Audi RS 3 (2024) Unveiled: Facelift Brings Refined Dynamics and Easier Drifting to the Fastest Compact Car

Audi RS 3 (2024): The Latest Enhancements to the Fastest Compact Car

Upgraded grille, redesigned steering wheel, refined driving dynamics, and easier drifting capabilities

The RS 3 has had its challenges, but it's undeniable that it's been impressively fast since its debut in 2011. It wasn't until this current third iteration, however, that it truly excelled in lateral dynamics. Known internally as the 8Y and launched in 2021, please pardon the slang, but it's simply an incredibly awesome machine. And this incredibly awesome machine just got even better.

At the very least, one would expect such an outcome following a major redesign. The fact that Audi Sport recently reclaimed the Nurburgring record in the compact class with this very update is a promising sign. Audi driving icon Frank Stippler completed the 20.8-kilometer course in just 7:33.123 minutes, surpassing the previous record-holder, the BMW M2, by over five seconds.

The increase in engine power is not the factor here, as the iconic five-cylinder remains largely the same. However, significant refinements have been made to the vehicle's handling. There have been some changes to both the exterior and interior as well. We'll take a close look at the updates to both the RS 3 Sportback and RS 3 Sedan models.

Photo Gallery: Audi RS 3 Sedan (2024)

Exterior

It seems that drivers of the RS 3 have not lacked for attention. The appearance of the top model in the series has always been quite bold. Audi now reveals that the new model looks "significantly more athletic" with a "powerfully designed front end." There's a new, flatter, and noticeably wider Singleframe grille, along with three openings above the front splitter. This splitter now extends across the full width of the car, a design homage to the Audi Sport quattro S1 Pikes Peak from 1987.

RS 3 spokesperson Julia Winkler and RS 3 project manager Marvin Schwätter outline the modifications made to the updated vehicle for Wagner.

The headlights are being updated with a new daytime running light feature, and as lighting is particularly significant for those from Ingolstadt, there is an abundance of new digital light patterns. The taillights are also receiving a fresh design. This includes arrows that illuminate dynamically from the inside out when the Coming Home/Leaving Home function is activated.

Currently trending in the rear section: diffusers featuring a central motorsport-style reflector. We've recently observed this on the new BMW M5, including the M5 Touring. Now, this design element makes the rear end of the RS 3 appear even more robust. This is complemented by the side reflectors, which are now positioned vertically. Additionally, the odd grille in the rear bumper has been eliminated – a welcome change. For comparison, here's the previous version on the left and the upcoming RS 3 Sportback on the right:

2021 Audi RS 3 Sportback Model

2024 Audi RS 3 Hatchback

The 2021 version of the Audi RS 3 Sportback.

Upcoming 2024 Audi RS 3 Hatchback

The photos feature a Sportback in Kyalami Green and a Sedan in Kemora Gray. The color selection now includes the additions of Ascari Blue, Tango Red, and Daytona Gray Matte. The latest model comes standard with 19-inch wheels in a 5-Y-spoke pattern. Also available is the 10-cross-spoke rim from the RS 3 Performance Edition.

Interior

The headline for the interior updates is the introduction of a redesigned steering wheel which may not appeal to everyone. This stems from two main changes: its top and bottom have been flattened, and traditional push buttons have been replaced with touch-sensitive surfaces, for reasons unknown. The revamped steering wheel comes either wrapped in perforated leather or an optional microfiber featuring a top-center marking. It also boasts a new quick-select button adorned with a checkered flag to activate the performance mode. Additionally, there's a fresh red RS button located on the right spoke of the wheel, allowing for swift access to the RS individual mode.

In addition to the sports seats, the RS 3 has been offering highly recommended carbon shell seats for some time now. What's new is the increased illumination inside the RS. The ambient lighting has been enhanced, and there's a new type of area lighting incorporated into the door panels. Also stylish are the door handles, air vents, steering wheel clasp, and shift paddles, which now feature an anthracite-colored, iridescent effect paint.

We can look forward to new performance displays on the 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, including a prominently centered "Rev Counter" and visuals for power, torque, G-forces, acceleration, and lap times.

The 10.1-inch infotainment screen also colorfully presents the temperature ranges for the coolant, torque splitter, brakes, as well as the engine and transmission oil. Additionally, there's an option to view the tire pressures.

Propulsion

It's quite rare to see a performance vehicle from a top-tier German manufacturer receive an update without a boost in power, yet it happens, as is the case here. However, this should be acceptable. The much-adored 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo engine continues to deliver 400 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. The sprint from 0-100 km/h takes 3.8 seconds (previously, the pre-facelift model could unofficially reach it in 3.4 seconds), and the top speed is capped at 290 km/h.

Image Gallery: Audi RS 3 Sportback (2024)

At least there's an upgrade in the sound department. Audi assures an enhancement of the exhaust flap control within the 2,200 to 3,500 rpm range, promising an even richer sound experience. This is particularly true if the optional RS sport exhaust system has been selected.

Chassis / Driving Dynamics

The current RS 3 has already impressed with its dynamic driving capabilities, thanks to its torque splitter all-wheel drive and the significantly more ambitious chassis tuning. It's a marked improvement over its somewhat clumsy predecessors. However, the engineering team, led by project manager Marvin Schwätter, believed there was room for further enhancement and put their mental faculties (and computers) to work once again.

As you may have noticed, the RS 3's lateral dynamics components are controlled by what is known as the modular driving dynamics controller. This system manages the Torque Splitter, Electronic Stability Control (ESP), Brake Torque Vectoring, and the regulation of the adaptive dampers, ensuring they all operate in unison. It seems there was significant potential for improvement. In essence, it boils down to a new algorithm that adds more excitement and celebration to the experience.

The technical assessment states that improvements in the Brake Torque Vectoring system, which involves brake applications to the wheels on the inside of a turn, are designed to enhance the vehicle's responsiveness in cornering and reduce the tendency to understeer. While the car already performed well in this regard, further refinements are certainly welcome.

Audi guarantees an improved and earlier alignment for exiting turns, starting from the apex at the latest, allowing for quicker acceleration and faster speeds when taking curves. There must be some truth to this claim, as it has led to a 7.7 seconds faster lap time around the Nordschleife track than ever before.

And as if that weren't appealing enough, the enhanced algorithm also contributes to the unrestrained destruction of rubber. Indeed, the RS 3 now offers an even easier drifting experience. Previously, managing oversteer in Drift Mode was largely about aggressively pressing the accelerator. Now, steering angle is set to play a more crucial role. This change aims to make initiating a drift smoother and quicker, allowing drivers to achieve the desired angle of drift sooner.

A new series tire with a label-C designation is intended to provide the exact opposite effect. Additionally, there is the option to continue using the sticky semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R.

Pricing / Launch Date

The updated Audi RS 3 Sportback will hit the market with a starting price of 66,000 Euros, marking a 10 percent increase from the base price in 2021. The RS 3 Sedan will be available starting from 68,000 Euros. Customers can place orders from the end of August, with the official launch scheduled for October.

Even more new Audis arriving

Most Read

Most Recent Articles

LATEST ARTICLES

Regarding this article