Not even released yet and still camouflaged, the new Audi RS3 set a record on the Nürburgring, putting the very efficient BMW M2, the (late) record holder, back on the ropes.
Restyled last March, the Audi A3 was directly shown in different versions: sedan and compact, raised Allstreet version and sporty S3. Yes, but there is still the most powerful and efficient of all to discover: the RS3. In reality, we can already easily imagine what awaits us by applying the new features brought about by the mid-career facelift to this bodybuilt version. Like the thinner and wider grille, or the new front lights allowing you to play on the light signatures. However, the new RS3 is still playing hide and seek. As shown by this camouflaged RS3 letting off steam on the Nürburgring. You will have understood, she is not here so much to show off her new aesthetic features as her first-rate performances!
The BMW M2 on the carpet
At the wheel of this camouflaged Audi RS3, development driver Frank Stippler did not really come to make up the numbers. But rather chase records. And this is what he succeeded in doing by establishing on the North Loop, the famous Nordschleife, a time of 7:33.123 minutes. Which means this restyled RS3 has broken the record for the fastest production compact car on the circuit. If that doesn’t speak to you, know that it’s still not far from 5 seconds gained on the previous record holder who had completed the circuit in 7:38.71 minutes. And which was none other than… the BMW M2! It is true that the latter makes 460 hp, but it also remains in propulsion…
New chassis tuning
Equipped with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires, the restyled Audi RS3 owes its new record not so much to its power as to its new chassis settings. Indeed, we already know that the 5-cylinder 2.5 turbo remains under the hood, still sending a power of 400 hp and 500 Nm of torque to all four wheels. On the other hand, Audi explains that it is the optimization of cornering behavior that has borne fruit. “The new Audi RS3 turns more readily when entering a bend thanks to fine tuning – including braking torque vectoring – which allows the vehicle to be positioned earlier and better for corner exit from the apex point” explains Frank Stippler. “This results in a lower steering angle between the apex and exit of the turn, which reduces friction and allows you to accelerate more quickly, and therefore have more momentum and speed on the straights following”. QED.
Can the RS3 do even better?
As powerful and efficient as it is, the new Audi RS3 has undoubtedly reached a plateau in terms of performance. The race for power should no longer climb much higher for the German, while the new setting seems as sharp as possible. It remains to be seen whether the 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds of the pre-facelift version will be improved, but nothing is less certain. To be sure, you will have to wait a little longer because the new RS3 will be available to order at the beginning of next September, and will arrive at dealerships from October.
Is this article relevant?
