Test drive Audi RS3: first kilometers with a new 5-cylinder rocket

Recent test tours of the new Nürburgring-Nordschleife rocket

For Stefan Ryle, head of development at Quattro GmbH Audi, the job is quite understandable. "Starting with the first Audi RS3, we initially wanted to sell 2500 units, and in the end we sold 5400." Therefore, the question about the heir is not asked at all, because the lightning-fast answer will inevitably be "yes".

Ryle sits in the pilot's seat in the camouflage-covered prototype and invites me to sit next to him. The fog over the Nürburgring has just cleared after a heavy rain. In fact, bad conditions, but maybe for a powerful 360 hp. compact car with four-wheel drive, this is the best time to test. When the engine starts, it becomes clear that the new Audi RS3 will once again be powered by a turbocharged five-cylinder engine. Another answer from Ryle, even before he was asked the question: "Naturally, the five-cylinder engine offers, along with the power reserve, an incomparably more emotional experience."

Audi RS3 with 2,5-liter 5-cylinder engine

“With the new generation of A3, we were able to optimize the weight distribution between the front and rear axles by about two percent,” said Ryle, sharpening the accelerator at the exit of a tight right-hander right in front of the grandstand. Mercedes. As you might expect, the new Audi RS2,5's 3-liter five-cylinder engine powers all four wheels. Power distribution is handled through a fifth-generation multi-plate clutch that again provides faster response and more precise torque control. The engine accelerates the compact car furiously, and over 4000 rpm amplifies its distinctive five-cylinder throat timbre, but that expressiveness comes at a price. “Not every customer necessarily needs a sporty roar, which is why we offer a sports exhaust system as an option,” Ryle said.

The options list also includes seats, ceramic brakes and wider front tires (255/35). To our surprise, Quattro GmbH opted for a rather unexpected tire combination despite better weight distribution than its predecessor. “This once again provides more dynamics and stability at high speeds,” Ryle explains, negotiating the Dunlop corner with little throttle, accelerating early and whistling through Schumacher's S temperament. The TFSI reached the 7000 rpm limit before the dual clutch transmission received the shift command.

New Audi RS3 55 kg lighter

In the wet, the RS3 clearly understeers - the test car is fitted with standard 235/35 R 19 wheels. Ryle briefly demonstrates with a cycle how this behavior can at least soften the response after changing naturalness. A little later, Frank Stipler also struggled on the slippery track, only using the brakes at the Aremberg corner, going a little further inside where the grip is slightly better. “Even in these adverse conditions, the Audi RS3 guarantees completely safe handling on the road and at the same time allows you to move faster,” he said. Stipler doesn't like to talk much, but prefers to win the 24 Hours at the Nürburgring or the entire VLN season, and go full throttle. The certified mechanic and mechanical engineer, together with his involvement as a driver and test driver for Audi, has already driven the RS3 for about 8000 test kilometers along the Nordschleife.

The new model will be about 55 kg lighter than its predecessor, and at the same time it is the most powerful in its segment. Audi's exact power has not yet been disclosed, but so far it looks like 400bhp. will not be achieved. The increase in power (the first RS3 had 340bhp) was achieved mainly through changes in the intake manifold, as well as a larger intercooler and a modified turbocharger, which provides a good compromise between fast response and maximum power consumption. In order to stop the Audi RS3 reliably enough, it is fitted as standard with eight-piston front brake calipers. Stipler has just proven that the system works after cutting a cut with the RS3 in front of a steep section to achieve the most accurate cut possible. The rain intensified, but this did not slow down our pilot much.

The Audi RS3 is still in its final testing phase, in these horrendously bad conditions no one is talking about lap times. But the closer the world premiere approaches, the more often such questions arise - after all, Seat already has serious requests to tour this track with its Leon Cupra. However, this requires one thing: a dry track.

Text: Jens Drale