Engine

  • high-torque 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder turbo engine with 294 kW (400 PS) and 500 Nm of torque (+20 Nm and better progression compared to predecessor); expanded power range (400 PS at 5,600 – 7,000 rpm), steeper power curve
  • acceleration: 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (0.3 seconds faster than its predecessor) = best in class
  • top speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited), optionally 280 km/h, 290 km/h with RS dynamics package plus = best in class
  • unmistakable and emotional engine sound due to characteristic 1‑2‑4‑5‑3; firing order; fully variable exhaust flap control for wide-ranging sound characteristics
  • Increased efficiency: introduction of efficiency mode and coasting at idle with engine on

Transmission

  • 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with short shifting times, sporty gear ratios, and Launch Control
  • quattro all-wheel drive with RS torque splitter: drive torque is actively and variably distributed between the rear wheels for maximum agility and stability; RS torque splitter reduces tendency to understeer during dynamic cornering

Chassis and body

  • body lowered by 25 millimeters compared with A3, by ten millimeters compared with S3
  • curb weight without driver: RS 3 Sportback1,570 kg; RS 3 Sedan 1,575 kg
  • increased lateral control, precise steering response and enhanced lateral dynamics:
  • Front: McPherson strut axle with RS 3-specific pivot bearings for just under one degree more negative wheel camber compared with the A3; stiffened wishbones; subframe, and stabilizer
  • Rear: Four-link design with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement, subframe and RS-specific tubular stabilizer with higher spring rate for optimum performance; approx. half a degree more negative wheel camber compared with A3; stiffened wheel carriers.
  • standard RS sports suspension with newly developed shock absorbers and valve system specific to RS 3; optional RS sports suspension with adaptive damper control
  • semi-slick tires available factory-mounted for the first time
  • progressive steering with a variable ratio depending on the steering angle
  • two new RS 3-specific drive modes: RS Performance and RS Torque Rear, for a total of seven Audi drive select modes (efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic, RS Individual)
  • central vehicle dynamics controller synchronizes RS torque splitter, adaptive dampers and wheel-selective torque control for precise steering and handling

Brakes

  • newly developed steel brake system measuring 375 by 36 millimeters at the front and 310 by 22 millimeters at the rear, larger and more stable than in the predecessor model
  • new air control elements reduce brake cooling time by 20 percent
  • less wear due to copper-free brake pads that are 15 percent larger
  • optional ceramic brake system measuring 380 by 38 millimeters at the front that is ten kilograms lighter than steel brake system and features higher thermal stability

Exterior design

  • powerful proportions, expressive details
  • wheel spacing widened by 33 millimeters at the front axle and by ten millimeters at the rear axle (Sportback); widened mudguards
  • slightly protruding air outlet behind the front wheel arches as a new design element
  • wide RS front bumper: redesigned Singleframe with distinctive honeycomb grille
  • LED headlights and LED taillights standard; optional matrix LED headlights with digital daytime running lights and RS 3-specific signature and coming-home/leaving-home sequences, taillights with RS-specific animation
  • RS-specific rear bumper with built-in diffuser
  • RS exhaust system with two large oval tailpipes
  • a total of eight exterior colors including RS-specific Kyalami Green and Kemora Gray finishes; the roof of the Sedan is optionally available in the contrasting color Brilliant Black
  • many customization options: High-gloss black and aluminum appearance package and a number of elements in carbon available,honeycomb grille on Singleframe, side air intakes, and rear bumper in matte black or high-gloss black for the first time

Interior and controls

  • sports seats in front with RS embossing and contrast stitching standard; optional RS sports seats in front in fine Nappa leather with RS-specific honeycomb stitching and RS embossing
  • new RS design packages in red and green: RS-specific floor mats with contrast stitching and RS embroidery; seat shoulders, seat belt edges and accents around the air vents in red or green
  • RS sport multifunction leather steering wheel with a three-spoke design, flattened on the bottom, with 12 o’clock marker optionally available; alternatively round steering wheel with hands-on detection
  • new steering wheel button for RS driving modes; polished zinc die-cast steering wheel paddles
  • Audi virtual cockpit plus standard with new tachometer design
  • RS-specific gauges and graphics: g-meter, blinking shift indicator, engine/transmission oil and coolant temperature, tire pressure, accelerometer, and lap timer
  • optional head-up display featuring blinking shift indicator, among others

Infotainment and Audi connect

Driver assistance systems

All terms marked in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexiconThe equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.