Updated RS3 sets new Nurburgring lap record

Audi has set a new lap record on the Nurburgring Nordschleife with a pre-production model of the updated RS3 (catch our review of the outgoing model here).

Behind the wheel when the record was set was Frank Stippler, who set a lap time of seven minutes and 33.1 seconds, a time said to beat the current fastest lap time for the class by more than five seconds.

Audi attributes the feat to the car's optimised cornering behaviour, as well as its torque splitter, electronic stabilisation control system, wheel-selective torque control, and its optional adaptive dampers. The updated Audi RS3 is set to get a total of 394bhp alongside 500Nm of torque, and will also wear Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres and is set to get a 19-inch ceramic brake system.