The RS 3 is the gateway to the world of high performance RS at the house of Audi. Available only as a sedan in Canada, it returns with a 401 horsepower cavalry developed by its legendary 5-cylinder.
Built on the basis of the new generation of the A3, the RS 3 2022 takes on even sharper features than before. The approach to RS Q8 is particularly striking at the front section where the “Single Frame” grille frame widens and turns black.
On each side, they are small marvels of technology with optical blocks of the matrix type fully LED. It is not yet known whether this innovation will be offered in Canada, but, upon start-up, the car writes RS 3 even inside the lower structure and may even reproduce a checkered flag. It is unnecessary, but original.
From the front, we immediately notice that the tracks are wider, in particular because of the presence of protuberances at the shoulder and at the hip. In addition, we can clearly see a fine air outlet behind the front wheels. As standard, there are 19-inch rims fitted with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires.
At the rear, dynamism remains the recipe with a sculpted bumper giving the impression of a large opening. A small spoiler was also added to the trunk and renewed the two large ovoidal exhaust pipes specific to RS models. For fun, a variable control of the exhaust flaps allows a more or less serious sound.
Inside, this is the usual treatment for an RS. Alcantara is everywhere, as are the stitching and polygonal embroidery on the seats. To ensure a touch of sportiness, a flat steering wheel is added at the base with the precious contrasting line at 12 o’clock to always keep in mind the exact position of the steering wheel.
In instrumentation, the “virtual cockpit” is standard, but this time it incorporates a host of additional performance data such as G-forces, lap times and more. Still in terms of the monitor, it will be possible to have a head-up display as well as a 10.1-inch multimedia screen in the center of the dashboard.
Beyond its looks, the point of attraction of the RS 3 is its mechanics. Audi is renewing the turbocharged 2.5-liter TFSI 5-cylinder engine that we have known for several years. In this case, the North American version offers no less than 401 horsepower between 5,600 and 7,000 rpm as well as 368 pound-feet of torque between 2,250 and 5,600 rpm. Only a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (S-Tronic) will be featured.
Its sportiness also goes through the contribution of RS double-arm suspensions at the front and multiple-link at the rear. The shocks are also more generous than before in terms of diameter and firmness. We must not forget that the negative camber of the RS is greater than that of the S3 and the A3. By the way, the RS is 25 millimeters lower than the regular sedan. As an option, it will be possible to choose adaptive suspensions which will vary according to the driving modes.
The result is convincing. Audi announces a 0 to 100 km / hour in just 3.8 seconds, which represents a gain of 0.3 seconds over the older generation. Top speed is limited to 250 km / hour or can be optionally unbridled with the RS Dynamic package at an even more illegal speed of 290 km / hour.
For the moment Audi Canada has not disclosed the prices for our market. The old generation started at around $ 62,000, but we expect a slight increase, still below $ 65,000 for the 2022 model.
