A feast for the senses: upgrade for the Audi RS 3 [Photo Gallery]

Audi Sport has heightened the senses of the RS 3. This is visible at first glance: The strong lines at the front, the motorsport-inspired wheels, and the RS front sport seats visually enhance its character. This is accompanied by the deep-throated roar of the five-cylinder engine with its signature firing sequence. The 2.5 TFSI, combined with the optimized chassis setup and new tyres, gives the RS 3 even more appetite for corners. You can feel the difference also on the inside, thanks to the new steering wheel and the high-end materials. The Audi RS 3 – an experience for the senses.

Expressive design evokes the performance
The RS 3’s product upgrade brings with it a significantly sportier appearance. The dominant feature of the assertive front design is the hexagonal Singleframe with a striking border. Flatter and considerably broader than before, it emphasizes the dynamics of the compact sports car with its rhombus-pattern grille. The same goes for the two functional side air intakes – accentuated by vertical black blades – and the three apertures above the front splitter, which now spans the entire vehicle breadth and lets the RS 3 sit even lower – reminiscent of the Audi Sport quattro S1 Pikes Peak from 1987. With redesigned daytime running lights, the headlights also accentuate the car’s performance. The digital signature, which displays a checkered flag in the RS 3, comprises 24 elements. Furthermore, in combination with the matrix LED headlights (standard on Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung), drivers can choose between three additional daytime running light designs in the MMI touch display for the first time.

The rear of the RS 3 also features references to motorsport and has a much stronger presence than before. Vertical side reflectors continue the design theme of the air intakes at the front. The large functional RS-specific diffuser incorporates a red reflector in its centre and, on its sides, the two oval tailpipe trims of the RS exhaust system, which look even larger in their black frames. Like the headlights, the taillights also feature a new graphic: Arrows that dynamically light up from inside to out with the coming home/ leaving home function embody the progressive taillight design.

The expressive exterior is accentuated by the RS-specific exterior colours Kyalami Green and Kemora Grey, the new metallic paints Ascari Blue and Progressive Red, and, for the first time, Daytona Grey in a matt finish. On all UK models, the Singleframe and diffuser have a gloss black finish. Continuing this theme, the RS 3 comes with matt-black 19-inch aluminium cast wheels in a 5-Y-spoke design as standard. On Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung models, the rims are a motorsport-inspired design, with 10 striking cross spokes, either in matt dark grey or in glossy metallic black in bi-colour design. Even more individuality is offered by the carbon and high-gloss black detailing on Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung models, which adorn the front air intakes, the side skirts, and the blade above the diffuser.

Dark interior with double-flattened steering wheel and front sport seats
In the interior, too, which is dominated by dark colour tones, everything is geared for performance, with the new steering wheel, RS sport seats, and sporty displays. Flattened above and below, the perforated leather steering wheel has a substantially sportier look. Meanwhile, the RS sport seats give even better support. The seat centre panel with RS honeycomb stitching is made of Fine Nappa leather, with Dinamica microfibre accents and contrasting stitching in black, express red or micrommata green.

New light features, effect paint, and carbon
The standard contour and ambient lighting illuminate the new design features: the storage box in front of the flatter-designed shifter, the centre console with cup holders, and the doors. A delightful night-time feature is the so-called planar lighting, whereby a light source in the door panel back-lights hundreds of lasered rhombus shapes of various sizes, which dynamically light up when locking and unlocking the RS 3. This underscores the sporty-evocative design. The door handles, air vents as well as the cover clip of the steering wheel and the shift paddles are finished in a vanadium look, which shimmers according to the light conditions.

RS displays with focus on performance
The 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus with Sport, Performance, and Runway views was already standard. In Runway mode, speed is visualized in reverse order, with the highest revs in the foreground and idling speed in the background. These features are now joined by the new rev counter, which prominently displays the revolutions per minute in the centre of the instrument cluster. In addition, there are displays for power output, torque, g-forces, acceleration, and lap times. In manual transmission mode, the RS-specific blinking shift indicator changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, motorsports-style, to indicate the ideal time to change gears. On top of this, the temperature ranges of coolant, torque splitter, brakes, engine oil and transmission oil are shown in colour on the 10.1-inch touch display in the instrument panel. Furthermore, the RS 3 now features an app store with many applications that can be used directly on the vehicle display. The selected contents are installed on the RS 3 infotainment system – independently of the smartphone.

Five-cylinder engine with more distinctive sound
The Audi RS 3 is powered by the legendary 2.5 TFSI engine from Audi Sport with 400PS and maximum torque of 500Nm. This means the RS 3 accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 155mph. On Carbon Vorsprung models, the top speed is increased to 174mph. Numerous motorsport successes make the award-winning five-cylinder engine one of the most evocative at Audi and make driving the RS 3 an incomparable experience. This is due to its unique sound, which is based on the signature 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence. Adjacent and non-adjacent cylinders fire alternately providing a forceful rhythm and character, suitably orchestrated by the twin RS exhaust system with variable flap control. Press the red-ringed engine start/stop button, and the throaty sound of the five-cylinder engine rings out – more voluminous and even more distinctive in the Audi drive select modes dynamic, RS Performance, and RS Torque Rear. In addition, the exhaust flap control was optimized in the rpm range between 2,200 and 3,500rpm. In this way, the five-cylinder generates a consistent and fuller-bodied sound no matter which mode is selected. Audi Sport thus enhances the emotional driving experience in the top model of the A3 family – especially in conjunction with the RS Sport exhaust system.

