Audi updates RS3: Subtle tweaks yield significant track gain
As part of Audi's extensive refresh of its lineup, the RS3 has also received some modifications. While these changes are not revolutionary, they have resulted in an improvement of five seconds on the Nürburgring track.
Frankly speaking, at first glance, not much has changed. Fans of the model will certainly notice the larger grille (standard with Audi facelifts) and its thicker frame. It also has three air inlets at the bottom, inspired by the rally car competing in the Pikes Peak races. Importantly, the daytime running lights in a checkerboard pattern are one of three available options. The rear diffuser, however, features a stop light right in the middle.
The cabin, on the other hand, showcases a flat-topped and flat-bottomed steering wheel with a red stripe at 12 o'clock. Optionally, the manufacturer can offer bucket seats, and the interior can be dominated by carbon fibre or Nappa leather. Optional colour packages – red and green – make these colours present on seat belts, air vent grilles, in the form of seat stitching, on the armrest, or on the steering wheel.
However, the engine remains unchanged: it is still a five-cylinder unit with a displacement of 2.5 litres, generating 400 HP and 500 Nm of torque. There's no hiding the fact that the RS3 is bought not for its handling characteristics but for this engine, which not only has a huge character but also allows it to keep up with the R8 on the track: the sprint to 100 km/h takes 3.8 seconds.
Some changes to the chassis must have occurred, as the RS3 improved its Nürburgring lap time by five seconds (7:33.123). According to the manufacturer, the modifications affected the inner wheel braking system in corners. The previous rear differential, which 'tightens' the outer wheel to mitigate understeer, already made an impression. Now, apparently, additional lines of code have improved the functioning of these components.
According to information from headquarters, orders for the refreshed RS3 can be placed starting October 2024. The price in Canada is not yet known. In Germany, the hatchback version has been priced at €66,000, or approximately $70,000 CAD
