The new Audi RS3 gets 400 hp/500Nm and new “RS Torque Rear” mode for drifting



After a half-hearted teaser ten days ago, Audi Sport has released technical information before the official launch of their new Audi RS3. The model competes with the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, BMW M135i xDrive and MINI Clubman JCW.

Starting with the heart of the new Audi RS3 is the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. Performance has been further tweaked with an increased in torque figures to deliver 500 Nm of torque, 20 Nm more than the previous model. The peak horsepower of 400 hp is unchanged with availability all the way to 7,000 rpm.

Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and the heavily revised Quattro all-wheel drive system, the new Audi RS3 does 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than before. Standard top speed is limited to 250 km/h, with 280 km/h available as an option. When fitted with the RS Dynamic package, the top speed is lifted to 290 km/h, the fastest in the segment!

Headlining the new Audi RS3’s dynamism is the new RS Torque Splitter in the Quattro driveline. The RS Torque Splitter is a rear differential unit with two self-controlled multi-disc clutch packs, one each for the left and right driveshafts. The fully variable system tightens or reduce torque to the inside rear wheel during a curve or bend to promote torque vectoring and higher levels of agility and stability.

Check out Audi’s video of the new RS3 doing some powerslides, uploaded by CarScoops

For example, when entering and accelerating out of a right bend, the RS Torque Splitter transmits torque to the left rear wheel, and once the steering wheel straightens, both clutches direct equal torque to the rear wheels.

When the Audi Drive Select mode is switched to RS Torque Rear mode, the new highly-networked chassis control system can direct up to 100% of the drive torque to the outer rear wheel for controlled drifts, similar in principle to the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+.

The RS Torque Splitter continuously alters the left and right wheel torque levels depending on many factors such as steering angle, throttle position, gear position and yaw angle. All inputs are quickly processed rapidly and precisely through the new modular Vehicle Dynamics Controller (mVDC).

The mVDC then synchronises the control units in the RS Torque Splitter, ESC, damping stiffness in the adaptive dampers and the wheel-selective torque control for high-precision steering and handling. At the race tracks, the chassis control system is then set up for a full workout through the RS Performance Mode. Audi Sport has also tuned the drive mode to operate with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres for those seeking the best lap times. The front tyres are seen to measure 265/30R19 in size!

Audi is reported to be delivering the new RS3 sedan and sportback models to customers in Europe as early as September.


GALLERY