The RS3 is the final version of the A3 model to undergo updates. While the engine remains the same as the 400 hp five-cylinder, the new model offers enhanced dynamics.
We may not have the privilege of enjoying Audi’s remarkable five-cylinder engine for much longer. As stricter emission regulations come into effect, its era is drawing to a close. Fortunately, it will make one last appearance in the RS3 facelift. This model features the same performance specs, but boasts improved lateral dynamics, a more dynamic appearance, and an updated interior. The Audi RS3 8Y generation will enter the second half of its life starting autumn 2024.
Faster than the BMW M2 at the Nürburgring
Audi has kept the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine unchanged, maintaining its output at 400 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The acceleration time of 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and the top speed is still capped at 250 km/h (with an optional 290 km/h). Enhanced control of the exhaust flaps improves the sound, and a sports exhaust system is available for an extra cost.
A power not only on straights.
The ignition sequence 1-2-4-5-3 gives the five-cylinder its distinctive sound, …
… which has been enhanced through the modified flap control of the exhaust system.
Audi has implemented detailed improvements in various areas. The torque splitter, adaptive chassis, stability control system, and wheel-selective torque distribution now respond even more sensitively to driving conditions, working in tandem. This synergy enabled the new RS3 to set a lap record on the Nordschleife in its class, clocking 07:33.123 minutes, which is over five seconds quicker than the previous record held by the BMW M2 on the 20,832 km long course.
Even more aggressive appearance than before
The facelifted RS3 takes its bold design a step further. The front features a wider and flatter radiator grille with a coarser mesh, giving it an intimidating look accentuated by the wider front splitter and redesigned side air intakes.
At the rear, a robust diffuser replaces the faux grille, with a central vertical reflector and two diagonal reflectors on the sides, further enhancing the RS3’s wide stance. The headlights have been updated with a new checkered flag design and three additional daytime running light signatures, while the rear lights showcase revised graphics.
The front of the new RS3 appears even more menacing…
… thanks to the broader apron and larger air intakes.
The 19-inch rims were formerly exclusive to the Performance Edition.
The daytime running light signature now consists of 24 individual segments.
The rear of the RS3 now appears wider as well.
The facelifted RS3 is again available as a sedan, …
… which will cost an additional 1,250 francs …
… and gives the RS3 a slightly more elegant character.
The color palette is expanded with three options: Ascari Blue, Progressive Red, and Matt Daytona Gray. Buyers can further enhance their RS3 with design packages featuring carbon or glossy black elements as well as exterior mirror caps in body color, black, or carbon.
Higher performance series tires
A new rim design is available as an option, previously reserved for the Performance Edition. The semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R is offered as an optional feature, while tires with superior cornering grip and comfort come standard.
A touch of BMW M in the interior
The most noticeable change inside the cockpit is the new steering wheel, which has been flattened at the top and bottom and features haptic buttons instead of traditional buttons. There are now two distinct buttons styled similarly to the M buttons in BMW’s M models — one for activating performance driving mode and the other for the self-configurable RS Individual mode. The digital cockpit now displays a round tachometer and other vehicle information, while the infotainment system features a new app store for directly loading apps into the system.
The new steering wheel is now flattened at the top and bottom…
… and has two buttons for the driving modes, while …
… the gearshift lever is even smaller than before.
The ambient lighting now backlights the door panels as well.
Bucket seats with carbon back shells are offered as an option, …
… while RS sports seats come standard.
Other noteworthy details include a smaller gearlever and enhanced ambient lighting. For an extra fee, a 12 o’clock mark on the steering wheel, microfiber decorative trims, and carbon bucket seats can add to the sportiness of the interior.
With the facelift, the prices for the RS3 are also increasing, now ranging from 78,500 francs to 83,000 francs for the Sportback. The sedan will cost an additional 1,250 francs. The new RS3 will be available for order starting at the end of August 2024, with a market launch following in October.
