Legendary five-cylinder engine is now even better – greater torque, greater pull, and greater top speed.
Audi is relaunching the sporty top-of-the-line pair in the compact high-performance segment with the third generation of the Audi RS 3 Sportback and the second generation of the RS 3 Sedan. The award-winning five-cylinder engine now has more torque, increasing its power. The emotional flagship model of the A3 series, when combined with the RS torque splitter, offers performance and lateral dynamics on a whole new level. The RS 3 model range is being introduced to the local market today, with prices starting at R1,215,000 for the RS 3 Sportback and R1,245,000 for the RS 3 Sedan (inclusive of VAT and all taxes)
Fast Facts:
- The legendary five-cylinder engine has been improved with increased torque, pull, and top speed.
- For the first time in an Audi, a new torque splitter provides improved lateral dynamics and stability.
- The latest RS 3 models are premium sports cars suitable for everyday use, thanks to a more expressive design and RS-specific controls.
How much does the new Audi RS3 Sportback cost in South Africa?
Audi RS3 Sportback – R1,215,000
How much does the new Audi RS3 Sedan cost in South Africa?
Audi RS3 Sedan – R1,245,000
The new Audi RS 3 Sportback and Sedan will be offered with a five-year Audi Freeway Plan as standard equipment beginning on September 1, 2022, in South Africa.
What to expect in the new Audi RS 3 Sportback and Sedan?
The 2.5 TFSI offers unrivaled acceleration and top speed
The Audi RS 3 is unique in its class thanks to its five-cylinder, high-performance engine. Nine times in a row, the 2.5 TFSI has taken home the “International Engine of the Year” honor. The engine in the most recent model of the compact sports car is now more potent than ever. This is primarily caused by the 500 Newton-meter increase in torque, which is 20 Newton-meters more than the previous model. Between 2,250 and 5,600 rpm are available. The broad power plateau, which extends to 7,000 rpm, is reached by the new RS 3 models from as low as 5,600 rpm. With 294 kW of power, they accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, which is three-tenths of a second quicker than before thanks to Launch Control. Similar to acceleration, the models’ top speed, which is electronically limited to 250 km/h, is unmatched in the compact segment and can be increased to 290 km/h as an option (if the RS Dynamic package Plus is chosen). The RS 3 Sedan and RS 3 Sportback use an average of 9.0 litres of fuel per 100 kilometers on the NEDC combined cycle.
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A new exhaust system expertly controls the impressive propulsion of the multi-award-winning five-cylinder engine. It has a fully variable flap control system that supports intermediate positions for the first time in a RS 3 and further expands the sound characteristics. The differences can be felt in the different modes that the Audi drive select dynamic handling system has to offer. For instance, the flaps open much earlier in the dynamic and RS Performance modes, bringing out even more of the sound’s electrifying elements. The five-cylinder engine’s distinctive sound is even more audible thanks to the standard RS sports exhaust system.
RS torque splitter and specific RS 3 modes for maximum agility
The first-ever installation of the RS torque splitter in an Audi enhances the thrill of driving and offers a dynamic balance. An upstream multiple disc clutch package is used in place of the previous rear axle differential. On each of the drive shafts, a fully variable multiple disc clutch with electronic control is used to distribute torque to the rear wheels. As a result, stability and agility are increased even more. By increasing the torque delivered to the outer rear wheel with the heavier wheel load during dynamic driving, the torque splitter significantly lessens the tendency to understeer. It distributes the drive torque to both wheels when traveling straight ahead, to the right rear wheel when traveling in a straight line, and to the left rear wheel when traveling in a straight line. The new RS 3 follows the steering angle more precisely and can turn into curves even better thanks to the difference in propulsive forces, especially when cornering at high speeds.
Audi drive select also affects the engine and transmission characteristics, steering assistance, adaptive dampers, and exhaust flaps in addition to the torque splitter. A variety of driving experiences are produced by various characteristic curves for each of the aforementioned systems, from an emphasis on comfort and optimized fuel consumption to highly dynamic and even optimized for the racetrack.
