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The all-new Audi RS3 hatchback and sedan have been revealed ahead of an Australian arrival in the first half of 2022.

 

Power comes from a revised version of Audi’s turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine. It’s now tuned to produce 294kW and 500Nm, a bump of 20Nm over the old model.

 

A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels.

 

Audi claims the RS3 can dash from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250km/h. Buyers who option the RS Dynamic pack with carbon-ceramic brakes will be able to hit 290km/h.

 

As standard, the RS3 gets six-piston steel brakes measuring 375mm x 36mm at the front, and 310mm x 22mm at the rear.

 

There’s a new exhaust with a fully variable flap control system for a wider range of sound modes. An RS sports exhaust system is available as an option.

 

The new RS3 is the first Audi model to come standard with a torque splitter which replaces the rear axle differential. Audi says the set-up allows for active and fully variable torque vectoring between the rear wheels.

 

During more dynamic driving, the torque splitter increases the drive torque to the respective outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load, which significantly reduces the tendency to understeer.

 

The new tech also makes controlled drifts on tracks possible. The torque splitter directs all of the power to only one of the rear wheels, with up to 1750Nm per wheel possible.

 

Underneath, the standard RS sports suspension features newly developed shock absorbers and a unique valve system for an improved response as part of the rebound and compression characteristics.

 

Audi has also modified the pivot bearings, the lower wishbones, subframes, and stabilizers.

 

The RS3 is 10mm lower than an S3 and 25mm lower than an A3. It also rides on 19-inch wheels as standard.

 

Other changes over the previous generation include a 33mm wider front track, while the rear track has grown by 10mm on the Sportback.

 

To differentiate the RS3 from the S3, the rear bumper has a more aggressive look with an integrated diffuser and dual oval exhaust outlets.

 

On the inside, buyers get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with RS-specific displays, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an RS steering wheel.

 

Audi’s local arm is yet to confirm Australian specs and pricing, full details will be announced closer to the launch date.