Lap record on the Nordschleife: Audi RS 3 fastest in the compact class

03.08.2021

With a time of 7:40.748 minutes, the new Audi RS 3 Sedan (Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.7 – 8.2 (27.0 – 28.7 US mpg); Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 198 – 188 (318.7 – 302.6 g/mi)) with racing and development driver Frank Stippler at the wheel beat the lap record for the compact class on the Nürburgring Nordschleife by 4.64 seconds. Above all, the torque splitter, with its fully variable torque distribution on the rear axle, contributed to the record time in the “Green Hell.” The torque splitter will be used in an Audi series model for the first time.

“I’m proud of the whole team. Everyone worked hard for this day,” said Audi RS 3** Technical Project Leader Marvin Schwätter when the record time appeared on the board. “When we started development, we didn’t know just how quickly our compact sportscar would really be on the Nordschleife,” he explained. “But over the course of endurance testing, we determined that we could reach very good times and set a new record.”

Under ideal external conditions in the Eifel mountain range, they made record time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife – with Audi Sport racing and development driver Frank Stippler at the wheel. Before the record-setting lap, the team only adjusted the tire pressure in the Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slicks to the track conditions. “We don’t have unlimited opportunities to try for a record like this,” said Stippler. “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.”

Unmatched acceleration and top speed in the segment
Records are set based on the legendary five cylinder high-performance engine in the new Audi RS 3. In the latest generation of the compact sportscar, the 2.5 TFSI engine has more torque than ever. The RS 3 Sportback (Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.8 – 8.3 (26.7 – 28.3 US mpg); Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 201 – 190 (323.5 – 305.8 g/mi)) and the RS 3 Sedan (Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.7 – 8.2 (27.0 – 28.7 US mpg); Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 198 – 188 (318.7 – 302.6 g/mi)) sprint from zero to 100 km (62.14 mph) in 3.8 seconds.
With the RS dynamic package and ceramic brakes, they can even reach a top speed of 290 km/h (180.2 mph). That makes the Audi RS 3 the best in its class in terms of acceleration and top speed.

Torque splitter for maximum agility
Even during the test phase, with two 8,000 kilometer endurance tests on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Stippler helped optimize the compact sportscar’s lateral-dynamic driving characteristics. “In general, the new RS 3** is much more agile in its driving from the middle of the curve to its end and also when accelerating out of the curve,” said the racing and development driver. “For me, the torque splitter is a quantum leap in terms of agile driving.” The new technology makes fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels possible. An electronically controlled multiple disc clutch is used on each of the drive shafts for that purpose. For sporty driving, the torque splitter increases the torque on the rear wheel on the outside of the curve with greater wheel load. Due to the difference in propulsive forces, the car turns into the curve even better and follows the steering angle more precisely. This results in optimal stability and maximum agility – especially when cornering at high speeds.

RS performance mode specially designed for the racetrack
In the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, the characteristics of the torque splitter can be varied in different modes depending on use, road conditions, and preference. In conjunction with the newly developed RS performance driving mode, the torque splitter ensures the least possible understeering and oversteering and therefore a particularly dynamic, sporty ride along the longitudinal axis. This results in earlier acceleration out of corners and thus faster lap times. RS performance mode uses specific engine and transmission characteristics and is specially adjusted to the optional Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slick tires that are available for the first time ex factory – the ideal setup for a record lap on the Nürburgring.

*Information on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well as efficiency classes in ranges depending on the tires and alloy wheel rims used and on the equipment and accessories of the car.

Fuel consumption of the models named above
Information on fuel/electricity consumption and CO2 emissions in ranges depending on the tires and alloy wheel rims used and on the equipment and accessories of the car.

Audi RS 3 Sportback
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.8 – 8.3 (26.7 – 28.3 US mpg)*;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 201 – 190 (323.5 – 305.8 g/mi)*

Audi RS 3 Sedan
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.7 – 8.2 (27.0 – 28.7 US mpg)*;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 198 – 188 (318.7 – 302.6 g/mi)*