Sharpened look and new engine for the RS 3 Sportback
AUDI The new RS 3 Sportback completes the Ingolstadt company's sporty spearhead in the compact segment. The world premiere of the RS 3 Sedan at the 2016 Paris Motor Show is followed by the Sportback at the Geneva Motor Show. The flagship of the model series is packed with everything that is trendy in terms of connectivity. In the RS 3 Sportback, the most powerful [...]
The RS 3 Sportback is powered by the world's most powerful five-cylinder production engine. At 294 kW (400 hp), it delivers 33 hp more than the predecessor unit and is 26 kg lighter, thanks in part to its aluminum crankcase. The maximum torque of 480 Nm is available at 1700 rpm and remains constant up to 5850 rpm. As a result, the RS 3 Sportback sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The V-max limit can be raised from 250 to 280 km/h on request.
Quattro drive with variable power distribution
Power is transmitted to the road via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and permanent all-wheel drive. An electrohydraulic multi-plate clutch distributes the drive torque variably between the axles. The more sporty the driver, the faster and more often a large part of the torque reaches the rear axle. The Quattro management system is integrated into the driving dynamics system as standard, as are the steering, the dual-clutch transmission, the engine management system, the switchable exhaust flaps and the optional "RS sport suspension plus" with adaptive damper control. The driver can vary the operation of these components among four modes. An ESC with wheel-selective torque control and a specifically tuned sport mode, as well as progressive steering, four-link rear suspension and firmer suspension setup with 25 mm lowering compared with the "normal" A3, are designed to further improve handling. Track width on the front axle increases by 20 mm compared with the standard model. Standard 19-inch cast wheels with 235/35 tires and 370-millimeter-diameter brake discs are fitted on the front axle (310 mm at the rear). LED headlights are standard, and on request headlights with Matrix LED technology orderable.
Special RS screen
The centrally positioned driver information system integrates a boost pressure indicator, an oil thermometer and a laptimer. A fully digital cockpit optionally displays data from the infotainment system. A special screen puts the tachometer in the center, and information on torque, g-forces and tire pressure can be displayed to the side of it. If the transmission is operating in manual mode, a colored scale prompts the driver to shift up via the steering wheel paddles or selector lever when the maximum speed is approached.
Sporty interior with maximum connectivity
As standard, the RS 3 Sportback is equipped with sports seats in black leather. More strongly contoured sports seats with integrated head restraints are available as an option. The main control element of the infotainment system is the rotary/push dial on the center tunnel console, the surface of which is optionally available as a touchpad. The driver can use it to scroll, zoom and type. In addition, there is a free-text search function and the voice control system processes questions and commands from everyday speech.
The RS 3 Sportback is versatile when it comes to infotainment. A LTE module brings Audi connect services on board, including navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View as well as information on gas prices, weather, travel and traffic. An Audi multimedia app allows the calendar to be transferred from the smartphone to the system. In addition, the driver can send destinations from Google Maps and points of interest to the navigation system, as well as stream music from the Internet. Via Apple Car Play and Android Auto, selected apps, such as those for phone, navigation and music, can be accessed directly on the screen in the car. The navigation system also integrates a Wi-Fi hotspot that connects passengers' mobile devices to the World Wide Web.
Other highlights include the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 705 watts of power and numerous driver assistance systems. The traffic jam assistant not only regulates the distance to the vehicle in front in slow-moving traffic up to 65 km/h, but also briefly takes over the steering. Also new are the emergency assistant, which automatically stops the car if necessary, and the rear cross-traffic assistant. It monitors the road for crossing vehicles when pulling out of a parking space.
The RS 3 Sportback and RS 3 Sedan will be available to order in Switzerland from May 2017. The market launch will take place in late summer 2017. Swiss prices are not yet known at present.
