In a display of German engineering prowess, Audi Sport has conquered the Nürburgring-Nordschleife with a pre-production model of the forthcoming RS 3 upgrade. The car, piloted by racing driver Frank Stippler, carved its way to a new lap record for compact cars, clocking a blistering 7:33.123 minutes. This impressive feat sees the new RS 3 slice over five seconds off the previous record in its class.
Stippler pinpointed the car’s enhanced cornering ability as a critical factor behind the record. “The new RS 3 corners with a much sharper turn-in,” he explained, attributing this to several improvements. Brake torque vectoring takes centre stage, allowing for more precise positioning during corner exits. This translates to minimised steering adjustments, a key contributor to those stellar lap times.
The secret weapon behind the RS 3’s agility lies in the finely tuned interplay between several key components. A sophisticated torque splitter distributes power variably between the rear wheels, working in harmony with the electronic stability control and the wheel-selective torque control system. Optional adaptive dampers within the RS sports suspension add another layer of control, while an upgraded algorithm within the vehicle dynamics controller further refines these elements for a truly dynamic driving experience.
While the heart of the driving experience remains the iconic five-cylinder engine, it continues to deliver a healthy 400 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Audi has further bolstered performance with the inclusion of grippy Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres, a high-performance ceramic brake system, and a meticulously tweaked chassis setup. The result is an RS 3 that devours corners with even greater precision, all while maintaining its aural charm through the signature deep exhaust note – a by-product of the engine’s charismatic 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence.
British petrolheads eager to get behind the wheel of this record-breaking machine won’t have a long wait. The upgraded RS 3 will be available to order from the end of August and hit dealerships in October, marking a new chapter for Audi Sport’s dominance in the compact car segment.