This week, Audi presents the new RS 3 Sportback, the most powerful compact car in the premium segment so far. With its five cylinder, turbocharged engine, the five door model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.3 seconds, and its top speed can be increased to 280 km/h (174.0 mph) upon request.
A seven-speed S tronic directs the power of the 2.5 TFSI to the quattro permanent all‑wheel drive system. The quattro system features torque vectoring based on software. On low-friction road surfaces, drivers can perform controlled drifts, if desired.
Compared with the Audi A3 Sportback, the body is 25 millimeters (1.0 in) lower. The pivot bearings of the front axle, the progressive steering, the RS‑specific sport suspension and optional Audi magnetic ride adaptive damper control are designed specifically for the RS 3. Audi mounts carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs behind the 19‑inch wheels on the front axle upon request – a first in the premium compact segment.
The video below shows the birth of this vehicle in a metaphorical way:
