The New Audi RS3 Has Already Set A Lap Record At The ’Ring!

Just weeks after Audi unveiled the all-new RS3, the high-performance sedan has set a lap record around the Nurburgring circuit for the compact class. Audi Sport racing and development driver Frank Stippler was behind the wheel while setting the record time of 7 minutes and 40.748 seconds around the 20km circuit. 

This is despite the RS3 using the same 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine from its predecessor, which makes an identical 400PS, although the torque now increased to 500Nm. Audi says the new ‘Torque Splitter’ onboard has helped the carmaker to achieve the best time. Using electronically actuated clutches in the rear differential, power is sent to the wheel with the most amount of grip. The implementation of this tech allowed Audi to incorporate Drift mode for some crisp and controlled drifts.  

Other bits of hardware that helped the high performance sedan to break the record were Audi’s RS sport suspension with adaptive dampers and Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slick tires. The new RS Performance mode also ensured that all the parameters were set in the sportiest setting. And to guarantee the sedan stops in time, it was fitted with the optional carbon ceramic brakes. 

Thanks to this hardcore setup, the new Audi RS3 is capable of doing 0-100kmph in 3.8 seconds and maxes out at 290kmph. 

To know more about this high-performance sedan, read our in-depth report. We also hope Audi offers the RS3 as a niche model to satisfy performance enthusiasts in India. If at all it gets here, the RS3 will lock horns with the Mercedes-AMG A45 and BMW M240i.