World of Wheels

Audi A3-Based RS3 Model Unveiled: Ordering in July, Sales This Fall

2022 Audi RS3 is now available to order in Europe after its recent official debut.

The top-of-the-range model in the Audi A3 lineup comes with the same 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine. Due to some tweaks, now it produces more horsepower and torque than before: 401 (plus 7) and 369 pound-feet (plus 15).

Torque is available between 2,250 and 5,600 rpm. It results in faster acceleration from low rev ranges. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

A sprint from zero to 62 mph takes 3.8 seconds. The top speed is limited to 155 mph, while 174 mph is an optional upgrade. The car can reach 180 mph when equipped with the RS Dynamic Package and ceramic brakes.

Peculiarities

The new Audi RS3’s track is wider, and ground clearance is lower a bit. The model features an RS sports suspension, larger wheel camber, larger newly developed six-piston steel brakes and ceramic brake system, standard 19-inch wheels, and optional adaptive dampers.

The 2022 RS3 is the first Audi model having a torque splitter as standard instead of the rear axle differential and the previous multiple disc clutch package on the rear axle.

New for the model is the RS Performance mode for the racetrack. A specific RS Torque Rear drift mode, when the torque splitter directs all power to one of the rear wheels, is available as well.

These modes are selectable via the Audi drive select driving dynamics system. That system also offers such profiles as Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, RS Individual, Efficiency.

Appearance

The new exterior features a black front grille, rear lip spoiler and diffuser, checkered flag-like lighting elements of the daytime running lights, and an optional black roof.

In the cabin, you’ll find many carbon-fiber elements, a standard 12.3-inch virtual cockpit plus that displays rpms in the form of a bar graph and shows power and torque as percentages. The rpm display in the new “RS Runway” design with the values shown in the opposite direction is optional.

A three‑spoke RS Sport multifunctional leather steering wheel is standard. It has built-in, high-quality die-cast zinc shift paddles. Those who opt for the Design package, get an RS badge and a 12 o’clock stripe. The latter helps indicate the steering wheel position during dynamic driving faster.

A round RS steering wheel with hands-on detection is available alternatively. Both have a new RS Mode button to select the RS Performance and RS Individual modes, and the last used mode.

Prices

The Audi RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan can be ordered in Europe from mid‑July. The market launch is set for the fall of 2021. The starting price for the RS 3 Sportback is around 60,000 euros, the Sedan – 62,000 euros.

U.S. pricing has not been announced yet, but it should be a few thousand more than the current $57,195 for the 2020 model. The 2022 Audi RS3 will be available in North America only in the sedan body style.

Source: Audi

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