Skip advert
Advertisement

New Audi RS 3 sets a top Nürburging lap time as it prepares for launch

Facelifted Audi RS3 tops the timing sheets as the updated hyper-hatch is put through its final tests ahead of a summer 2024 launch. 

Ahead of the launch later this summer, Audi has taken its new Audi RS 3 to the Nürburgring to see how fast it will go. The answer: very, as it turns out, the car having set a time of 7min 33.123 seconds in pre-production form. That’s two-seconds quicker than the existing RS 3, over six-seconds quicker than the time set by the Renault Sport Megane RS Trophy R and a whopping 11 seconds ahead of the FL5 Honda Civic Type R. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The time, set by legendary Audi racer and development driver Frank Stippler, is down to the further evolution of the RS 3’s sophisticated chassis hardware, which includes Audi’s RS torque splitter that allows variable torque distribution across the rear axle, brake torque vectoring that manages the individual torque delivery to each wheel, Audi Sport’s latest adaptive sports suspension and a thorough re-working of the RS 3’s electronic stability control systems. 

‘The key to our success was the RS3 turns in more willingly at corner entry thanks to fine-tuning – including brake torque vectoring – which allows the vehicle to be positioned earlier and better for corner exit from the apex, at the latest. The result is a lower steering angle from apex to corner exit, which leads to less friction and earlier acceleration, allowing you to carry more momentum and speed onto each subsequent straight’, explained Stippler. 

The RS 3 is still powered by Audi’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine, and will be the last Audi model to be fitted with this warbling motor. The 394bhp and 369lb ft it produces are clearly a benefit when setting a ‘Ring time, but so too would have been the Pirelli Trofeo R tyres that have been an option on the RS 3 since 2021, although not on UK models. The lap time setting pre-production car was also fitted with 19-inch carbon-ceramic brakes.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Audi RS3 2024 review – can it topple Mercedes-AMG’s A45 S?
Audi RS3 – front
Reviews

Audi RS3 2024 review – can it topple Mercedes-AMG’s A45 S?

With no power boost, the new Audi RS3 relies on a host of chassis and drivetrain upgrades to take on the AMG A45 S and Honda Civic Type R
27 Oct 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

‘There are still a few used car bargains. I almost dare not speak their names’
Audi R8
Opinion

‘There are still a few used car bargains. I almost dare not speak their names’

Jethro confesses an addiction, but one that you almost certainly share
24 Jan 2025
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid 2025 review – the best 992 Carrera yet
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid – front
Reviews

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid 2025 review – the best 992 Carrera yet

A new hybrid engine and chassis upgrades have injected personality and huge capability into the 992 – it’s our favourite 911 this side of a GT3
24 Jan 2025
Porsche 989 – dead on arrival
Porsche 989
Features

Porsche 989 – dead on arrival

Porsche’s first saloon might have predated the Panamera by a decade and a half, had the sums added up
22 Jan 2025