A perennial 'engine of the year' winner powers the Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 Sedan, considered as a brand icon for over four decades, is now available in the showrooms of Audi Philippines, together with the Audi RS 6 Avant and the Audi RS Q8 .

These lead the debut of the Audi Sport brand (the high-performance segment of Audi AG) in the country, and signals the introduction of more RS models.

The exterior of the RS 3 Sedan features large, oval RS exhaust tailpipes; a distinct diffuser insert with vertical struts; a fixed rear spoiler lip;  flared wheel arches that make way for increased rear and front tracks to enhance stability and handling; and a Singleframe grille with quattro emblem.

The Audi RS 3 is not just a sedan equipped with dynamic lines, but it also takes pride in a sporty appeal, a powerful engine, an exquisite interior, and complete control for a pleasurable driving experience.

The 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder engine of the RS 3 Sedan took the lead in the 2.0-liter to 2.5-liter segment in the International Engine of the Year Awards from 2010 to 2019.

Since its launch, the 2.5 TFSI gasoline engine has continuously acquired upgrades, which include shifting to a crankcase constructed from aluminum.

A panel of automotive journalists worldwide voted for the turbocharged 2.5 TFSI. Since then, it has been regarded as one of the strongest series-produced five-cylinder engines worldwide. 

The engine generates 480Nm of torque and 400hp. Aside from the output, there is also a sound that is unique to a high-performance five-cylinder unit, produced by adjacent cylinders that fire conversely with distant ones.

Audi Sport Head of Technical Development Oliver Hoffman referenced the iconic five-cylinder engine of the RS 3 Sedan to the five-cylinder gasoline engine in the Audi “Ur-Quattro” of 1980, fitted with an intercooler and a turbocharger, that initially generated 200hp.

The combination of this engine with the similarly iconic Quattro all-wheel drive system enabled the Ur-Quattro to be highly successful and powerful for both the road and the racetrack. This combination earned the World Rally Championship titles and a recognition in Pikes Peak, among other motorsport competitions.

This same winning strategy of a Quattro all-wheel drive and inline-five engine persists in a more technologically innovative form in the RS 3 Sedan. It provides the vehicle with the ability to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in only 4.1 ticks and to achieve a top speed of 250kph. This is also accompanied by the distinctive sound of the five-cylinder engine.

Meanwhile, the S-tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission transfers power to the Quattro all-wheel drive system. Along this particular drivetrain, an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch is responsible for the varying distribution of the torque between axles.

High driving dynamics is essential in the Audi RS Sedan, and this is the reason why it is armed with features for the stabilization of overall handling. 

The torque control of the standard Quattro all-wheel drive system moderately brakes the inner wheels when driving rapidly around corners. This improves the drive torque on the outer wheels, which leads to increased handling.

Moreover, the Audi drive select dynamic handling system incorporates the functions of the adjustable exhaust, engine control, S-tronic, steering, and Quattro management unit, among others.

The standard progressive steering modifies the transmission accurately to the steering angle. This helps you in maneuvering or parking the vehicle thanks to reduced steering effort.

In particular, the RS 3 Sedan acts as a platform for the RS 3 LMS for Audi Sport, a racing car that was able to complete another successful motorsports season last year through constant domination in global touring car competitions.

Currently, the RS 3 LMS has earned over 11 drivers’ titles, 230 race wins, and 25 championships worldwide in the Touring Car Racing (TCR) series, which is regarded at present as the most successful touring car category in the world, where at least 14 auto manufacturers participate.

Photo from Audi Philippines