Enhanced vehicle dynamics through optimized cornering
For proof that the RS 3 is fast on straights, we need only look at its acceleration stats, which continue to outstrip those of its core competitors. Cornering, by contrast, is difficult to express in numbers. Feel is much more important here; indeed, the feeling was unanimous: there was room for improvement.

The Torque Splitter with its fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels forms the basis for maximum vehicle dynamics. Depending on the chosen Audi drive select mode, the agility of the RS 3 can now be deployed earlier and with greater control. This operates by means of finely calibrated brake interventions at the inside wheels on corners. The components connected in the modular vehicle dynamics controller, such as the electronic stabilization control, the torque splitter and the adaptive dampers, are decisive for this. Thanks to an improved algorithm, they respond even more sensitively to the respective driving situations. When friction coefficient is low, the interplay of these systems provides increased stability. The modular vehicle dynamics controller synchronizes the data of all components relevant to lateral dynamics.

Higher cornering speeds
The RS 3 now delivers higher performance in corners, avoids understeer right from the entry into the bend, and turns more readily. The compact sports car follows the curve radius more precisely than before, under partial load and in thrust phases. This means the vehicle is earlier to accelerate and steer around corners at higher speeds. The enhanced lateral dynamics are shown to full effect on racetracks in RS Performance mode – and in full intensity when ESC is deactivated.

Evolved oversteer
The improved algorithm is also driving an evolution in oversteer. Before now, oversteer was generated primarily by increasing the load requirement – in other words, stepping on the throttle. Now, oversteer is easier to initiate in the RS 3 via the steering angle. This allows the driver to obtain the same drift angle faster.

Quick access via steering wheel button
If you want to activate the Performance mode, which is specially designed for the racetrack, you can do so by pressing the left satellite button. The button with the checkered flag icon is new, as is the red RS button on the right steering wheel spoke, which offers quick access to RS Individual mode.

The unmistakable smell of excellence
The RS 3 meets premium standards not only when it comes to its visual and tactile qualities: One of the most subtle yet most immediate experiences when buying a car is the aroma that greets your nose when you open the doors of your new Audi for the first time. Quality you cannot see but which is a constant companion. So that the driving experience in the sporty compact model becomes an experience for all the senses, Audi also has exceptional standards for smell in the interior. The aroma comprises natural smells of high-grade materials, such as the high-quality leather and the pleasant inherent odor of selected polymers.

Take the RS sports seats in Fine Nappa and the standard leather steering wheel; various quality measures must be implemented in the manufacturing process – from the selection of the leather to the tanning agents to the typical Audi finish. All interior components – some 200 per vehicle – are chemically analyzed and evaluated. They are heated in a special chamber, then the air is analyzed. This lasts two to three hours per component. Once the testing of all individual components has been completed, the interplay of the various materials is tested in the Audi itself. After all, this is where all the materials come together, and they should smell nice in combination – under all climatic conditions. For example, heaters fitted to the outside simulate temperatures on hot summer days. The resulting odors are evaluated by a team of five chemists in relation to their type and intensity, ensuring that the characteristic new car smell of an Audi meets its customers’ high standards.

A recipe for success for over 10 years
Audi Sport gives the RS 3 many ingredients for full enjoyment, such as the five-cylinder turbo engine, torque splitter, and new standard tyres. As all good chefs know, we eat with our eyes first. And so the RS 3 has been garnished with motorsport-inspired wheels, carbon and black packages, RS sport seats, and a double-flattened steering wheel. The RS 3 is a recipe for success.

From the beginning, the compact sports car has stood for innovation and excitement at the highest level. When the first generation went out to dealers in the spring of 2011, the RS 3, with its powerful 340 PS five-cylinder engine, had no competitors. The bumpers, sills, and wheels clearly distinguished the RS 3, which at the time was available only as a five-door hatchback, from the A3. Moreover, it was impressively fast and offered driving dynamics with maximum precision and assurance.

The second generation, which rolled off the production lines from 2015 to 2020, saw a Saloon added to the portfolio in 2017. With its signature 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence, the 2.5 TFSI matured into an RS 3 perennial – initially with 367PS and then with 400PS after the product upgrade in 2017. The faster-shifting seven-gear dual-clutch transmission, in conjunction with quattro all-wheel drive, ensured maximum driving enjoyment.

The third generation of the RS 3 Sportback and the second generation of the RS 3 Saloon were launched in 2021. With 400PS and an increase in torque to 500Nm, the five-cylinder engine was more powerful than ever before and beat all competitors for acceleration. Thanks to the first-ever torque splitter used in an Audi, which replaced the previous rear axle differential with the upstream multi-plate clutch package, it also attained a new level of lateral dynamics.

