The new Audi RS 3 is the fastest compact car

"I am proud of the whole team. Everyone has worked hard for this day, "commented Marvin Schwätter, technical project manager for RS 3, when the record time appeared on the board. "At the beginning of the development, we did not know how fast our compact sports car would be on the north loop," he explained. "But during the endurance testing, we realized that we had very good times and could set a new record."

Equipped with the optional Dynamic plus RS package, which includes the adaptive running gear in sports version and the RS ceramic brake system, the legendary 5-cylinder engine, which delivers a power of 294 kW (400 hp) and a maximum torque of 500 Nm, allows the Audi RS 3 to reach a top speed of 290 km / h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.8 seconds.

• 7: 40,748 minutes: new record time in the compact segment
• Ideal setup: torque splitter, semi-slicks and RS sports chassis plus
• At the wheel: Frank Stippler, racing and development driver Audi Sport
• 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, 400 hp, 500 Nm

The key to achieving the record is, according to the brand with the four rings, the interaction of cutting-edge technologies. For the first time, Audi uses the torque splitter system in a series production model. This system distributes the engine torque in a variable way between the rear axle wheels thanks to using an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch on each of the transmission shafts.

Before the record lap, Frank Stippler's team only adjusted the tire pressure on their Pirelli P Zero "Trofeo R" semi-slicks to the track conditions. "We do not have unlimited opportunities to make a record attempt," said Frank Stippler. "It is, therefore, necessary with a certain fine-tuning of the day when it comes to - especially when it comes to tire pressure because it also affects how the torque splitter works. We succeeded. It was a successful day overall."

The record time is a result of several different advanced technical solutions. For the first time, a torque splitter is used in an Audi model. It distributes the drive torque completely variably between the rear wheels and is regulated via a vane coupling on the drive axles. During more active driving, the driving torque is distributed to the outer wheel, which has a higher load. For right-hand curves, more torque is distributed to the left rear wheel and vice versa for left-hand curves. The new Audi RS 3, therefore, takes the curves even better and follows the steering angle even more precisely. "The new Audi RS 3 is generally much more dynamic from the centre and towards the end of the curve and when accelerating out of it," says Frank Stippler.

"For me, the torque splitter is a quantum leap when it comes to agile driving." This is especially evident in combination with the newly developed RS Performance driving mode, which is specially tuned for the racing track with its own engine and transmission characteristics. The Torque splitter gives a neutral behaviour, with as little oversteer and understeer as possible. It makes it possible to accelerate early at the end of a curve with faster lap times.

The car's setup is completed with Pirelli P Zero "Trofeo R" semi-slicks, 19-inch ceramic brakes at the front and RS sports chassis plus with adaptive damper control. The latter adapts each shock absorber individually and continuously to the road conditions, driving situation and the driving mode selected in the Audi drive select. The RS Performance mode has two different setups for different racing tracks - one is adapted for more comfort on uneven tracks such as the Nordslingan, where it is essential to minimize vertical impact at the same time high transverse forces. The second is a sporty setup for even racing tracks like the Hockenheimring. With the ceramic braking system and adaptive chassis, the legendary five-cylinder high-performance engine in the RS 3 delivers a maximum top speed of 290 km / h. With 0-100 in 3.8 seconds, the Audi RS 3 is the fastest in the class.

Among the options to personalize the interior design, Audi RS 3 customers can choose the RS and RS plus design packages in green or red colours and the upholstery in fine Nappa leather with honeycomb padding and RS engravings.

For the exterior, there are options such as the black optics package plus, the specific RS inlays in matt Atlas carbon, the RS sports exhaust system or the engine compartment cover with carbon inserts, as well as different wheel designs. Furthermore, the range of body colours includes two specifics for the RS 3, Kemora grey and Kyalami green, as well as the customization options offered by Audi exclusive.

The Audi RS 3 Sportback and the RS 3 Sedan can be ordered from European dealers. The car launch will take place later in the autumn. The price for the Audi RS 3 Sportback is 58,500 euros, and the Audi RS 3 Sedan is 59,400 euros. @via nuerburgring.