Two months after Audi crowed about utilizing the brand new 2025 RS 3 to retake the Nürburgring lap report for vehicles that are not front-wheel drive, the Germans have debuted the benchmark automotive in sedan and Sportback flavors. The brand new automotive is a refresh on the third-generation RS 3 launched in 2017. Audi made a bunch of focused adjustments that do not alter the character of the automotive exterior or in; the turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder makes the identical 394 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque as base European trim, and solely a specialist in grille mesh and consumption shapes might pick the third-gen variants. The ‘Ring report is a approach for Audi to indicate customers that engineers made the proper adjustments.
We count on our sedan to return with 401 hp, equal to the European model in Efficiency spec. Irrespective of the output, we’re advised a retuned RS Sport exhaust system injects extra depth to the notice out again.
Exterior, the hexagonal singleframe grille is now flatter, and stuffed with diamond-patter mesh as a substitute of hexagon-patterned mesh. A bigger grille encompass incorporates three slots on the backside between the grille and splitter, recalling the outdated Audi Quattro racers that established the Quattro model. That encompass reaches out to bigger decrease intakes with extra diamond mesh, and to reshaped headlights with bigger DRLs — the DRLs’ 24 illuminating components capable of present a alternative of three patterns. In again, new taillights showcase an arrow sample, whereas the taller diffuser incorporates carbon fiber detailing that, frankly, seems to be fairly a bit cooler than the earlier plastic strip. On the edges, the horizontal reflectors previously set within the bumper now dangle vertically inside triangular cutouts that body the aero aspect.
Inside, the steering wheel’s been flattened high and backside as customary, changing the flat-bottom wheel on the European Efficiency package deal. Together with the change to haptic buttons on the spokes, two new buttons beneath the spokes present thumb-tip entry to the Efficiency driving mode and RS Particular person customization choices. New graphics and shift lights seem within the 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit. And relying on spec, the flat high rocks a 12 o’clock strip in a pink to go together with pink accents on the redesigned air vents. Audi additionally flattened the shifter toggle. RS Sport seats in Nappa leather-based come included, the improve a pair of RS Sport carbon-backed buckets with leather-based bolsters and microfiber facilities. And within the doorways, ambient lighting hides behind a perforated panel to create diamond patterns.
Boffins even labored on the inside aroma. Audi says it chemically examined the roughly 200 cabin supplies of their uncooked and completed states and in numerous climactic situations. Then it had “a workforce of 5 chemists” consider the aromas, aiming to make sure “that the attribute new automotive scent of an Audi meets its prospects’ excessive requirements.”
New wheel designs will be paired with paint colours in Kyalami Inexperienced and Kemora Grey unique to the RS division, plus Ascari Blue Metallic, Progressive Pink, and Daytona Grey that additionally gives a brand new matte end. Europe’s trim steps will see a base grade on the backside, under Carbon Black and top-tier Carbon Vorsrung grades. The latter two include extra carbon fiber and gloss black trim detailing, the final one matches these carbon-backed seats and raises the highest velocity from 155 miles per hour to 174 miles per hour.
We’ll know extra about our sedan spec nearer to the U.S. launch. Count on pricing to climb from the outgoing mannequin’s $63,500 worth.