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With its own engine and transmission setup and specially calibrated Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slick tires, which are optionally available from order for the first time, the new RS Performance mode, unique to the RS 3, is designed specifically for the racetrack. There, the torque splitter makes sure that the handling is as neutral as it can be, with little understeering or oversteering in various driving scenarios. Faster lap times are possible as a result of the ability to accelerate quickly after a curve. The RS Torque Rear mode, which enables drifting, is another new addition. It was made to be used on closed roads. By transferring all of the rearward drive torque to the wheel outside of the curve in this mode—up to a maximum of 1,750 newton meters—the torque splitter significantly increases oversteer. The models also include RS Individual, which enables the systems to be adjusted separately, as well as efficiency, comfort, auto, and dynamic modes.
Exterior and lighting: expressive and unmistakable
The new Audi RS 3 has an even more powerful and dynamic design than its predecessor. The front of the compact sports car has an expressive appearance thanks to the wide RS bumper, the redesigned Singleframe with its distinctive honeycomb grille, and the large air intake. A faintly protruding air outlet behind the fanned fenders gives the vehicle a motorsport appearance. A 33-millimeter widened front axle track has been installed. The new RS 3 Sportback has expanded at the rear axle by ten millimeters.
Matrix LED headlights with darkened bezels and digital daytime running lights around their outer downturned angles are standard on the RS 3. Other exciting standard lighting features include LED taillights, dynamic turn signal lights, door entrance LED lighting with the RS logo projected in the front, and contour ambient lighting with multicolored accents. When the car is opened, the RS 3 lettering appears on the driver’s side and a checkered flag appears in the pixel field of the other headlight, creating a dynamic scene. The headlights’ pixel field of 3 x 5 LED segments is the highlight of the RS3 lighting technology. The checkered flag flashes on both sides as you drive.
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Cast wheels measuring 19 inches with a 10-Y spoke design are standard equipment on the Audi RS 3. The optionally available 5-Y spokes with RS branding represent true racing design. The redesigned RS-specific rear bumper with integrated diffuser and the RS exhaust system with a large oval tailpipe on both the left and right sides are the finishing touches with a motorsports theme. There are a few exterior accessories that can be ordered in carbon-fiber reinforced plastic for an even sportier appearance (as part of the standard Black Styling Package), including the mirror caps, the inserts in the rocker panels, the tailgate spoiler, and the roof edge spoiler. Customers can choose the optional Black Styling Package Plus or Aluminum Styling Package Plus in their area to add more gloss black or matte aluminum accents to the car’s exterior. The models come in a total of eight exterior colors, including the RS-specific Kyalami Green and Kemora Grey finishes.
Driving dynamics made visible: the interior
Numerous RS-specific features are present inside as well to emphasize the car’s sporty appearance. The revolutions per minute in the “RS Runway” design are displayed on the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus, which is standard equipment. With the highest number of revolutions in the foreground and the lowest in the background, the values are shown here in the opposite direction to visually resemble an airplane runway. Displays for g-forces, lap times, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, 0 to 200 km/h, quarter-mile, and eighth-mile are also included in the Audi virtual cockpit plus.
In manual transmission mode, the RS-specific blinking shift indicator changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red while blinking in a way that is similar to that used in motorsports to indicate when it is best to change gears. It is also incorporated into the newly available optional head-up display, which projects pertinent information onto the windshield in the driver’s line of sight. The 10.1-inch touch display in the instrument panel also shows the temperatures of the coolant, engine, and transmission oils, the g-forces, and, if desired, the tire pressure.
The instrument panel’s carbon-fiber trim and the RS sport seats with RS embossing and anthracite contrast stitching contribute to the car’s expressive appearance. Fine Nappa leather with RS honeycomb stitching and glossy black, red, or, for the first time, green contrast stitching is an optional option for the seat upholstery. There are matching RS Design packages in red and green available. They consist of unique seatbelts with coordinating colored edges and contrast stitching, as well as floor mats with RS embroidery. The seat shoulders, seat belt, and floor mat stitching, as well as the accents around the air vents, all come in matching red or green with the RS design package plus.
Local standard equipment highlights
With perfect specifications and features, the Audi RS 3 model line proudly displays its performance, digital, and design strengths. Highlights of the equipment include the Audi RS virtual cockpit, 19-inch wheels, Black styling package, Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound, Audi smartphone interface, Audi connect e-call functionality, rearview camera, park assist, comfort key with safe lock, and darkened Matrix LED headlights with dynamic light design (to name a few).
