Audi has tested the new Audi RS3's speed at the Nürburgring ahead of its introduction later this summer. The answer is: very, it turns out, with the automobile setting a pre-production time of 7 minutes, 33.123 seconds. That beats the time recorded by the Renault Sport Megane RS Trophy R by six seconds, the current RS3 by two seconds, and the FL5 Honda Civic Type R by an astounding eleven seconds.  

The time, which was set by renowned Audi racer and development driver Frank Stippler, depends on the advanced chassis hardware of the RS3. This includes the latest adaptive sports suspension from Audi Sport, a complete overhaul of the RS3's electronic stability control systems, brake torque vectoring that controls the individual torque delivery to each wheel, and Audi's RS torque splitter, which allows for variable torque distribution across the rear axle. 

‘The key to our success was the RS3 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’, explained Stippler.

The Audi RS3 is the final model to be equipped with the 2.5-liter, five-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is currently powering the car. The 394bhp and 500 Nm of torque it generates are undoubtedly advantageous for establishing a "Ring time," the Pirelli Trofeo R tires, which have been an option for the RS3 since 2021. The pre-production vehicle that established lap times was further equipped with 19-inch carbon-ceramic brakes.