2022 Audi RS 3 Marks Sweet Evolution For Audi’s Little Rocket
A few weeks after lauding the car’s new drift modes, Audi is now officially introducing the second-generation RS 3 in all its glory.
As previously reported, both the five-door Sportback and four-door sedan configurations will go on sale in Europe this fall, but only the latter will be offered in Canada starting in the second quarter of next year.
- Also: 2022 Audi RS 3 Coming to Canada With Drift Mode
- Also: 2022 Audi S3 Gets More Power, Aggressive Styling
This new Audi RS 3 looks way more assertive than its predecessor with a huge Singleframe grille featuring a chain-like mesh design and black contour that flows into the redesigned headlights. A similar mesh is found in the lower air intakes on each side of the grille. The headlight clusters are simply awesome with a checkered flag motif for the daytime running lights and a cool animation sequence that spells out R-S-3 when locking or unlocking the car.
More Athletic Stance
The side view reveals thin, vertical air vents between the front doors and fenders, plus black rocker extensions and a set of 19-inch, five-spoke RS alloy wheels. A subtle, integrated rear spoiler with an even smaller black extension combines with a wide diffuser that incorporates a pair of oval exhaust tips.
The front track is now 33 millimetres wider, while suspension geometry is revised with increased negative camber (1.0 degree front, 0.5 degree rear). Some of the newly available colours include Kyalami Green from the TT RS and Kemora Grey from the R8. And for the first time, a high-gloss black roof panel is available as an option.
Sporty Interior
Inside the 2022 Audi RS 3, the carbon dashboard and three-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel set the tone. With the Design Package, you get a top centre marker on the steering wheel in true race car fashion.
Audi’s Virtual Cockpit is naturally included, though with RS-specific graphics and colours. The tachometer goes from green to yellow to red to indicate when it’s time to switch gears using the paddle shifters. A head-up display is now available, too.
Nappa leather seats with a honeycomb-pattern middle section and either gloss black, red or green stitching are available. They come with floor mats, air vent trim and seat belt contours in matching colour.
1-2-4-5-3
The RS 3 returns with a turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, a fabulously unorthodox mill that fires up in a 1-2-4-5-3 sequence for a unique sound. It still produces 394 horsepower, which you can now access from 5,600-7,000 rpm, while peak torque is increased to 369 pound-feet, accessible from 2,250-5,600 rpm.
The most interesting upgrade is the new Torque Splitter, which consists of two multi-plate clutches that handle torque vectoring from one side to the other. In Torque Rear mode, the system makes drifting super-easy by sending up to 1,290 pound-feet of torque to the rear outside wheel only. Imagine the thrills.
Audi Canada has not yet announced pricing and equipment details for the new 2022 Audi RS 3 sedan. It should be slightly more expensive than the outgoing model which starts at $65,600.
