Audi's New RS 3 Crushes BMW M2's Nürburgring Record - The Ultimate Showdown
In a jaw-dropping turn of events at the legendary Nürburgring, Audi's pre-production RS 3 Sedan has smashed the lap record previously held by the BMW M2. The new RS 3 lapped the Green Hell in an astonishing 7:33.123 minutes, more than five seconds quicker than the M2, solidifying its status as the fastest compact car to ever grace the iconic track.
Audi RS 3 Sedan front view">What's Under the Hood?
Contrary to what you might expect, the heart of this beast hasn't changed. Powering the RS 3 is the same 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, churning out 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. While it may not sound impressive in comparison to the BMW M2's more potent powerplant, Audi has worked its magic in other areas to make up for it.
Handling proved to be the key differentiator here. Equipped with Pirelli P Zero R semi-slick tires, RS sports suspension featuring adaptive damper control, and ceramic brakes, the RS 3 was prepped for peak performance. Additionally, updates to the chassis, including fully variable torque distribution and brake torque vectoring, allowed for surgical precision in the bends.
"The new RS turns in more willingly at corner entry thanks to fine-tuning, including brake torque vectoring, which allows the vehicle to be positioned earlier and better for corner exit. This results in a lower steering angle from apex to corner exit, which leads to less friction and earlier acceleration," says Frank Stippler, Audi Sport racing and development driver.
The Record-Breaking Lap
What makes Audi's benchmark lap even more intriguing is that it was achieved with the facelifted model of the RS 3. The previous-generation RS 3 had a record of 7:40.748, which the BMW M2 recently shattered with a lap time of 7:38.706. This new achievement by Audi suggests that significant enhancements have been incorporated into the new RS 3 to make it the marvel it is today.
This facelift includes not just minor tweaks but considerable upgrades that make the car more responsive, agile, and ultimately faster around the track. Audi appears to have focused heavily on optimizing the car's handling characteristics, allowing it to outperform the M2 despite having less raw power.
Audi RS3">What to Expect When Ordering
For those itching to get their hands on this compact marvel, the wait won't be long. Audi has announced that orders for the new RS 3 will open in late August, with the first deliveries slated for October. It’s anticipated that the new RS 3 will come with a slight price bump over the outgoing model, which starts at $62,300.
With its blend of power, agility, and state-of-the-art engineering, the new RS 3 appears poised to maintain its grip on the Nürburgring record. However, don’t count out the Bavarians just yet. BMW has its own plans in the works, and the newly facelifted M2, now boasting even more horsepower, is gearing up for another shot at the title.
The Future of Compact Performance Cars
The Audi RS 3's latest achievement is a testament to the rapid advancements in automotive technology. While raw power remains significant, the RS 3's record-breaking lap underscores the vital importance of handling and agility. As manufacturers continue to innovate, we can expect even more fierce competition in the compact performance segment.
Volkswagen Group has been busy, not only with the RS 3 but also with updates to other models in its compact lineup. Earlier this year, they rolled out the Golf 8.5 and its GTI variant, and the Golf 8.5 R is set to debut soon with 328 horsepower. Audi, too, has been refreshing its lineup, with updates to the A3 and the introduction of the new S3.
As we look to the future, the battle for supremacy on the Nürburgring is far from over. The racing world eagerly awaits to see if BMW will rise to the challenge and reclaim its crown. But for now, the Audi RS 3 reigns supreme, setting a new standard for what a compact performance car can achieve.