Audi eventually has many green cars in its stable. The most generous models are often signed RS, and offer the little extra – both in terms of performance and design.
For many enthusiasts, it is the smallest RS 3, which sits high on the dream car list.
That’s not so strange either. RS 3 is a light and compact car, with hefty driving characteristics and not least it has a much-loved engine under the hood.
Now Audi has just unveiled a completely new generation RS 3. The legendary five-liter 2.5-liter engine remains, and the car has never been faster.
Still 400 hp
Ahead of the premiere, many have been excited about how much power Audi has taken out of the engine.
It is no secret that the Audi RS 3 and Mercedes-AMG A45 have long competed to deliver the fastest of the most powerful car in this class. Today’s A45 S delivers 421 hp, so many have expected Audi to surpass this.
They do not do that with the new RS 3. It still produces 400 hp, while the torque has been increased from 480 to 500 Nm.
Fastest
That said, the new RS 3 barely drives from Mercedes in the classic sprint practice 0-100 km / h, anyway. While the Mercedes-AMG A45 S does the exercise in 3.9 seconds, the new RS 3 finishes in 3.8 seconds.
If we look at top speed, Audi also beats the competitor with a star in the grill. The latest generation RS 3 does not give up until 290 km / h – if you choose the RS Dynamic package. It is 20 km / h faster than the A45 S.
In other words: The new RS 3 is now the fastest in the class, both measured at top speed and 0-100 km / h.
We drive the arch competitor from Mercedes: – On the verge of extreme
– RS 3 is available both as a sedan and sportsback. In Norway, there are clearly most of the latter.
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Drift mode
Audi’s RS engineers have made a number of moves on the chassis of the newcomer. Among other things, wheel suspension and dampers have been improved.
In addition, the new RS 3 gets what Audi calls the “Torque Splitter”. This is a system that will distribute the forces between the front and rear axles even faster and more precisely.
The electronic distributor will further contribute to even smoother driving characteristics, especially through the turns. For the first time, you can also send 100 percent of the power to the rear wheels, thus activating “Drift Mode” or “RS Torque Rear” as the driving program is now called.
– On the inside, we recognize most of the new Audi A3.
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Hot design
Compared to a regular Audi A3, there is no doubt that the RS 3 stands out significantly. The entire front of the car has been changed, with new LED lights, air intakes and an even more powerful grille.
– New rims and air outlets for cooling the brakes are in place.
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Along the side, the car has a solid side skirt and an air outlet at the front fender. At the rear, Audi follows up with a powerful diffuser, with the two classic oval end tubes.
Another exciting news is that the exhaust valves are now fully variable. Now you can adjust how loud the exhaust sound should be gradually.
In a closed press screening of the car, Audi also promises that they have adjusted the sound from the sports exhaust system as powerfully as possible, within the new EU requirements for sound. At the same time, Audi confirms that the sound picture will not be as intense as before due to the new rules.
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– Audi has upgraded the engine to the new RS 3. In addition to increased torque, the peak power is available at an earlier speed than before.
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Can be ordered in August
Norwegian prices for the newcomer are not ready, but in Germany the new RS 3 Sportback starts at 60,000 Euros.
The first customer deliveries will take place during the autumn of this year, and from mid-August the new hot plug can be ordered.
Read the test of the previous generation RS 3 here
See more photos of the new RS 3 here:
Watch the first clips of the new RS 3 here:
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