Click to enlarge.
Audi of America today released pricing and specifications for the 2025 Audi RS 3. It retains the Nürburgring-Nordschleife record in the compact class. It also has the unique Audi five-cylinder engine.
Audi said the RS-3, “reaffirms the compact sport sedan’s position as the attainable entry point to the Audi Sport portfolio. Featuring a combination of visual enhancements to both the interior and exterior, more standard equipment, and performance benefits of fine-tuning; the latest rendition of the RS 3 invites drivers to experience the progressive union of luxury with the track-proven performance demonstrated through the new record lap set in the compact vehicle class on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife with 7:33.123 minutes.”
RS-3 at a Glance
Click to enlarge.
Powered by Audi’s renowned five-cylinder engine, the 2025 RS 3 is rated at 394 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. From a standstill it reaches 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. When equipped with the Dynamic plus package, drivers get an increased top track speed of 180 mph (+25 mph from standard 155 mph top track speed).
First introduced in the 1976 Audi 100 (C2), Audi’s five-cylinder engine is central to the brand’s celebrated history in motorsports and engineering. The RS 3 represents the closest production car to the Sport Quattro S2, which was also powered by a five-cylinder engine and was the first Audi race car to use a dual clutch transmission.
Dynamic Driving
The innovative RS Torque Splitter enables active and fully variable torque vectoring between the rear wheels. This system uses electronically controlled multi-disc clutches on each driveshaft, with each clutch having its own electronic control unit. When cornering, the RS Torque Splitter increases drive torque to the outside wheel, significantly reducing understeer. For example, when cornering left, the system directs delivery of torque to the right rear wheel.
The operation of this system is guided by several factors, including longitudinal and lateral acceleration, steering angle, throttle position, current gear, and yaw angle. The Torque splitter is fully integrated into the RS 3’s five distinct drive select options, adjusting rear wheel torque distribution based upon selected mode as well as driving behavior.
Also aiding the driving dynamics of the RS 3 is the RS sport suspension plus with dynamic chassis control (DCC). This system is continuously and individually adjusted based on various road conditions and driving situations, as well as by which Audi drive mode is active. As the RS 3 progresses along varying road conditions, the suspension’s damping force is calculated within milliseconds through height sensors measuring the vertical acceleration of the body, and relative movement of the wheels. While in RS Performance mode, the suspension system is specifically tuned to minimize vertical oscillations and optimize lateral dynamics, leading to a more controlled ride experience and improved cornering capabilities relative to the previous model year.
“It was through these fine-tuning enhancements and increased dynamic capabilities that the RS 3 has once again etched its name in history as a record lap holder on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife in the compact segment, breaking its previous 2021 record by more than seven seconds,” Audi said.
New for the 2025 model year are three distinct additions to the palette of available exterior colors, including Arkona White, Progressive Red metallic, and Ascari Blue metallic. Other available colors include Kyalami Green, Mythos Black metallic, Daytona Gray pearl effect, and Python Yellow metallic.
Interior
Click to enlarge.
An all-new RS steering wheel includes distinct RS Mode satellite buttons and aluminum paddle shifters, providing a responsive and conveniently thrilling driving experience. This new flat top and bottom steering wheel design comes standard wrapped in perforated leather, with an optional Alcantara finish for the benefit of additional grip.
While driving in low-light environments, the interior ambiance of the RS 3 has new applications of customizable, multi-color, LED lighting. Arriving as standard equipment, the LED interior lighting package pro features ambient backlighting in the door trim, door panels, cupholders and surrounding the perimeter of the center console. Selectively dictating the illumination within the door panel are hundreds of rhombus-shaped laser cutouts of cascading sizes, delivering an emotional nighttime interior experience. Within the illuminated surrounds of the center console lies a new shifter design.
Replacing the previous model year’s bright silver finishes seen on interior elements (such as the door handle, door trim, and HVAC vents), the 2025 model introduces a dark gray metal Vanadium finish, further emphasizing the evocation of performance. Drivers and passengers alike can become immersed in music of their choice via the standard 3D sound of the SONOS premium sound system.
The standard RS sport seats have three design options, including the standard Black with Super Black stitching, or when equipped with the optional Design Package Plus; Black with Micrommata (sic) Green stitching, or Black with Express Red stitching. The accent color of the chosen stitching carries through to the rest of the interior, notably through the center of the HVAC vent structure, and at the 12 o’clock position of the new RS steering wheel.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
First Look – 2025 Audi RS-3 Sedan
Click to enlarge.
