque vectoring between the rear wheels possible. Unlike the rear axle differential and the previous multiple disc clutch package on the rear axle, the torque splitter uses one electronically controlled multiple disc clutch each on the respective drive shaft. During dynamic driving, the torque splitter increases the drive torque to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load, which significantly reduces the tendency to understeer. In left-hand curves, it transmits the torque to the right rear wheel, in right-hand curves to the left rear wheel, and when driving straight ahead to both wheels. This results in optimal stability and maximum agility – especially when cornering at high speeds. When driving on closed roads, the torque splitter enables controlled drifts by applying all of the engine power to just one of the rear wheels – up to a maximum of 1,750 newton meters of torque. The exact distribution of drive torque always depends on the mode selected in Audi drive select and the respective driving situation.
Each of the two multiple disc clutches has its own control unit, which use the electronic stabilization control’s wheel speed sensors to measure the wheel speeds. Other influencing factors include longitudinal and lateral acceleration, the steering angle, the position of the gas pedal, the selected gear, and the yaw angle, i.e. the rotational movement around the vertical axis. In addition, the torque splitter is connected to the modular vehicle dynamics controller as a higher-level entity.
The five-cylinder in the Audi RS 3 is more powerful and delivers higher torque. Instead of 480 newton meters, a maximum of 500 newton meters is now available – across a wide rev range from 2,250 to 5,600 rpm. A new engine control unit also increases the speed and intensity at which all of the drive components communicate with each other. As a result, the RS 3 responds even faster, especially in the low rev ranges. The maximum power of 294 kW (400 PS) is now available in the range from 5,600 to 7,000 rpm and thus earlier and longer than in the previous model. As a result, the compact sports car sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than before. The Sedan and Sportback reach their top speed at 250 km/h, although 280 km/h is also available as an option. In fact, with the RS Dynamic package and ceramic brakes, they can even reach a top speed of 290 km/h. This makes the RS 3 the best in its class in terms of acceleration and top speed. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission puts the power of the five-cylinder engine to the pavement – with a right-angle drive with a more robust design that takes account of the increased torque and the sportier gear ratio spread. The intelligent interaction of all the drive components, including Launch Control, enables the RS 3 to shift gears extremely quickly, resulting in lightning-fast starts and heart-pounding acceleration.
