The highly emotional total package offered by the new Audi RS 32 is rooted in its legendary five-cylinder high-performance engine. In the latest generation of the compact sports car, the 2.5 TFSI, boasting 400 hp and 500 Nm, is more powerful than ever. The RS 3 Sportback3 and the RS 3 Sedan1 both sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Equipped with the RS dynamics package plus, which includes an adaptive suspension with damper control and ceramic brakes, its top speed hits 290 km/h. This makes the Audi RS 32 the best in its class in terms of acceleration and top speed.
A question of preference: the new RS 3 driving modes
The torque splitter, equipped in an Audi for the first time, enables fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels. An electronically controlled multiple disc clutch is used on each of the drive shafts for this purpose. During dynamic driving, the torque splitter increases the drive torque to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load. Due to the difference in propulsive forces, the car turns into the curve even better and follows the steering angle more precisely. This results in optimal stability and maximum agility – especially when cornering at high speeds. The new technology also makes controlled drifts on closed-off tracks possible – in this case, the torque splitter directs all of the power to only one of the rear wheels, with up to 1,750 newton meters per wheel possible. Audi even developed a driving mode specifically for the RS 32 for this purpose – “RS Torque Rear” – as a drift mode with its own characteristic curve for the torque splitter.
Performance and Engine Specifications
The new Audi RS 3 is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. This allows the RS 3 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, making it one of the fastest in its class. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, but can be optionally increased to 290 km/h. The engine's unique sound and rapid throttle response contribute to an exhilarating driving experience.
Advanced Technology and Interior Features
Inside, the Audi RS 3 offers a blend of sportiness and luxury. The cockpit features the Audi virtual cockpit plus, displaying RS-specific information such as lap times, G-forces, and acceleration data. The MMI touch display provides intuitive control over navigation, media, and vehicle settings. High-quality materials, RS sport seats, and customizable ambient lighting create a premium atmosphere, while advanced driver assistance systems ensure safety and convenience.
When the newly developed RS Performance driving mode is activated, the torque splitter minimizes understeering and oversteering, thereby delivering a particularly dynamic, sporty ride along the longitudinal axis. This results in earlier acceleration out of corners and thus faster lap times. The RS Performance mode is specially calibrated to the Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slick tires, which are optionally available factory-mounted for the first time. In its standard configuration, the RS 32 sports 19-inch wheels in a 10-Y spoke design with 265/30 tires at the front and 245/35 tires at the rear.
Highly customizable: new exterior and interior colors available
The new RS 3 models2 offer a wide range of colors. In addition to Kyalami Green and Turbo Blue, customers can select from the metallic finishes Kemora Gray, Mythos Black, Glacier White, Tangor Red, and Python Yellow as well as the Daytona Gray pearlescent finish. The roof of the Audi RS 3 Sedan1 can also be ordered in the contrasting color Brilliant Black for the first time.
In the interior, the carbon-fiber trim in the instrument panel and RS sport seats with RS embossing and diamond quilting add to the racing feel. The seat upholstery is optionally available in fine Nappa leather with RS honeycomb stitching and glossy black, red, or, for the first time, green contrast stitching. RS Design packages in red and green are available to match. They include special floor mats with contrast stitching and RS embroidery as well as seatbelts with colored edges. The Design package plus includes seat corners in red or green and colored accents on the air vents.
First Audi with head-up display featuring blinking shift indicator
In the interior, the driver gazes upon the Audi virtual cockpit plus, featuring the RS Runway design for the first time. This setting displays RPMs in the opposite direction in a manner that visually resembles an airplane runway – the highest number of rotations in the foreground and the lowest in the background. In addition, the Audi virtual cockpit plus includes displays for g-forces, lap times, and acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h, 0 – 200 km/h, quarter mile, and eighth of a mile. The 10.1-inch touch display in the center console also displays the temperatures of the coolant, engine oil, and transmission oil, as well as the pressure of all four tires. Also available for the first time for the Audi RS 32 is a head-up display that projects relevant information onto the windshield in the driver’s direct line of sight in addition to a blinking shift indicator.
Market launch and pricing
The Audi RS 3 Sportback3 and the RS 3 Sedan1 are now available to order in Europe. The new RS 3 models2 will be launched in the fall of this year. The base price for the Audi RS 3 Sportback3 is set at 60,000 euros, while the Audi RS 3 Sedan1 is listed at 62.000 euros.
Audi RS 3 Sedan: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.7 – 8.2 (27.0 – 28.7 US mpg);Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 198 – 188 (318.7 – 302.6 g/mi)
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.8 – 8.2 (26.7 – 28.7 US mpg); Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 201 – 188 (323.5 – 302.6 g/mi)
Audi RS 3 Sportback: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.8 – 8.3 (26.7 – 28.3 US mpg); Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 201 – 190 (323.5 – 305.8 g/mi)
Audi RS 3 Sedan: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.7 – 8.2 (27.0 – 28.7 US mpg);Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 198 – 188 (318.7 – 302.6 g/mi) Audi RS 3 Sportback: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.8 – 8.3 (26.7 – 28.3 US mpg); Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 201 – 190 (323.5 – 305.8 g/mi)
Information on fuel/power consumption and CO2 emissions in ranges depending on the chosen equipment level of the car.
Press release
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to rivals like the Mercedes-AMG A45 S and BMW M2, the Audi RS 3 stands out with its unique five-cylinder engine and innovative torque splitter. While the AMG A45 S offers similar power, the RS 3's acceleration and handling dynamics are often praised for their balance between daily usability and track performance. The BMW M2, with its rear-wheel-drive layout, provides a different driving feel, but the RS 3's all-wheel-drive system ensures superior traction in various conditions.