The latest Audi RS3 just broke the record for the fastest compact car around the Nürburgring, beating the Megane RS Trophy.
The second-gen RS3 Sportback and Sedan are two of the hottest cars from Ingolstadt. Both models feature a 2.5-liter TFSI inline-5 cylinder engine, producing an impressive 395 hp (400 PS) & 368 lb-ft of torque. Both are coupled with identical 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions and Quattro-AWD with rear Torque Splitters for the first time.
As a result, the RS3 goes from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 secs and achieves a top speed of 180 mph with the RS Dynamic package. Other performance bits include shock absorbers with adaptive dampers at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. Furthermore, braking is handled by steel discs as standard or optional ceramic discs with 6-pot and 4-pot calipers at the front and back. This whole package sits on a set of semi-slick Pirelli Trofeo R tires.
The Nürburgring has long been the ultimate race track with all types of corners, bumps, and elevation changes designed to test the mettle of man and machine. Before manufacturers can carry out a record run at the Ring, the test car is fitted with specialist timing equipment and video onboards to allow the teams and the official adjudicator to verify the run and the lap times.
The RS3 was driven by Audi’s test and development driver Frank Stippler. The only change made to the setup was to change the tire pressures on the Pirelli Trofeo R’s for the biggest contact patch on the asphalt track. Soon, the clock set off and the RS3 completed the Nürburgring lap in 7:40.748 minutes, beating the previous record by 4.5 secs held by the Renault Megane Trophy RS and the Honda Civic Type-R. Interestingly, the Audi equalized Murcielago’s lap time and shortly lost to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT.
“I’m proud of the whole team. Everyone worked hard for this day,[…] When we started development, we didn’t know just how quickly our compact sportscar would really be on the Nordschleife,” said Technical Project Leader of the RS3, Marvin Schwätter.
“That’s why a little fine-tuning is always necessary on the day when it matters — particularly with respect to tire pressure because that also affects how the torque splitter functions. Our approach was successful. It was a triumphant day all around,” exclaimed the test driver, Frank Stippler.
As cars go faster, records get broken and a new champion arrives at the scene. Only one tradition should stay the same for years to come — breaking records around the Green Hell!
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