The hottest version of the latest A3 sedan is coming to the U.S. with the same distinctive engine as before and standard torque-vectoring AWD with a drift mode. Audi’s new A3 lineup is now complete with the official debut of the top-dog RS3 performance version. With a 401-horsepower turbo five-cylinder engine, standard all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, and meaner looks than its predecessor, the 2022 RS3 will again be coming to the U.S.
The same turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five we liked so much in the previous RS3 continues on, but with a few tweaks that result in more power and torque. The new RS3 now has 401 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, increases of 7 hp and 15 pound-feet over the previous U.S.-spec 2020 RS3.
The RS3's upgraded all-wheel-drive system features torque vectoring for the rear axle. It redirects power differently depending on which driving mode is selected, and there's a drift mode called RS Torque Rear that can direct torque to a single rear wheel for sliding around on a track.
The new RS3's track is slightly wider than before, and it's 0.4 inch lower than the S3. Adaptive dampers will be optional, along with carbon-ceramic rotors for the front brakes. 19-inch wheels are standard.
Looks-wise, the RS3 sets itself apart with a black front grille, a lip spoiler and diffuser in the rear, and special lighting elements in the daytime running lights meant to look like a checkered flag. A black roof is optional, as are matching color inserts for the interior. There's also plenty of carbon-fiber trim found inside, and the digital gauge cluster is configured to show an interesting runway-style tachometer.
Audi has yet to announce pricing for the new RS3, but we reckon it will be a few thousand dollars more expensive than the outgoing 2020 model, which started at $57,195.
The same turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five we liked so much in the previous RS3 continues on, but with a few tweaks that result in more power and torque. The new RS3 now has 401 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, increases of 7 hp and 15 pound-feet over the previous U.S.-spec 2020 RS3.
The RS3's upgraded all-wheel-drive system features torque vectoring for the rear axle. It redirects power differently depending on which driving mode is selected, and there's a drift mode called RS Torque Rear that can direct torque to a single rear wheel for sliding around on a track.
The new RS3's track is slightly wider than before, and it's 0.4 inch lower than the S3. Adaptive dampers will be optional, along with carbon-ceramic rotors for the front brakes. 19-inch wheels are standard.
Looks-wise, the RS3 sets itself apart with a black front grille, a lip spoiler and diffuser in the rear, and special lighting elements in the daytime running lights meant to look like a checkered flag. A black roof is optional, as are matching color inserts for the interior. There's also plenty of carbon-fiber trim found inside, and the digital gauge cluster is configured to show an interesting runway-style tachometer.
Audi has yet to announce pricing for the new RS3, but we reckon it will be a few thousand dollars more expensive than the outgoing 2020 model, which started at $57,195.
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- 2022 audi rs3 sedan, 2022 rs3 sedan, audi rs3 sedan 2022
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