Back on Track: Lap Record for Audi Sport in the Compact Segment

• 7:33.123 minutes: new Audi RS 3 preproduction model* with legendary five‑cylinder engine achieves Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap record for compact car class
• Optimized chassis setup: higher cornering speeds prove key to success

[source: Audi of America]

Ingolstadt, June 21, 2024 – Frank Stippler has set a new lap record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife with a preproduction model of the upcoming RS 3 product upgrade*. The Audi Sport racing and development driver clocked an impressive time of 7:33.123 minutes, beating the current fastest lap time in this class by more than five seconds. Further proof that the enhanced top model from the A3 series is once again among the fastest compact car.

The record was made possible by the optimized cornering behavior, enabling the new RS 3* to deploy its agility even earlier and in a more controlled manner, as Frank Stippler explained: “That was the key to our success. The new RS 3* 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 from the apex, at the latest. The result is a lower steering angle from apex to corner exit, which leads to less friction and earlier acceleration, allowing you to carry more momentum and speed onto each subsequent straight.”

The basis for the vehicle’s exceptional driving dynamics is the interplay between the torque splitter with its fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, the electronic stabilization control, the wheel-selective torque control (brake torque vectoring), and the RS sports suspension’s optional adaptive dampers. The modular vehicle dynamics controller now connects the data from all components relevant to lateral dynamics with even greater sensitivity thanks to an enhanced algorithm.

Power is still provided by the legendary five-cylinder engine with 400 PS and 500 Nm torque*. In combination with the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires, the 19-inch ceramic brake system, the RS sports suspension with adaptive damper control, and the optimized chassis setup, the 2.5 TFSI now propels the RS 3* even more spirited around bends. All underscored by its distinctive deep-throated roar, thanks to its signature 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence. 

More information about the upgraded production model of the RS 3* will be available later this year.

* Audi RS 3 product upgrade (model year 2025):  
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (provisional): 9.6-8.9;
CO₂ emissions combined in g/km (provisional): 218-201; CO₂ class: G (provisional)

About Audi

The Audi Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium and luxury segment. The brands Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Ducati produce at 21 locations in 12 countries. Audi and its partners are present in more than 100 markets worldwide.

In 2023, the Audi Group delivered 1.9 million Audi vehicles, 13,560 Bentley vehicles, 10,112 Lamborghini vehicles, and 58,224 Ducati motorcycles to customers. In the 2023 fiscal year, Audi Group achieved a total revenue of €69.9 billion and an operating profit of €6.3 billion. Worldwide, an annual average of more than 87,000 people worked for the Audi Group in 2023, more than 53,000 of them at AUDI AG in Germany. With its attractive brands and numerous new models, the group is systematically pursuing its path toward becoming a provider of sustainable, fully networked premium mobility.

This information and any vehicle specifications are preliminary and subject to change.