- A prototype of the facelifted Audi RS3 set a new lap record for compact cars at the Nurburgring.
- At 7:33.123 minutes, it’s over 5 seconds faster than the previous record held by the BMW M2 Coupe.
- Audi will officially unveil the facelifted RS3 in both sedan and hatch forms on August 20, 2024.
Audi teased the facelifted RS3 in the best possible way—with a new lap record. A lightly camouflaged prototype of the Audi RS3 sedan circled the Nurburgring in 7:33.123 minutes, surpassing the BMW M2 Coupe’s time and setting a new benchmark for compact models at the Green Hell.
The pre-production prototype was piloted around the 20.832 km (12.9 mile) track by Audi Sport racing and development driver, Frank Stippler. Notably, the 7:33.123″ lap time is more than 7 seconds faster than the 7:40.748″ achieved by the pre-facelifted Audi RS3 in 2021. More importantly, it also shaves off more than 5 seconds from the previous record for the compact segment, set by the BMW M2 Coupe (7:38.706″) in August 2023.
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Audi has revealed that the facelifted RS3 is equipped with the same turbocharged 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder engine, producing 400 PS (394 hp) and 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque. This matches last year’s European output of 394 hp (294 kW / 400 PS), while the North American model was slightly more powerful at 401 hp (299 kW / 407 PS). Audi Sport’s boss mentioned last year that the engine has the potential for more power, suggesting we may see a more potent variant in the future.
The significantly improved lap time suggests that Audi Sport engineers extensively refined the chassis setup. Audi emphasizes ‘optimized cornering behavior,’ enhancing the RS3’s agility. Key features include fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, a brake torque vectoring system, RS sport suspension with optional adaptive dampers, 19-inch ceramic brakes, and an advanced algorithm for the driving dynamics controller. The prototype achieved its record lap on Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires.
Audi
Frank Stippler commented: “Thanks to the fine-tuning – including brake torque vectoring – the new RS3 turns more willingly at the entrance to the corner, which means that the vehicle can be positioned earlier and better for the exit of the corner, at the very latest from the apex. The result is a smaller steering angle from the apex to the exit of the corner, which leads to less friction and earlier acceleration. This means that you carry more momentum and speed onto each subsequent straight.”
Audi kept the slightly redesigned body of the RS3 wrapped in Nürburgring-themed camouflage, but changes compared to the outgoing model, which debuted three years ago, are still discernible. Notable updates include fresh LED graphics on the lighting units and redesigned bumpers. The front features revised aggressive intakes, while the rear diffuser is noticeably larger than before.
The facelifted Audi RS3 is set to debut on August 20, 2024. Order books for the performance model will open in Europe this August, with first deliveries expected in October. The US launch of the Audi RS3 has yet to be announced, but it is expected for the 2025 model year.