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Named “Engine of the Year” in
2010, the 2.5 TFSI delivers 250 kW (340 hp) from a displacement
of 2,480 cc. Its specific output is 100.8 kW (137.1 hp) per
liter. The peak torque of 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) is continuously
available over a broad rev range between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm.
The Audi RS 3 Sportback
accelerates from a standing stop to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.6
seconds – a best-in-class performance figure. The limited top
speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is merely the official figure.
Even so, the dynamic compact car uses on average just 9.1 liters
of fuel per 100 km (25.85 US mpg) and emits 212 g CO2 per km
(341.18 g/mile). This efficiency is due in large part to a
delivery-on-demand oil pump and a recuperation system that
recovers energy as the car decelerates.
The powerful five-cylinder unit is
extremely compact and lightweight. Its large turbocharger
compresses the intake air at pressures of up to 1.2 bar, and an
intercooler lowers its temperature at full load. When the driver
pushes the standard Sport button on the center tunnel, a flap
installed in the left exhaust tailpipe renders the
characteristic growling of the exhaust even more intense while
allowing the engine to respond with even more punch.
Dynamic par excellence: the
drivetrain and suspension A seven-speed S tronic comes standard
in the RS 3 Sportback. The compact dual-clutch transmission
shifts gears almost imperceptibly, with extreme speed and
comfort. Seventh gear is very tall – a measure that reduces fuel
consumption. In addition to two automatic programs, a manual
mode is available, which can be controlled with optional paddles
on the steering wheel. The launch control system manages maximum
acceleration from a standing start.
quattro permanent all-wheel drive
grants the Audi RS Sportback outstanding traction, fascinating
dynamics, and superb stability. Its centerpiece is an
electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, mounted at the
rear to achieve a favorable weight distribution. If the
situation calls for it, the clutch diverts torque from the front
axle to the rear axle within a few milliseconds.
The chassis of the powerful
compact car has an extremely sophisticated design. A four-link
suspension capable of handling longitudinal and lateral forces
separately is used at the rear. With a gear ratio of 16.2:1 the
electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering is extremely direct,
combining fine precision with highly efficient operation. The
stiff sports suspension lowers the body by 25 millimeters (0.98
in) compared with the A3.
The Audi RS 3 Sportback has
19-inch wheels. The front tires are size 235/35, whereas the
tires at the rear are 10 millimeters (0.39 in) narrower to
further enhance handling. The internally ventilated brake disks
measure 370 millimeters (14.57 in) in diameter at the front and
310 millimeters (12.20 in) at the rear. The front friction rings
are perforated.
They are connected by hollow pins
to the aluminum brake disk covers and gripped by four-piston
fixed calipers painted in black. The electronic stabilization
program (ESP) has a sport mode and can be switched off partially
or entirely.
The Audi RS 3 Sportback hints at
its enormous potential from the very first glimpse. Its front
and rear aprons have been prominently modified, and a large roof
spoiler sits atop the rear end. The flared front fenders are
made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) – an expression
of Audi expertise in lightweight design.
The dynamic style is matched in
the interior, entirely black and sporting a number of RS 3
logos. Sport seats with Fine Nappa leather upholstery are
standard; the inlays sport a Piano finish. A boost pressure
indicator, an oil thermometer and the lap timer are all included
in the driver information system. The instruments and the
selector lever are specially designed.
A flat-bottomed leather
multifunction sport steering wheel, a two-zone deluxe automatic
air conditioner, the chorus radio system and xenon plus
headlights with LED daytime running lights round out the array
of standard equipment. Audi offers customers a range of optional
features: black 19-inch alloy wheels with a red rim flange,
bucket seats, inlays in the new Aluminum Race material and
styling packages in black or matt aluminum.
Deliveries of the Audi RS 3
Sportback are scheduled to begin in the spring. Prices in
Germany will start at 49,900 euros.
Photos: Audi
(March 9, 2011)
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