America’s 2022 Audi RS3 Has More Power Than The Euro-Spec Model At 401-HP

Audi of America just informed us that the US-spec model will have 401 HP (299kW), making it slightly more powerful than the European version that’s rated at 394 HP. As for why, our sources tell us that this was a “specific request” from Audi’s U.S. division and which was granted by the Germans. “Since the increase is pretty minimal, we don’t anticipate a distinctive difference in performance,” an Audi representative told us. [Updated 6/22/2021]

Audi Sport has released the first technical details of the new-generation 2022 RS3, the Mercedes-AMG A45’s prime nemesis. As before, the performance model is available in five-door Sportback and four-door sedan bodystyles, though only the latter will be coming to North America next year.

As expected, the 2022 Audi RS3 will continue using a sonorous turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, which in the new model produces more torque and the same horsepower figures. For the European model, this translates into 394 HP (400 PS) and 368 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, an increase of 15 lb-ft (20 Nm) over the previous iteration. While maintaining the same torque figure, the North American specification RS 3 sedan will have a few extra ponies at 401hp.

Despite the modest torque increase, Audi says that the new 2022 RS3 is 0.3 seconds quicker than its predecessor from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h), achieving a very impressive 3.8 seconds. This is also 0.1 seconds quicker than the model’s main rival, the Mercedes AMG A45 S, which requires 3.9 seconds for the same procedure. In addition, an optionally available 180 mph (290 km/h) top speed will ensure that no rival can come close to a new RS3 on an unrestricted highway.

Four-wheel powerslides in an Audi? For real?

However, the main highlight of the new Audi RS3 will be found in the rear axle. Audi Sport calls it the “RS Torque Splitter” and it’s a setup that offers active fully variable torque vectoring between the rear wheels.

Unlike the previous model’s rear differential and multiple disc clutch package, the new RS Torque Splitter features one electronically controlled multiple clutch pack on each rear driveshaft with its own control unit. The result is, according to Audi, less understeer, better stability, and maximum agility. During cornering, the system sends torque to the outside rear wheel while in RS Torque Rear mode, the Torque Splitter allows the 2022 RS3 to execute “controlled drifts on closed roads”.

Drivers can configure the setup of the RS Torque Splitter to their taste through the Audi Drive Select. There are five different modes to choose from, including Comfort/Efficiency, Auto, Dynamic, RS Performance, and the aforementioned RS Torque Rear. Auto is the most balanced out of all the options, with the torque distribution not allowing any understeer or oversteer. The Dynamic mode sends as much drive torque to the rear axle as possible for more agility, complementing the RS Torque Rear mode. Finally, RS Performance is designed for use on the track to offer as little understeer and oversteer as possible for better lap times.

Faster shifts from a revised dual-clutch transmission

The 394 HP five-cylinder turbo engine offers its peak horsepower between 5,600 and 7,000 rpm, which is earlier and longer than the previous model, and is still coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which in the new model features a more robust design and communicates with the rest of the drive components, including the Launch Control system, to change gears in a shorter time and offer “lighting-fast starts”.

RS3-specific chassis revisions

Unsurprisingly, the 2022 RS3 will ride on stiffer shocks and springs, with the body sitting 10 mm lower than the S3, and 25 mm than the A3. The front McPherson suspension features RS3-specific pivot bearings, stiffer lower wishbones, subframes, and stabilizers. The rear axle has a four-link design with a subframe and stabilizer bar adapted to the new torque splitter. Reinforced wheel carriers are also present. Customers will be offered the RS Sport Suspension Plus with adaptive shocks as an option.

Other options include a set of sticky Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” tires for the first time, the RS Dynamic Package (which, among other things, unlocks the 180 mph top speed), and ceramic brakes.

Audi will reveal all the details of the new 2022 RS3 in full later in July, so stay tuned.