- New RS 3 Sedan expands the brand's Audi Sport credentials
- 2.5 TFSI aluminium engine with 294 kW and 480 Nm torque
- Wider track compared with the Audi A3 and distinctive RS design
Ingolstadt/Paris, September 29, 2016 – Audi is presenting the all-new Audi RS 3 sedan, the most dynamic model of the A3 model series, at this year's Paris Motor Show. With a 294kW/400 hp five-cylinder engine, ground breaking efficiency and a sharp, sporty design language, it's the first compact Audi Sedan to bear the RS label.
The new 2.5 TFSI delivers 294 kW, or 22 kW more than its predecessor, making it the most powerful five-cylinder engine on the world market. Its 480 Nm of torque is available at engine speeds between 1,700 and 5,850 rpm for outstanding tractive power. The compact RS model sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds and is able to reach maximum speed of 250 km/h. On request, Audi will increase the electronically limited top speed to 280 km/h. The unique sound of the five-cylinder engine unit intensifies an already emotionally charged driving experience. Its sound comes from having the ignition alternate between directly adjacent cylinders and widely spaced ones. The sound can be modified via Audi drive select.
With its light-alloy crankcase, the five-cylinder engine is 26 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. It employs a dual injection into the intake manifold and into the combustion chambers, as well as the Audi valvelift system for variable control of the exhaust valves. The result is optimal power development at a reduced consumption level.
Sportiness, top traction and driving safety
With lightning-fast shifting, the S tronic seven-speed dual clutch transmission transmits the power of the 2.5 TFSI to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Its electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch distributes the drive torque variably between the axles. The electronic control combines superior stability with a high level of driving pleasure. The sportier the driving, the faster and more often will a large share of the torque reach the rear axle. The result is an especially agile driving characteristic.
quattro management is integrated as a standard feature in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, as is the steering, the S tronic transmission, engine management and the adjustable exhaust flaps. The driver can individually vary the operation of these components between the three modes of comfort, auto and dynamic. The same is true for the optional RS sport suspension plus with adaptive damper control.
Wheel-selective torque control, an intelligent software feature of the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), rounds off the work of the all-wheel drive. In fast cornering it slightly brakes the inside wheels, which are under a reduced load. In this way it can transmit greater lateral power, making handling more fluid and stable. In addition, the RS-specifically tuned ESC comes with a sport mode for controlled drifting.
The ESC can also be fully deactivated for especially sporty driving characteristics.
Progressive steering, four-link rear axle, a tight setup and lowered by 25 millimetres relative to the standard model – the chassis of the RS 3 Sedan is the perfect partner for the powerful drive system. From its stable centre position, the RS 3 Sedan spontaneously steers into curves and follows through with superior precision. The front brake discs have a diameter of 370 millimetres, while eight-piston calipers with large-area linings provide optimal deceleration. Alternatively, Audi supplies carbon-fibre ceramic discs in front. At the rear axle there are brake discs with a diameter of 310 millimetres. Standard on the RS 3 Sedan are 19-inch wheels and 235/35 tyres. 255/30 tyres are optionally available in front.
Distinctive RS design outside and inside
The new top athlete in the compact segment also expresses its sporty character visually. The Singleframe with its three-dimensional honeycomb grille bears the quattro logo along the bottom. Underneath, a blade extends across the entire width of the front into the side air inlets, where it forms narrow funnels for better air flow through the wheel arches. LED headlights with their distinctive daytime running light signature are standard; Audi also offers matrix LED headlights as an option.
Compared with an A3, the front track of the RS 3 Sedan is wider by 20 millimetres – the front wheel arches are accordingly wider flared as well. At the rear axle the wheels are spaced 14 millimetres further apart compared with the basic model.
A fixed spoiler lip on the luggage compartment lid improves the separation of air flow.
A distinctive diffuser insert with vertical struts and the large oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system terminate the rear. Audi exclusively offers the RS-specific paint colours Nardo grey and Catalunya red as options.
