In 2024, Audi has (re)awakened and is impressing us with one exciting release after another, from the new A5 to the A6 e-tron. But there’s also the facelift of the Audi RS 3, which many rightly consider the best RS 3 ever.
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With this new version, Audi seems intent on improving it even further, as demonstrated by the record reclaimed at the Nürburgring with this very car, which, driven by Frank Stippler, completed the 20.8 km track in 7:33:123 minutes. Let’s see what has improved.
2024 Audi RS 3: the new features
The performance enhancements are not due to the engine, which is still the familiar Audi five-cylinder. Instead, Audi has made several optimizations to the driving dynamics, along with changes to the exterior and interior.
Audi describes it as “significantly sportier,” particularly calling the front end “brutal.” The single-frame grille is flatter and wider, with three openings above the front splitter that spans the entire width of the car, paying homage to the 1987 Audi Sport Quattro S1 Pikes Peak.
The headlights now feature new daytime running lights, and several new digital signature elements have been added. The rear lights also sport new graphics with arrows that light up dynamically in sync with the Coming Home/Leaving Home function.
The rear is now enhanced by a diffuser with a central motorsport-style reflector, and overall, the car appears more massive, with vertically arranged side reflectors and the removal of the rear bumper grille.
In addition to iconic colors like Kyalami Green, there are new ones: Ascari Blue, Progressive Red, and Daytona Grey Matt. The car comes standard with 19″ wheels in a 5-Y spoke design, with 10-cross spoke wheels from the RS 3 Performance Edition available as an option.
Interior
The big news inside is the new squared-off steering wheel, flattened both at the top and bottom, similar to the latest Audi models, and therefore divisive. A real step back is the soft-touch buttons, which replace the previous physical buttons and are much less immediate, especially on a car like this.
Nonetheless, the new steering wheel is upholstered in perforated leather or, optionally, in microfiber with 12 o’clock markers, and it features a new quick-select button with a checkered flag for performance mode. Another new addition is the red RS button on the right-hand steering wheel spoke, providing quick access to the RS individual mode.
In addition to the sport seats, the RS 3 continues to offer highly recommended carbon bucket seats. The interior of the RS is now much brighter, thanks to extended ambient lighting and a new accent light in the door panels. Details like door handles, air vents, steering wheel clasp, and shift paddles are now finished with an anthracite-colored iridescent paint.
The performance displays in the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit are also new, including a large central “rev counter” and displays for power, torque, G-forces, acceleration, and lap times.
The 10.1-inch infotainment display also shows the temperature ranges of the coolant, torque splitter, brakes, and engine and transmission oil, all in color. Tire pressures can also be displayed as an option.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
Curiously, the engine hasn’t been changed (unusual for Audi). The beloved 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine continues to deliver 400 HP and 500 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h happens in 3.8 seconds (previously 3.4 seconds), with a top speed that can reach 290 km/h.
At least there’s an update in terms of sound. Audi promises optimized exhaust valve control in the range between 2,200 and 3,500 rpm, delivering a fuller sound, especially if you opt for the RS sports exhaust system.
Thanks to its torque-splitter all-wheel drive and the significantly more ambitious suspension setup, the current RS 3 has already demonstrated surprisingly good driving dynamics. No comparison to its predecessors, which were always a bit clumsy, but the engineers, led by project manager Marvin Schätter, clearly saw further potential and worked hard to improve it even more.
All components relevant to the lateral dynamics of the RS 3 are controlled through the so-called modular driving dynamics controller. Torque splitter, ESP, brake torque vectoring, adaptive damper control: everything is synchronized within this system, and it seems there was still much to be gained. A new algorithm has made the driving experience even more precise.
By refining brake torque vectoring, the car should now turn in even more eagerly and understeer less. Audi promises better positioning when exiting corners, earlier acceleration, and higher cornering speeds.
Moreover, the new algorithm is also favorable for better control during drifts. Whereas before, oversteer in drift mode was primarily managed by aggressively using the accelerator pedal, now the steering angle plays a more decisive role, making it easier and quicker to initiate the drift.
Finally, a new standard tire with a C-label has been introduced to ensure maximum grip. The sticky semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R is still available as an option.