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Audi RS3 Facelift: Performance, Design, and Impressive Upgrades
The RS3 is the last A3 model to be revised. The engine remains the same as the 400 hp five-cylinder, but the new model has more to offer dynamically.
We probably won’t be able to enjoy Audi’s magnificent five-cylinder engine for much longer. Sooner rather than later, increasingly strict emission limits will put an end to it. All the better that it will be able to make another appearance in the RS3 facelift. With familiar performance data, but sharpened lateral dynamics, more pep in the look and a revised interior, the Audi RS3 generation 8Y will enter its second half of life from autumn 2024.
Faster than the BMW M2 at the Nürburgring
Audi left the 2.5 liter turbo five-cylinder engine untouched. Accordingly, it remains at 400 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The acceleration value of 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and the top speed of 250 km/h (optionally 290 km/h) also remain the same. Optimized control of the exhaust flaps ensures a further improved sound, and a sports exhaust system is also available for an additional charge.
A power not only on straights.
The ignition sequence 1-2-4-5-3 gives the five-cylinder its snotty sound, …
… which is optimized by the modified flap control of the exhaust system.
Audi has made detailed improvements elsewhere. The torque splitter, the adaptive chassis, the stability program and the wheel-selective torque distribution now react even more sensitively to the driving situation, depending on one another. This works so well that the new RS3 has broken the lap record on the Nordschleife in its class. 07:33.123 minutes is more than five seconds better than the BMW M2, the previous record holder on the 20,832 km long course.
Even more brutal look than before
Where the previous RS3 was not timidly designed, the facelift takes it one step further. The front with a wider and flatter radiator grille and coarse-meshed grille looks really mean, accentuated by the wider front splitter and the differently designed side air intakes.
At the rear there is a powerful diffuser, which now does without the fake grille. A central vertical reflector and two diagonal reflectors on the sides make the RS3 look even wider. The headlights have a new checkered flag design and three additional daytime running light signatures, and the rear lights also have revised graphics.
The front of the new RS3 looks even more martial…
… thanks to the wider apron and larger air intakes.
The 19-inch rims were previously reserved for the Performance Edition.
The daytime running light signature now consists of 24 individual segments.
The rear of the RS3 also now appears wider.
The facelifted RS3 is also available again as a sedan, …
… which will cost an additional 1250 francs …
… and gives the RS3 a slightly more elegant character.
Three colors, Ascari Blue, Progressive Red, and Matt Daytona Gray, expand the range. If you want, you can further enhance your RS3 with design packages made of carbon or glossy black parts as well as exterior mirror caps in the body color, black, or carbon.
Higher performance series tires
A new rim design is available as an option, which was previously reserved for the Performance Edition. The semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R is available for an additional charge, and tires with better cornering forces and more comfort are fitted as standard.
A touch of BMW M in the interior
The most noticeable change in the cockpit is the new steering wheel, which is flattened at the top and bottom and has haptic buttons instead of real buttons. There are now two separate buttons in the style of the M buttons in BMW’s M models. One activates the performance driving mode, the other the self-configurable RS Individual mode. The digital cockpit can now display a round tachometer and other vehicle information, while the infotainment system has a new app store that can be used to load apps directly into the system.
The new steering wheel is now flattened at the top and bottom…
… and has two buttons for the driving modes, while …
… the gearshift lever is even smaller than before.
The ambient lighting now also backlights the door panels.
Bucket seats with carbon back shells are available as an option, …
… RS sports seats are installed ex works.
Other details include a smaller gear lever and more extensive ambient lighting. For an additional charge, a 12 o’clock mark on the steering wheel, microfiber decorative strips, and carbon bucket seats convey even more sportiness.
As part of the facelift, the prices for the RS3 are also increasing, from 78,500 francs to 83,000 francs for the Sportback. The sedan costs 1,250 francs extra. The new RS3 can be ordered from the end of August 2024, with the market launch following in October.
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