Audi Spills Secrets of New RS3

The upcoming third-generation Audi RS3 will adopt a newly developed all-wheel-drive system to provide it with enhanced performance, greater agility and full drift qualities in combination with a so-called RS Torque Rear driving mode, the German automaker says.

The 394-hp sedan, set for North American delivery in early 2022, is the first in a series of new models from Audi’s Sport performance car division to adopt a so-called Torque Splitter. Manufactured by Austrian engineering specialist Magna, it replaces the single, electronically controlled, multiplate disc clutch and rear differential of the previous second-generation RS3’s Haldex-designed AWD system.

Consisting of two electronically controlled clutches – one on each of the rear driveshafts – it provides the soon-to-be-unveiled 2022-model-year RS3 with faster and more accurate apportioning of drive between the front and rear axles as well as individual torque loading to each of the rear wheels in more sporting driving modes.

Similar in operation to the Drift Mode function used by the RS3’s key rival, the Mercedes-AMG A45S 4Matic, the new Torque Splitter is claimed to provide greater traction during standing starts as well as enhanced agility on more challenging roads, where it increases the amount of drive to the respective outer rear wheel to significantly reduce understeer,” says Norbert Gösl, development engineer for the RS3.

The new system also provides the RS3 with the ability to perform controlled drifts in a RS Torque Rear driving mode. It receives its own unique mapping with sharper throttle response, altered shift strategy for the gearbox and control of the AWD system. So configured, the Torque Splitter is capable of directing all the drive to only one of the rear wheels for characteristic rear-wheel-drive oversteer qualities.

Audi Sport has also provided the new sedan with a dedicated track driving mode. Called RS Performance, it uses its own AWD mapping and has been developed to operate in combination with semi-slick Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo R tires, which will be available as an option when sales begin next month.

The new RS3 retains its predecessor’s transversely mounted turbocharged 2.5L 5-cyl., the EA850 as it is known internally. It develops the same 394 hp as before, though it is now delivered 250 rpm earlier in the rev range at 5,600 rpm and extends to 7,000 rpm. Torque has been increased by 15 lb.-ft. (20 Nm) to 369 lb.-ft. (500 Nm) between 2,250 rpm and 5,600 rpm.

Drive is channeled through the same 7-speed DCT as before. All up, there are seven driving modes: Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, RS Individual, RS Performance and RS Torque Rear.

Together with the new AWD qualities, the latest RS3 also adopts a coast function that idles the engine on the overrun at speeds above 62 mph (100 km/h) in Comfort and Automatic modes for added fuel-saving potential.

Audi RS 3 rear

Other changes include a larger gasoline particulate filter and a new exhaust system with a fully variable flap for new sound qualities.

While the new RS3 is claimed to weigh about 88 lbs. (40 kg) more than the previous model, Audi Sport claims a 0.3-second reduction in the new model’s official 0-62 mph time at just 3.8 seconds in combination with a reworked launch control system for the gearbox.

This is 0.1 second inside the time quoted by Mercedes-AMG for the 415-hp turbocharged 2.0L 4-cyl.-powered A45 S 4Matic.

Together with the changes to the drivetrain, Audi has reworked the RS3’s MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. It sits 1.0 in. (25 mm) lower than standard fourth-generation A3 models and 0.4 in. (10 mm) lower than that of the latest S3. It also receives new front wheel bearings that increase the front track by 1.3 ins. (33 mm) to 62.7 ins. (1,593 mm) and an additional 1 degree of negative camber to the front wheels.

The third-generation RS3 adopts a new adaptive damper system, replacing the earlier magnetic ride system in favor of the Dynamic Chassis Control arrangement already available on other new A3-based models.

In keeping with developments on the S3, the new RS3 receives a so-called modular vehicle dynamics controller. It networks the adaptive dampers, torque splitter and torque vectoring function.

Audi will offer a choice of two 19-in. tires, Pirelli P-Zeros and Bridgestone Potenza Sport, with a profile of 265/30 at the front and 245/35 at the rear.

The brakes have been upgraded with 14.8-in. (38-cm) steel discs and 6-pot calipers at the front and 12.2-in. (31-cm) steel discs and 1-pot calipers at the rear. Buyers also will be able to specify optional 15.0-in. (38-cm) carbon-ceramic front discs.

Audi RS 3 side