(continued from above)
Power is transmitted to the road via a seven-speed S tronic and quattro
permanent all-wheel drive. 19-inch wheels and fenders made of carbon fiber
reinforced plastic (CFRP) underscore the Audi RS 3 Sportback's position of
distinction.
Dynamic Exterior Styling
The new
top-of-the-line model in the A3 series hints at its explosive potential from the
very first glimpse. The xenon plus headlights, the front apron,
the anthracite single-frame grill with diamond-patterned styling and the air
intakes cut a distinctive figure.
The side view is dominated by the
flared front fenders made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), prominent
sill panels, exterior-mirror casings in matt aluminum look and a large roof
spoiler. A high-gloss black diffusor insert and two elliptical exhaust tailpipes
on the left accentuate the styling at the rear. RS 3 badges adorn the
single-frame grill and the rear hatch.
Sporty Interior
The
dynamic style is matched in the interior, entirely black and sporting a number
of RS 3 logos. The sports seats are upholstered in Fine Nappa leather with
silver contrasting stitching; the inlays gleam in Piano finish black or the new
Aluminum Race look; the leather multifunction sports steering wheel is
flat-bottomed. The selector lever and instruments are specially designed. The
driver information system can display the boost pressure and oil temperature as
well as a lap timer.
Audi RS 3's Inline-5 Engine
Each Audi
RS model represents the pinnacle of its model line - the RS 3 Sportback,
developed by quattro GmbH, now brings this dynamic philosophy to the compact
category. It rockets from a dead stop to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds - a performance
figure unrivaled by the competition. Top speed is electronically limited to 155
mph. Even so the compact car, weighing in at only 3,472 pounds, delivers 26 US
mpg on average (9.1 liters per 100 km) and emits 341.18 g CO2 per mile (212 g
CO2 per km). This efficiency is due in large part to a delivery-on-demand oil
pump and a regenerative system that recovers energy as the car decelerates.
The 2.5-liter engine in the RS 3 Sportback will thrill passengers thanks to
its tremendous pulling power and its voracious revving up to 6,800 rpm. The
guttural roaring and growling, backed by the signature rhythm of the
five-cylinder firing order make up the classic Audi soundtrack. A sound flap in
the exhaust branch intensifies the sound even further. The flap is controlled
via the standard Sport button, which also varies the engine response.
The
2.5-liter unit, already part of the TT RS specifications, has recently been
named "International Engine of the Year" by a jury of automotive journalists.
The 2.5 TFSI delivers 340 hp from a displacement of 2,480 cc: a specific
power output of 137.1 hp per liter. The maximum torque of 332 lb-ft is readily
available at the low end of the rev range, around 1,600 rpm, and remains
constant up to 5,300 revolutions. These general parameters yield excellent
acceleration and elasticity values.
Audi RS 3 Sportback: Review (2/2)