Audi in the TCR: Audi RS 3 LMS – TCR Model of the Year

The Audi RS 3 LMS starts to its third season full of vigor. Around the world, drivers in 2017 and 2018 won six drivers’ titles, plus 17 victories were scored in various classes of individual racing series. A special recognition was won in an international comparison across the entire 2018 season: the Audi RS 3 LMS as “TCR Model of the Year” prevailed against the worldwide competition of all manufacturers of TCR race cars.

376 podium finishes worldwide, including 151 victories – this is the global track record of the Audi RS 3 LMS after only two years. “In an international comparison, these are outstanding statistics in an intensely competitive environment,” says Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing. “Since we’ve been in the field new manufacturers have joined, which means that the TCR category continues to be headed for growth. The competition is becoming increasingly fierce on the racing and technical levels as well.” For the 2019 season, the race cars from 13 manufacturers are admitted to run in the TCR.

The variety of brands is one of the major fortes of the entry-level touring car class. Favorable purchasing prices and cost of ownership plus thrilling races are further advantages. Due to the close kinship between the race cars and the corresponding production models, fans can easily identify with TCR racing.

Many countries around the globe have long discovered the TCR category for themselves and more are still joining. The WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup incepted in 2018 is the leading international series. Starting in 2019, the TCR Australia, the TCR Japan, the TCR DSG Endurance Touring Car Championship in Italy and the TCR Malaysia enhance the portfolio. The Canadian Touring Car Championship is sanctioning a dedicated TCR class in 2019 for the first time. In addition, there are the existing national and regional series in America, Europe and Asia most of which are designed as sprint series. In pure TCR series, the models compete for overall victories, plus many other racing series have categories for TCR race cars which, in this case, battle for class victories. Hill-climb races, as well as major stand-alone events like the TCR Spa 500 planned for the first time in 2019 and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring complete the wide range of fielding opportunities.

The Audi RS 3 LMS for the 2019 season with up to 257 kW (350 hp) depending on the regulations features proven technology and with extensive safety devices sets standards in this area.

Within the first two years, Audi Sport as part of the Group completed as many as 160 RS 3 LMS cars at the Martorell site. About two thirds of the customers opted for the version with a sequential transmission selling for 129,000 euros (excl. VAT), one third for the model with an S tronic double-clutch transmission selling for 109,000 euros (excl. VAT). For logistics, parts supply and on-site support, buyers can use comprehensive customer services. These are tangible benefits that convince more and more teams. Consequently, in 2019, many customers are again representing Audi Sport customer racing in the TCR category around the globe.