Audi announced on June 21, 2024, that the new RS 3 prototype recorded a lap time of 7 minutes 33.123 seconds on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, beating the fastest lap time in its class by more than five seconds. The facelifted Audi RS3 is scheduled to debut on August 20, 2024. Orders for this high-performance model will begin in Europe in August of this year, with the first deliveries scheduled for October.
Audi’s new RS3 prototype sets Nürburgring lap record
Racing and development driver Frank Stippler set a lap record in the new Audi RS 3 prototype.
This record was made possible by optimised cornering behaviour: the new RS 3 now demonstrates its agility earlier and in a more controlled way. Frank Stippler explains:
“This was the key to our success. The new RS 3 turns in smoothly on corner entry thanks to fine-tuning such as brake torque vectoring. This puts the car in a better position sooner, at the latest, when exiting the apex of the corner. The result is a lower steering angle from the apex to the corner exit, which reduces friction and allows for quicker acceleration, carrying momentum and speed onto each subsequent straight.”
The vehicle’s excellent driving dynamics are underpinned by the interplay between a torque splitter with fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, electronic stability control, wheel-selective torque control (brake torque vectoring) and the optional adaptive dampers on the RS sport suspension. The modular vehicle dynamics controller, with its enhanced algorithms, connects data from all components relevant to lateral dynamics with high sensitivity.
The new RS 3 is powered by a five-cylinder turbo petrol engine developing 400 PS and 500 Nm, which, combined with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres, a 19-inch ceramic brake system and RS sport suspension with adaptive damper control, ensures even more powerful cornering – all of which is accentuated by the distinctive deep roar of the engine thanks to the characteristic 1-2-4-5-3 ignition sequence.
Audi news release
