The Audi RS 3 sedan now holds the fastest time for a compact model to run the Nürburgring Nordschleife, clocking a time of 7:40.748 minutes.
In a statement, the Ingolstadt-based automaker shared that Audi Sport racing and development driver Frank Stippler beat the previous lap record in that class by 4.64 seconds. “Above all, the torque splitter, with its fully variable torque distribution on the rear axle, contributed to the record time — Vorsprung durch Technik,” the company added.
Audi RS 3 Technical Project Leader Marvin Schwätter expressed pride over the feat.
“I’m proud of the whole team. Everyone worked hard for this day… When we started development, we didn’t know just how quickly our compact sports car would really be on the Nordschleife,” Schwätter said.
“But over the course of endurance testing, we determined that we could reach very good times and set a new record,” he added.
According to Audi, the team only adjusted the tire pressure in the Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slicks to the track conditions before hitting the record-setting lap. “We don’t have unlimited opportunities to try for a record like this,” Stippler claimed. “That’s why a little is always necessary on the day when it matters — particularly with respect to tire pressure, because that also affects how the torque splitter functions. We succeeded. It was a triumphant day all around.”
Audi claimed that the basis for the record is the “interplay of top technologies.” The company revealed that for the first time ever, a torque splitter is being used in an Audi model. This feature dispenses torque fully adjustably between the rear wheels — controlled via a multiple-disc clutch on each of the drive shafts.
During dynamic driving, the technology adjusts the drive torque to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load—providing more torque on the opposite side of the car.
This helps the Audi RS 3 make a better turn with a more precise steering angle. “In general, the new RS 3 is much more agile when driving from the middle of the curve to its end and when accelerating out of the curve,” Stippler explained, adding that he sees the torque splitter “a quantum leap in terms of agile driving.”
That is particularly apparent in combination with the newly developed RS Performance driving mode, which, with its own engine and transmission characteristics, is specially calibrated for the racetrack. There, the torque splitter ensures the most neutral handling possible with little oversteering or understeering in different driving situations. This makes early acceleration possible upon exiting a curve, enabling faster lap times.
Aside from that, the Audi RS 3 is fitted with RS Sport Suspension Plus with adaptive damper control that individually and continuously adjusts each shock absorber to the road conditions, the driving situation, and the mode selected in Audi drive select.
Further, the five cylinder high-performance engine powering the RS 3 delivers a maximum speed of 290kph and can reach 100kph from standstill in 3.8 seconds.
The Audi RS 3 Sedan initiated the presence of the Audi Sport line in the country. Customers may see at in the metal by visiting Audi Philippines showrooms or online via Audi Live View.
Photos from Audi
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