This garnered the RS 3 various international awards, including Car of the Year 2022 from Top Gear in Italy, Best Performance Car 2022 from Motor1 in the United States, and back-to-back victories in 2022 and 2023 in the sport auto readers’ choice award in Germany.

The popularity of the model is also clearly reflected in its numbers. Since its market launch in 2011, almost 80,000 units of the compact sports car have come off the production lines, most of them last year. And the success story continues.

Audi RS 3 UK pricing (OTR)

RS 3 Sportback  RS 3 Sportback Carbon Black RS 3 Sportback Carbon Vorsprung	£59,510 £64,160 £68,650
RS 3 Saloon  RS 3 Saloon Carbon Black  RS 3 Saloon Carbon Vorsprung	£60,510 £65,160 £69,650

Audi RS 3 – standard UK equipment by trim
RS 3

Wheels

• 19″ x “5-Y-spoke” matt black alloy wheels with 265/30 R19 tyres (front) / 245/35 R19 tyres (rear)
• Tyre repair kit & tool kit

Performance and suspension

• Automatic Start-Stop system with recuperation
• Progressive steering
• RS sport suspension
• Audi Drive Select
• RS steel brakes with brake calipers in black and RS logo on the front calipers
• quattro permanent all-wheel drive

Exterior

• RS exterior styling
• Black styling pack plus
• Roof spoiler in body colour (Sportback only) / Tailgate spoiler in gloss black (Saloon only)
• Audi Beam
• Exterior mirrors, electrically adjustable, heated and folding, automatically dimming on both sides
• Privacy glass
• RS sport exhaust system
• Exterior model badging
• LED headlights with LED rear lights and dynamic rear indicators

Seats

• Manually adjustable front sport seats
• Fine Nappa leather with honeycomb pattern and RS front sport seats
• 4-way electric lumbar support for the front seats
• Split-folding rear seat backrest

Interior equipment

• Storage pack
• Three-zone automatic air conditioning
• Auto dimming and frameless rear view mirror
• Flat top and bottomed three-spoke black leather multi-function steering wheel and gear-shift paddles
• Front centre armrest
• 12V socket and storage compartment in front centre console
• Extended Ambient Lighting Pack Pro – including backlit cloth panel in the front doors
• Floor mats in front and rear
• Headlining in black cloth
• Front door sill trims with RS 3 logo
• Pedals in stainless steel and footrest in black
• Vanadium look interior elements
• Inlays in Dynamica microfibre, black

Audio & Communication

• Audi App Store and Smartphone Interface
• MMI Navigation Plus with high-res 10.1-inch touch screen, colour display
• Audi Connect (three year subscription)
• Audi Virtual Cockpit plus 12.3-inch with additional RS-specific display
• Emergency e-call
• Audi phonebox light with wireless charging
• USB ports with charging function in rear
• DAB digital radio

Assistance Systems

• Adjustable speed limiter
• Park assist with parking system plus  (Front and rear parking sensors with park assist)
• Audi pre sense front
• Collision avoidance assistant
• Lane departure warning including emergency assist
• Camera based traffic sign recognition
• Distraction and fatigue warning

Safety & Security

• Airbags for driver and front passenger with passenger airbag deactivation
• Front side airbags with head airbags and interaction airbag
• ESC including ABS,ASR and EDL
• Light and rain sensors
• Tyre-pressure loss indicator
• First-aid kit, warning triangle and two safety vests
• Seat belt monitoring
• Remote central locking with Safelock
• Child lock operated electronically
• I-Size and top tether child seat mounting for the outer rear seats
• Manual boot compartment lid
• Anti-theft alarm

Technology Pack

• SONOS 3D Premium Sound System
• Head-Up Display
• Windscreen heat-insulating glass
• Reversing Camera
• Adaptive Cruise Assist without Speed Limiter

RS 3 Carbon Black (over RS 3)
Wheels

• 19″ x  “10-cross-spoke” silk matt grey alloy wheels

Lighting

• Darkened Audi Matrix LED headlights with LED rear lights, dynamic front and rear indicators, and headlight cleaning system

Exterior

• RS exterior features in carbon/gloss black
  • Front spoiler in carbon with rhombus grille in gloss black
  • Radiator grille, front with large air inlets, side blades and side sill inlay in carbon
• Roof edge spoiler in carbon (Sportback) / Tailgate spoiler in carbon (Saloon)
• Rear diffuser insert in gloss black with inlay in carbon
• Carbon door mirrors

RS 3 Cabon Vorsprung (over RS Carbon Black)
Wheels

• 19” X “10-cross-spoke” black metallic alloy wheels with 265/30 R19 tyres (front) / 245/35 R19 tyres (rear)

Performance and suspension

• Top speed increased to 174 mph
• Adaptive suspension with Audi drive select three additional RS pre-set modes: ‘RS Individual’. ‘RS Performance’ and ‘RS Torque Rear’

Technology Pack Pro (in addition to the Tech Pack)

• Darkened Audi Matrix LED headlights (as above)
• Panoramic Roof 
• Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver’s seat and door mirrors
• Assist package Drive and Park pro and assist package, protective and warning systems plus (including Adaptive cruise with predictive control)