Audi RS 3 Erobert Nordschleifen-Rekord: Schnellstes Kompaktauto Dank Feintuning und Fünfzylinder-Power

Audi reclaims the fastest lap record at the Nürburgring with the RS 3

With its powerful 400 horsepower five-cylinder engine, it's now the quickest compact car on the Nordschleife track

In the ongoing battle for the prestigious lap record at the Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit, Audi has once again edged ahead, at least in the compact car category. Clocking in at 7:33.123 minutes, the upcoming Audi RS3 shaved a full five seconds off the previous record set by the BMW M2!

Racing icon Frank Stippler, associated with Audi, took the wheel of a pre-production model of the revamped Audi RS 3 to set a new record time on the 20,832 kilometers long track. The race driver, fresh from a win at the prestigious 24-hour Nürburgring race in an Audi R8 LMS GT3, reclaimed his previous record set in 2021 with the outgoing RS 3 model, a title he had subsequently lost to the BMW M2.

Photo Gallery: Audi RS3 (2025) Sets New Lap Record at Nürburgring

The previous best time around the Nürburgring set by this model was 7:40.748 minutes, which is over seven seconds slower than the time achieved by the latest upgraded version. This underscores the detailed improvements that Audi Sport has invested in what is referred to at Audi as a "product enhancement" or facelift. The manufacturer specifically points to significant advancements in cornering dynamics.

Frank Stippler attributes the key to success to the new RS 3's tuning, particularly in the Brake Torque Vectoring system, which allows for more responsive turning at the start of a curve. This enables drivers to align the vehicle more optimally for exiting the curve sooner, starting from the curve's apex. The outcome is a reduced steering angle from the apex to the curve's exit, resulting in less friction and allowing for quicker acceleration. Consequently, this carries more momentum and speed onto the subsequent straight paths.

Audi RS3 Sets New Lap Record at Nordschleife

Audi attributes the enhanced performance to a newly advanced algorithm for the modular driving dynamics controller. This, along with the torque splitter which allows for fully variable distribution of torque between the rear wheels, electronic stabilization control, and wheel-selective torque control, has resulted in more efficient and improved integration of the systems.

The iconic five-cylinder engine, boasting 400 horsepower, remained unchanged. However, when it comes to lap times, tires and brakes play a crucial role. This particular Audi RS 3 was equipped with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semislicks and an optional ceramic brake system for its record-setting run.

It's a certainty that the current record will be surpassed eventually, despite the increasingly challenging standard. The list of contenders in the compact segment is shrinking. Volkswagen plans to take a shot with the upcoming Golf R, but it’s likely to fall short due to insufficient horsepower. A similar scenario is expected for Honda's new Civic Type R. That leaves BMW with an upgraded M2, although it's a bit of a stretch to categorize it as a "compact" model. The anticipation is high.

Continuing Streak of Record-Breaking

Source: Audi

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