New Audi RS3 Breaks a Nurburgring Record in Compact Segment

Frank Stippler has set a new lap record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife with a preproduction model of the Audi RS 3 product upgrade. The Audi Sport racing and development driver recorded an impressive time of seven minutes and thirty-three seconds, beating the current fastest lap time in this class by more than five seconds. This achievement confirms that the enhanced top model from the A3 series is once again the fastest compact car.

The record was achieved through the optimized cornering behavior, which allowed the new RS 3 to demonstrate its agility earlier and in a more controlled manner. Frank Stippler explained, “The key to our success was the new RS 3’s willingness to turn in more readily at corner entry due to fine-tuning, including brake torque vectoring. This adjustment permits the vehicle to be positioned earlier and better for corner exit from the apex. The outcome is a lower steering angle from apex to corner exit, resulting in less friction and earlier acceleration, enabling you to carry more momentum and speed onto each subsequent straight.”

The vehicle’s exceptional driving dynamics are a result of the interplay between the torque splitter with its fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, the electronic stabilization control, the wheel-selective torque control (brake torque vectoring), and the RS sports suspension’s optional adaptive dampers. The modular vehicle dynamics controller now integrates data from all components relevant to lateral dynamics with increased sensitivity due to an enhanced algorithm.

Power is still provided by the legendary five-cylinder engine with four hundred PS and five hundred Newton meters of torque. In combination with the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires, the nineteen-inch ceramic brake system, the RS sports suspension with adaptive damper control, and the optimized chassis setup, the 2.5 TFSI now propels the RS 3 even more spiritedly around bends. This is underscored by its distinctive deep-throated roar, thanks to its signature one-two-four-five-three firing sequence.

The upgraded production model of the RS 3 will be available to order from the end of August and will arrive at dealerships starting in October.