The dark-toned interior welcomes the driver and passengers with illuminated door sills bearing the RS 3 logos as a standard feature. Black fine Nappa leather sport seats with RS logos on the backrests are standard. Optionally available are more contoured RS sport seats with integrated head restraints. Their covers are also diamond patterned and colour-perforated. The RS sport leather steering wheel is flattened at the bottom. Inlays at the instrument panel and at the doors complete the atmosphere of sporty elegance.
Intuitive operation and high-definition displays
The flat hierarchies and intelligently linked context menus make operation of the Audi RS 3 Sedan intuitive and ergonomic. The main control element is the rotary/push-button control on the console of the centre tunnel. With the top infotainment system MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, the terminal includes a touchpad for scrolling, zooming and writing. Additionally included is a free text search feature that automatically completes the user's input after entering just a few letters. The voice control processes questions and commands formulated in ordinary language.
Standard is an electrically extending MMI screen with a 7-inch diagonal. The two circular instrument dials are black with red needles and white scales. The centrally positioned driver information system includes a boost pressure indicator, an oil thermometer and a lap timer.
The fully digital Audi virtual cockpit is optionally available. On its high-resolution 12.3-inch monitor the driver can choose between three display modes. They include a special RS screen that moves the tachometer to the centre. On the left and right information appears on tire pressure, torque and g-forces. When the transmission is operating in manual mode, a scale with a colour background prompts the driver to use the steering wheel paddle or selector lever to upshift when approaching maximum revs.
Always online with Audi connect and Audi smartphone interface
An LTE module gets the Audi RS 3 Sedan online. It brings on board the various services of Audi connect, including navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View, as well as information on fuel prices, the weather, travel and traffic. The information is displayed directly in the MMI, and operation is by way of the standard-equipped RS multifunction steering wheel, the rotary/push-button control and touchpad or by spoken command. Data is transmitted via the new Audi connect SIM, which is factory-installed in the car.
With the corresponding data flat rate the customer can immediately use the services for up to three years free of charge – even in other European countries. In addition, the navigation systems include a Wi-Fi hotspot enabling passengers to surf the web with their tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices.
The free Audi MMI connect app offers many other features, such as transferring your smartphone's calendar to the MMI. Through Aupeo! and Napster it affords access to countless music tracks and audio books. Destinations from Google Maps, points of interest (POIs) and the entries from the "Travel" service can be transferred from your smartphone to your car's navigation system using the app. The Audi smartphone interface brings Apple Car Play and Android Auto into the car. Selected apps for the phone, navigation and streaming services, for example, are then directly displayed on the MMI screen. The driver can control the apps using the various operating options in the car.
Attractive supplementary components complete the infotainment line. The Audi phone box inductively charges the smartphone according to the Qi standard and connects it to the car antenna via near-field coupling for optimal reception quality. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System produces an excellent sound experience with 705 watts of power and 14 speakers.
Arrive safe and relaxed at your destination thanks to new assistance systems
The RS 3 Sedan is also the top of its class when it comes to driver assistance systems. They keep the car at the desired distance from the vehicle in front, assist the driver when changing lanes and staying within the given lane, detect traffic signs and help avoid rear-end collisions and pedestrian accidents.
New are the traffic jam assist, which briefly takes over the steering in slow-moving traffic up to 65 km/h, the emergency assist, which automatically stops the car if required, and cross traffic assist rear. The latter system looks out for crossing vehicles when pulling out of a parking space.
Australian information
The new Audi RS 3 Sedan will arrive in Australia in mid-2017. Pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.
– ENDS –
The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in twelve countries. In the second half of 2016, the production of the Audi Q5 will start in San José Chiapa (Mexico). 100-percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include quattro GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).
In 2015, the Audi Group delivered to customers approximately 1.8 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,245 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and about 54,800 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2015 financial year, the Audi Group achieved total revenue of €58.4 billion and an operating profit of €4.8 billion. At present, approximately 85,000 people work for the company all over the world, about 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on new products and sustainable technologies for the future of mobility.