The turbocharged Inline-five returns but the sedan-only American market doesn’t get a hatchback.
In the 1980s Audi gave the angular Coupe a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive and boxy flares. This made it the Quattro, the iconic brand’s performance benchmark. This same formula, nearly 40 years later will transform the entry-level Audi RS3 sedan into the brand’s most powerful vehicle.
The turbocharged five-cylinder engine under the hood is similar to the original Quattro or the previous-generation RS3. It also boasts torque-vectoring Quattro all wheel drive and will be offered in certain markets as a five-door hatch (Audi calls it “Sportback”) or a four-door sedan. The sedan will be the only model available in the American market. However, Audi did not deny that the hatchback was being considered, possibly due to the popularity of the Avant stationwagon. The entire RS3 family is expected to be more dynamic than ever.
Sinister Sisters
Both RS3 versions get new, aggressive designs. The front ends are dominated by the grille and gloss black surround. There are air intakes at the corners of the bumpers that provide additional cooling. All of this is trimmed with RS3-specific hexagonal mesh. A checkered flag motif on the LED headlight signature creates choreography for approaching and leaving the vehicle. The front fenders are slit-like with vents just before the door shutline. Box-style flares above the wheels provide a visual link to the original Audi Quattro.
Other aerodynamic improvements include more aggressive side skirts and a vented rear bumper made of the same hexagonal mesh that the front bumper. A subtle roof spoiler for the hatch or decklid spoiler for the sedan complete the aerodynamic changes. The kinked-LED taillights feature their own lock-and-unlock animation. Two Audi RS-signature oval exhaust outlets are located on each side of a gloss-black rear diffuser. The RS3 also has a blacked-out roofing panel that can be added to its evil.
An Alu-Optic trim package can be chosen by those who prefer a more subtle appearance to their sedan. It accents the bumpers, front splitter and rear diffusers as well as side skirts with matte black trim. A carbon fiber trim package is also available for the same exterior parts, drawing attention to RS3’s racy exterior.
The 2022 Audi RS3’s Lamborghini interior features a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen running MIB3, making it easier to use. You can upgrade to sporty features like a standard carbon fiber trim and “RS Runway” mode for the tachometer. This makes it easier to perform properly timed shifts, without having to look directly at the gauge cluster. RS-signature honeycomb seats are available in red, black, or a combination of both. An interior design pack adds additional red or green accents at the corners, dash and door panels.
Audi claims the 2022 RS3 has the best acceleration, thanks to its 2.5-liter Inline-Five that is turbocharged to within one inch of its life. Global models will be able to produce 394 horsepower (294 kilowatts), and 369 pound feet (500 newton meters). However, in a bizarre twist of events, the US model actually has more power than its counterparts on the continent. The American RS3 has 401 horsepower, which is 7 more than the Euro model (and the old RS3). However, it’s still a pleasant surprise. These 369 torques are 15 more than the previous compact sport sedan.
The RS3 also sounds great. The RS3 sounds great, too. The transmission transmits power to all four wheels via Quattro all wheel drive with a new RS Torque Splitter. This replaces the rear differential and diverts up to 100 percent torque to each wheel.
This is just one of the many tricks this front-drive platform has to offer. RS Torque Rear is a new drive mode that sends the most power to the rear wheels. This allows for lurid drifts (on a closed track, of course). The RS Performance mode, which is a similar-new option, balances power distribution better and Audi claims that it almost eliminates understeer and oversteer to allow for fast motoring.
2022 Audi RS3 comes with a standard suspension that includes shock absorbers and valving tailored to the vehicle. This improves performance and prevents degradation. An adaptive suspension with active dampers, which adjusts continuously based on road conditions and driver demands, is also available. The RS3’s camber is higher than ever, which improves corner grip but may cause some tire wear.
There are other modifications to the A3 and RS3 than the standard A3 or RS3. These include stiffer bearings, subframes and stabilizers of the front double-wishbone suspension. The RS Torque Splitter’s lateral forces are absorbed by stiffer rear wheel carriers. Variable-ratio steering adjusts its response to current conditions. The RS3 is 1″ (25 millimeters lower) than the A3, which allows for better transitional responses.
A set of standard steel brakes featuring six-piston front disc calipers will further improve control. Audi will fit ceramic rear brakes and front brakes with a larger size than their standard counterparts. This improves heat resistance and reduces rotational mass in the case of front rotors.
Audi claims that the RS3 can sprint 100 km/h (62 miles/hour) in 3.8 seconds. Mercedes-AMG claims a time of 4.1 seconds for the CLA45, and 4.0 seconds for CLA45 S. The RS3 also has the ability to hit 155 mph (225 km/h), in its standard form, or 174 mph (281 km/h), with the optional performance package. The RS3 can reach a remarkable 180 mph (290 km/h) if it has ceramic front brakes. This makes it the fastest car in its class.
Go Once, Go Twice, Sold!
Next month, the 2022 Audi RS3 will be available in Europe at a starting price 60,000 Euros for a Sportback and 62,000 for a sedan – an equivalent of $70,832 or $73,193, in dollars. We will only be able to purchase the sedan and are not subject to any value-added taxes. The new RS3 four door will likely start at $61,000, or more, before options. The new sedan should be slightly more expensive than the 2020 RS3, starting at $57,195.