The Audi RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan are officially available in Singapore.
Like their predecessors, both models are equipped with turbocharged inline-5 engines and quattro all-wheel-drive. Audi says that both boast even greater performance and agility than before.
Prices for the RS3 Sportback start from $363,075, while the RS3 Sedan is currently priced from $374,395 onwards.
NEW LOOK
The Audi RS3 Sportback and Sedan feature even more dynamic styling compared to the older models.
Redesigned Singleframe grilles with a honeycomb pattern, wide RS bumpers and large air intakes signify the cars’ performance. Both the RS3 Sportback and Sedan feature wider front and rear tracks, too.
Matrix LED lights are standard, along with 19-inch cast wheels, RS-specific rear bumpers with a built-in diffuser, and the RS exhaust system.
Several exterior components, such as the rocker panel inserts and spoilers on the tailgate and roof edge, can be specified in carbon-fibre for a more motorsport-inspired look. Eight paintwork options are offered, including the RS-specific Kemora Gray and Kyalami Green hues.
SPORTY TOUCHES
Both the RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan also have several RS-specific touches inside. These include a selectable “RS Runway” layout for the Virtual Cockpit instrument panel. Other goodies here include displays for the g-forces, lap times and 0-100km/h times.
When the manual override function is in use, an RS-specific blinking shift indicator is active. Similar to the type used in motorsports, it changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, helping the driver decide when to change gears. The system is also part of the head-up display.
The instrument cluster gets carbon-fibre trim, while the seats are upholstered in Nappa leather and feature honeycomb stitching. Contrast stitching, previously only available in glossy black or red, can now be had in green.
UNIQUE POWERTRAIN
The RS3 Sportback and Sedan models are equipped with an even more powerful version of the turbocharged 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine.
It pumps out 394hp and 500Nm of torque, or 20Nm more than before. These figures enable both RS3 models to reach the century mark in 3.8 seconds, 0.3 of a second quicker than before. Top speed is electronically governed to 250km/h, but this can be optionally increased to 290km/h.
Delivering the engine’s soundtrack is a new exhaust system, which for the first time has a fully variable flap control system that supports intermediate positions for broader sound characteristics.
Apart from quicker acceleration, the RS3 offers improved handling, too, thanks to the RS torque splitter and specific RS modes. Available for the first time in an Audi, the RS torque splitter features an electronically controlled multiple disc clutch on each of the driveshafts, offering fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels.
Audi says this results in greater stability and agility by increasing torque delivered to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load, thereby helping reduce understeer. It will send torque to the right rear wheel in a left-hand corner, and transmit it to the left rear wheel in a right-hand corner. In a straight line, torque is delivered to both wheels.
There’s a new RS Performance mode for the RS3 that’s designed specifically for the racetrack. When activated, the torque splitter ensures the most neutral handling possible.
An additional mode is available for those who like to drift: RS Torque Rear. It tells the torque splitter to send 100 percent of the engine power or up to a maximum of 1750Nm to just one rear wheel.
SPECIFICATIONS
Audi RS3 Sportback 2.5 (A)
ENGINE 2480cc, 20-valves, inline-5, turbocharged
MAX POWER 394hp (294kW) at 5600-7000rpm
MAX TORQUE 500Nm at 2250-5600rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 251hp per tonne
GEARBOX 7-speed dual-clutch with manual select
0-100KM/H 3.8 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h (governed); 290km/h with RS dynamics package plus
CONSUMPTION 10.2km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE From $363,075 (after $25k VES surcharge)
AGENT Premium Automobiles
Audi RS3 Sedan 2.5 (A)
ENGINE 2480cc, 20-valves, inline-5, turbocharged
MAX POWER 394hp (294kW) at 5600-7000rpm
MAX TORQUE 500Nm at 2250-5600rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 250.2hp per tonne
GEARBOX 7-speed dual-clutch with manual select
0-100KM/H 3.8 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h (governed); 290km/h with RS dynamics package plus
CONSUMPTION 10.2km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE From $374,395 (after $25k VES surcharge)