Get A Grip: Audi RS 3 Launched, Now Equipped With Clever RS Torque Splitter

Its 394 bhp five-cylinder motor now musters 500Nm of torque, 20Nm more than its predecessor, and can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Interestingly, 500Nm now puts them on par with the larger, V6-powered SQ5, and understandably 270Nm shy of the hulking V8-powered SQ7 - although it has to be noted that they are not full-blown RS brethrens like the RS 3. The RS 3 Sportback and Sedan can still deliver 10.2km/l on the combined cycle - a pretty impressive statistic.

For the first time in an RS 3, it features a fully variable flap control system. In the dynamic and RS Performance modes, the flaps open much earlier for driver and passengers to enjoy the raspy 5-potter snarl till redline. As for the RS torque splitter, it replaces the previous rear axle differential with an upstream multiple disc clutch package. An electronically controlled multiple disc clutch is used on each of the drive shafts that distributes torque between the rear wheels in a fully variable manner. The torque splitter increases torque delivered to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load.

The new RS Performance mode is designed specifically for the racetrack with its own engine and transmission setup. Another new addition is the RS Torque Rear mode, which makes drifting possible. Sure, you can explore this mode at Sepang International Circuit now that land borders have eased. In this mode, the torque splitter transmits up to 100 percent of the engine power to just one of the rear wheels – up to a maximum of 1,750Nm - a staggering figure that needs to be experienced but only in a safe, closed environment…

Audi Sport delivers the RS 3 with 19-inch cast wheels in a 10-Y spoke design. The motorsports-inspired finishing touches include the redesigned RS-specific rear bumper with built-in diffuser and the RS exhaust system with a large oval tailpipe on both the left and right side. Some exterior peripherals, such as the mirror caps, the inserts in the rocker panels, and the tailgate and roof edge spoilers, are available in carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (also deployed on the BMW i3) for an even sportier look. A total of eight exterior colours are available for the models, including RS-specific Kyalami Green and Kemora Gray finishes.

In the cabin, a 12.3-inch instrument display, 10.1-inch touch display and head-up display come as standard. They are capable of exposing your driving habits like g-forces, lap times and century sprints.

The Audi RS 3 Sportback and RS 3 Sedan are now available at the Audi Centre Singapore, with prices starting from S$363,075 and S$374,395 respectively, inclusive of VES and COE.

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