Audi releases technical details of the upcoming Audi RS3

Audi has released additional details of the upcoming Audi RS3. It will be Audi's first vehicle to feature the RS Torque Splitter, which distributes drive torque between the rear wheels in a fully variable manner.

In combination with the 395bhp in-line five-cylinder engine, the compact sportscar is supremely agile. The 2.5-litre TFSI engine unleashes 500Nm of torque, 20Nm more than in the previous model. The RS3 accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 290km/h - record numbers in its segment.

The RS Torque Splitter makes fully variable torque vectoring between the rear wheels possible. Unlike the rear axle differential found on its predecessor, the torque splitter uses one electronically controlled disc clutch on each driveshaft.

During dynamic driving, the torque splitter increases the torque sent to the outer rear wheel, reducing the tendency to understeer. This results in optimal stability and maximum agility, especially when cornering at high speeds.

When needed, the torque splitter is capable of applying all of the engine power to just one of the rear wheels, up to a maximum of 1,750Nm of torque.

A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission transmits the power of the five-cylinder engine to the pavement. When paired with Launch Control, the RS3 shift gears extremely quickly, resulting in lightning-fast starts and heart-pounding acceleration.

The Audi Drive Select system in the new RS3 offers seven distinct modes, from Comfort and Dynamic to the hair-raising RS Performance and RS Torque. Depending on the selected mode, the characteristics of the powertrain and chassis components vary from everyday comfort to an emphasis on dynamism.

The standard RS sports suspension features newly developed shock absorbers, which are specific to the RS3. Its rebound and compression characteristics have been calibrated to adapt to the driving situation at hand even faster and more effectively.

An RS sports suspension plus system is also available as an option, which comes with adaptive dampers. Compared to the regular Audi A3, the RS3 sits 25mm lower, enhancing handling and agility.