Audi of America today released pricing and specifications for the 2025 Audi RS 3. It retains the Nürburgring-Nordschleife record in the compact class. It also has the unique Audi five-cylinder engine.
Audi said the RS-3, “reaffirms the compact sport sedan’s position as the attainable entry point to the Audi Sport portfolio. Featuring a combination of visual enhancements to both the interior and exterior, more standard equipment, and performance benefits of fine-tuning; the latest rendition of the RS 3 invites drivers to experience the progressive union of luxury with the track-proven performance demonstrated through the new record lap set in the compact vehicle class on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife with 7:33.123 minutes.”
RS-3 at a Glance
Click to enlarge.
Powered by Audi’s renowned five-cylinder engine, the 2025 RS 3 is rated at 394 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. From a standstill it reaches 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. When equipped with the Dynamic plus package, drivers get an increased top track speed of 180 mph (+25 mph from standard 155 mph top track speed).
First introduced in the 1976 Audi 100 (C2), Audi’s five-cylinder engine is central to the brand’s celebrated history in motorsports and engineering. The RS 3 represents the closest production car to the Sport Quattro S2, which was also powered by a five-cylinder engine and was the first Audi race car to use a dual clutch transmission.
Dynamic Driving
The innovative RS Torque Splitter enables active and fully variable torque vectoring between the rear wheels. This system uses electronically controlled multi-disc clutches on each driveshaft, with each clutch having its own electronic control unit. When cornering, the RS Torque Splitter increases drive torque to the outside wheel, significantly reducing understeer. For example, when cornering left, the system directs delivery of torque to the right rear wheel.
The operation of this system is guided by several factors, including longitudinal and lateral acceleration, steering angle, throttle position, current gear, and yaw angle. The Torque splitter is fully integrated into the RS 3’s five distinct drive select options, adjusting rear wheel torque distribution based upon selected mode as well as driving behavior.
Also aiding the driving dynamics of the RS 3 is the RS sport suspension plus with dynamic chassis control (DCC). This system is continuously and individually adjusted based on various road conditions and driving situations, as well as by which Audi drive mode is active. As the RS 3 progresses along varying road conditions, the suspension’s damping force is calculated within milliseconds through height sensors measuring the vertical acceleration of the body, and relative movement of the wheels. While in RS Performance mode, the suspension system is specifically tuned to minimize vertical oscillations and optimize lateral dynamics, leading to a more controlled ride experience and improved cornering capabilities relative to the previous model year.
“It was through these fine-tuning enhancements and increased dynamic capabilities that the RS 3 has once again etched its name in history as a record lap holder on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife in the compact segment, breaking its previous 2021 record by more than seven seconds,” Audi said.
New for the 2025 model year are three distinct additions to the palette of available exterior colors, including Arkona White, Progressive Red metallic, and Ascari Blue metallic. Other available colors include Kyalami Green, Mythos Black metallic, Daytona Gray pearl effect, and Python Yellow metallic.
Interior
Click to enlarge.
An all-new RS steering wheel includes distinct RS Mode satellite buttons and aluminum paddle shifters, providing a responsive and conveniently thrilling driving experience. This new flat top and bottom steering wheel design comes standard wrapped in perforated leather, with an optional Alcantara finish for the benefit of additional grip.
While driving in low-light environments, the interior ambiance of the RS 3 has new applications of customizable, multi-color, LED lighting. Arriving as standard equipment, the LED interior lighting package pro features ambient backlighting in the door trim, door panels, cupholders and surrounding the perimeter of the center console. Selectively dictating the illumination within the door panel are hundreds of rhombus-shaped laser cutouts of cascading sizes, delivering an emotional nighttime interior experience. Within the illuminated surrounds of the center console lies a new shifter design.
Replacing the previous model year’s bright silver finishes seen on interior elements (such as the door handle, door trim, and HVAC vents), the 2025 model introduces a dark gray metal Vanadium finish, further emphasizing the evocation of performance. Drivers and passengers alike can become immersed in music of their choice via the standard 3D sound of the SONOS premium sound system.
The standard RS sport seats have three design options, including the standard Black with Super Black stitching, or when equipped with the optional Design Package Plus; Black with Micrommata (sic) Green stitching, or Black with Express Red stitching. The accent color of the chosen stitching carries through to the rest of the interior, notably through the center of the HVAC vent structure, and at the 12 o’clock position of the new RS steering wheel.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.