Audi RS3 refresh: Subtle updates impact Nürburgring performance
As part of Audi's extensive refresh of its lineup, the RS3 has also undergone some modifications. These are not revolutionary, but they have resulted in an improvement of five seconds on the Nürburgring track.
At first glance, not much has changed. Fans of the model will certainly notice the larger grille (standard with Audi facelifts) and its thicker frame. It also features three air inlets at the bottom, inspired by the rally car competing in the Pikes Peak races. Importantly, the daytime running lights in a checkerboard pattern are one of three options available. The rear diffuser, however, has a stop light right in the middle.
On the other hand, the cabin features a flat-topped and flat-bottomed steering wheel with a red stripe at 12 o'clock. Optionally, the manufacturer can offer bucket seats, and the interior can be dominated by carbon fibre or Nappa leather. Optional colour packages – red and green – make these colours present on seat belts, air vent grilles, seat stitching, the armrest, and the steering wheel.
However, the engine remains unchanged: it is still a five-cylinder unit with a displacement of 2.5 litres, generating 400 HP and 500 Nm of torque. There's no denying that the RS3 is purchased not for its handling characteristics but for this engine, which has immense character and allows it to keep up with the R8 on the track: the sprint to sixty takes 3.8 seconds.
Some changes to the chassis must have occurred, as the RS3 improved its Nürburgring lap time by five seconds (7:33.123). According to the manufacturer, the modifications affected the inner wheel braking system in corners. The previous rear differential, which 'tightens' the outer wheel to mitigate understeer, was already impressive. Now, additional lines of code have improved the functioning of these components.
According to information from headquarters, orders for the refreshed RS3 can be placed starting October 2024. The price in Ireland is not yet known. In Germany, the hatchback version has been priced at €66,000.
