Audi RS3 (2022)

More dynamic ride with greater precision: RS sports suspension and larger wheel camber

The standard RS sports suspension features newly developed shock absorbers and a valve system both specific to the RS3. The valves ensure that the shock absorbers exhibit a particularly sensitive response as part of the rebound and compression characteristics. This allows the suspension to respond to the respective driving situation even faster and more effectively. The RS sport suspension plus with adaptive damper control is available as an option. It continuously and individually adjusts each shock absorber to the road conditions, the driving situation, and the mode selected in Audi drive select. The three characteristic curves comfortable, balanced, and sporty provide a clearly perceptible spread of the shock absorber characteristics.

The larger wheel camber, i.e. the wheels are angled more toward the road, results in a more precise steering response and increased cornering force. Compared to the Audi A3, the wheels on the front axle of the new RS3 have just under one degree of additional negative camber. To achieve this, the pivot bearings were modified and the lower wishbones were equipped with stiffer bearings, subframes, and stabilizers. A rear axle features a four-link design with separate spring/damper arrangement, subframe, and tubular stabilizer bar. The wheel carriers, which are stiffer than those of the Audi A3 and S3, absorb the increased lateral forces generated by the torque splitter. The negative wheel camber here is almost half a degree more compared to the A3. The RS-specific progressive steering varies the gear ratio depending on the steering angle - as the steering angle increases, the gear ratio becomes smaller and steering more direct. It also assists based on speed and can be varied via Audi drive select. The setup of the springs and shock absorbers is markedly stiff, and the body is ten millimeters lower than on the S3 and 25 millimeters lower than on the A3.

Another new addition to the RS3 is the modular vehicle dynamics controller (mVDC). This central system captures data from all the components relevant to lateral dynamics, thus ensuring that they interact more precisely and more quickly. The mVDC synchronizes the torque splitter, adaptive dampers, and wheel-selective torque control for precise steering and handling. All in all, it increases the vehicle's agility, especially on winding roads.

Powerful deceleration: six-piston steel and ceramic brake system

The Audi RS3 comes standard-equipped with larger and newly developed six-piston steel brakes to keep the power of the five-cylinder engine in check. A ceramic brake system measuring 380 by 38 mm is optionally available on the front axle with a pedal characteristic curve specially adapted to the brake booster. The high-performance brake system weighs another ten kilograms less than the steel brake. Its internally ventilated and drilled discs measure 375 by 36 mm at the front and 310 by 22 mm at the rear. This makes them larger and more stable than in the previous model. Air control elements improve the brakes' cooling time by 20 percent. This more quickly reduces peak temperatures during hard braking while pedal feel remains the same. In addition, it also reduces brake pad wear, which are 15 percent larger and copper-free. Those who opt for the ceramic brakes can choose between gray, red, or blue brake calipers. Those who prefer the steel version can order red calipers instead of the black ones.

Expressive and unmistakable: exterior and lighting

The design of the new Audi RS3 is even more dynamic and powerful than that of its predecessor. In the front, the wide RS bumper, the redesigned Singleframe with its distinctive honeycomb grille, and the large air intakes give the compact sports car an expressive appearance. The RS3 comes standard-equipped with flat, wedge-shaped LED headlights and LED taillights including dynamic turn signal lights. Matrix LED headlights are available as an option, with darkened bezels that feature digital daytime running lights around their outer downturned angles. With its pixel field of 3 x 5 LED segments, it provides an unmistakable look - a checkered flag appears in the left headlight as a dynamic leaving and coming home scene, and the RS3 lettering appears on the driver's side. When driving, the checkered flag lights up on both sides.

There is also a new design element behind the front wheel arches: an eye-catching additional air outlet. The rocker panels with black trim have also been redesigned and, in combination with the flared wheel arches, contribute to the expressive look of the new RS3. The front axle track has been widened by 33 millimeters compared to the previous model. On the Sportback, the rear axle track has increased by ten millimeters. The RS3 is standard-equipped with 19-inch cast wheels in a 10-Y spoke design. True racing design is embodied by the optionally available 5-Y spokes with RS branding. Audi will also mount Pirelli P Zero "Trofeo R" performance semi-slick tires for the first time, if desired. The motorsports-inspired finishing touches include the redesigned RS-specific rear bumper with integrated diffuser and the RS exhaust system with two large oval tailpipes.

The new Audi RS3 models can be ordered in two exclusive RS colors: Kyalami green and Kemora gray. The roof of the Sedan can also be ordered in the contrasting color Brilliant black for the first time. Individual exterior features, such as the honeycomb grille in the Singleframe, come standard in black - either in a matte or high-gloss finish. The Alu-Optic Trim package is available as an option and accentuates the front bumper, diffuser insert, and window trim. For an even sportier look, the rocker panel inlays are also available in carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer. The same applies to the mirror caps, the tailgate spoiler on the Sedan and the roof edge spoiler on the Sportback.

Genuine racing feeling: the interior

In the interior, too, many elements specific to the RS accentuate its sportiness. The displays appear in the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus, which comes standard. It displays the rpms in the form of a bar graph and shows power and torque as percentages. Optionally, the rpm display is available in the new "RS Runway" design. In this case, the values are displayed in the opposite direction in a manner that visually resembles an airplane runway - the highest speed in the foreground and the lowest speed 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 RS-specific blinking shift indicator in manual transmission mode changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, blinking in a manner identical to that used in motorsports, to indicate the ideal time to change gears. The 10.1-inch touch display includes what is referred to as the "RS Monitor," which displays the coolant, engine, and transmission oil temperatures as well as tire pressures. Also available for the first time for the Audi RS3 is a head-up display that projects relevant information onto the windshield in the driver's direct line of sight in addition to the shift light indicator.

The genuine racing feeling is further enhanced by the carbon-fiber instrument panel and RS sport seats with RS embossing and anthracite contrast stitching. 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 a colored accents on the air vents.

Everything under control: steering wheel with 12 o'clock stripe and RS Mode button

The Audi RS3 is standard-equipped with a three-spoke RS Sport multifunctional leather steering wheel with a flattened bottom. It features built-in, high-quality die-cast zinc shift paddles. Those who opt for the Design package get, in addition to the RS badge, a 12 o'clock stripe for faster indication of the steering wheel position during dynamic driving. Alternatively, a round RS steering wheel is available with hands-on detection, i.e. capacitive grip recognition, for assisted steering functions. Both have the new RS Mode button on the right-hand steering wheel spoke in common. This button can be used to select the Audi drive select modes RS Performance, RS Individual, or the last mode used. In both RS modes, the display of the instruments and the head-up display has an even sportier look with a blinking shift indicator.

Availability: market launch and pricing

The Audi RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan will be available to order in Europe starting in mid-July 2021. The new RS3 models will be launched in the fall of 2021. The base price for the RS3 Sportback is set at 60,000 euros, while the RS3 Sedan is listed at 62,000 euros.