In just over a year, Audi has unveiled the entire A3 range. The icing on the compact sedan with rings, the exclusive RS 3 versions offered in Sportback as in sedan finalize the offer. Count respectively 70,000 and 71,000 €.
Here are the new Audi RS 3 Sportback and RS 3 Sedan. They finally take off their camouflaged dresses to admire their plastics while muscles and highlighted by shimmering colors. This is the third generation for the Sportback body, but only the second for the sedan.
Anyway, we finally observe the enlarged bodywork and specific specific air vents. to the most invigorating variants of the Audi A3 range. We especially note an imposing black mask bringing volume to the Singleframe grille and which is reminiscent of the Audi RS e-tron GT. It is thus impossible to confuse the Audi RS 3 vintage 2021 with “simple” Audi S3. Especially since the latter have lost their exclusivity. They no longer have the prerogative of their aesthetic attributes since they share them with the models of the S line finish. There are no small savings, even at Audi.
Bonded with bitumen or queen of sliding?
Comparatively, the current Audi RS 3 launched in 2015 seems much wiser. Without going into the DTM style, the wings of the 2021 versions gain in volume in order to properly cover the increased tracks by 33 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear. There is also a new design element behind the front wheel arches: an additional air outlet that attracts attention. The Audi RS 3 comes standard with 19-inch rims with a Y-pattern on each of their 10 spokes. But a 5-spoke model is offered as an option including RS markings. Still among the options, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires make their appearance with an optimal level of grip for the circuit.
Corn, Conversely, the Audi can also become the queen of sliding. Indeed, it which is the entry point of the RS offer adopts state-of-the-art technological treats, like the quattro sport differential allowing to drift at leisure (on closed road of course) as if the car were in use. propulsion architecture. What to reply tit for tat to the Mercedes-AMG Class A 45 S.
TO READ. Audi RS 3 (2022). The quattro adapted to the pleasures of skiing!
An enchanting “mill”
On board the Audi RS 3 there are also new driving modes and a digital display which is very similar to that of a racing car. However, Audi has not upset everything and has kept what makes the salt of the model, specifically the 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine whose sound is unique in the segment. There is no equivalent, the rivals must choose their camp between four and six cylinders. The engineers of the brand with the rings did not want to boost the power of the car, which remains established at 400 hp. That power always goes to the ground via quattro all-wheel drive and a robotized S tronic twin-clutch seven-speed gearbox. On the other hand, it is available earlier, from 5,600 rpm, and the torque value of this 5-cylinder has increased from 480 to 500 Nm.
Audi has just announced the combined fuel consumption according to the NEDC standard. They have been approved – depending on the options – between 8.2 and 8.8 l / 100 km. The weight of the Audi RS 3 Sportback is 1,570 kg, that of the RS 3 Sedan is 1,575 kg. For the record, the current Audi RS 3 Sportback weighed 1,510 kg and the sedan 1,515 kg.
Audi leaves it to the customer to choose the top speed of their car. As standard, the car is electronically restricted to 250 km / h. Those who want more, especially because they have the possibility of driving legally at high speed, will opt for a first unbridled version reaching 280 km / h.
“RS Dynamic package raises top speed to 290 km / h“
And for the eternal dissatisfied, the pack RS Dynamic will offer a “vmax” of 290 km / h. Knowing that to stop effectively the Audi RS 3 is equipped as standard with six-piston steel brakes with a diameter of 375 mm for a thickness of 36 mm at the front, against 310 mm and 22 mm at the rear . The ceramic version available in this RS pack relies on 380 mm wide and 38 mm thick discs, the calipers of which can be lacquered gray, red or blue.
Audi RS 3 price (2021)
Orders will be opened in mid-August 2021. Prices are € 70,000 for the Audi RS 3 Sportback and € 71,000 for the Audi RS 3 Sedan.
For comparison, the Mercedes-AMG A-Class 45 S is charged 70 699 €, while the Audi RS 3 Sedan has no direct equivalent in the Mercedes range, for lack of Class A Sedan AMG in the catalog. This is the role of the CLA four-door coupe. Its price is € 73,299.
