Μπορεί να το έχουμε δει από τον περασμένο Φεβρουάριο, αλλά σήμερα η Audi μόλις παρουσίασε στην έκθεση του Παρισιού το νέο RS3 Sedan. Το αυτοκίνητο θα τεθεί απέναντι στην Mercedes-AMG CLA45 και BMW M2, με τη sedan έκδοση του γρηγορότερου μοντέλου της γκάμας του Α3 να φορά τον 2,5-λιτρο TFSI κινητήρα, ο οποίος παράγει 400 άλογα στις 5.850 σ.α.λ. και 480 Nm ροπή από τις 1.700 σ.α.λ. Τα 0-100 χλμ/ώρα έρχονται σε 4,1 δευτερόλεπτα, έχοντας τελική ταχύτητα τα 250 χλμ/ώρα, αν και μπορεί να αυξηθεί στα 280 χλμ/ώρα αν το ζητήσεις από την εταιρία.
Σχεδιαστικά δεν διαφέρει σε σχέση με τη Sportback έκδοση μέχρι τη μεσαία κολόνα, καθώς πίσω υπάρχει μια ενσωματωμένη αεροτομή στο κάλυμμα του χώρου αποσκευών και ένα μεγάλος διαχύτης, που ενσωματώνει τις διπλές οβάλ απολήξεις της εξάτμισης.
Η κίνηση μεταφέρεται σε όλους τους τροχούς, αποκλειστικά μέσω του 7-τάχυτου DSG, με το αυτοκίνητο να διαθέτει επίσης μεγάλα φρένα, σπορ bucket alcantara καθίσματα και carbon διακοσμητικά στο εσωτερικό.
Σε σχέση με ένα απλό A3, το εμπρός μετατρόχιο του RS3 sedan είναι φαρδύτερο κατά 20 χλστ., ενώ το πίσω κατά 14 χλστ. Τέλος, εξαιτίας του μεγαλύτερου αμαξώματος, αναμένεται να έχει κατά αυξημένο βάρος κατά 15 κιλά, σε σύγκριση με τη Sportback έκδοση.
Παράλληλα, η γερμανική εταιρία ανακοίνωσε την συμμετοχή της στο πρωτάθλημα TCR, παρουσιάζοντας στην γαλλική έκθεση την αγωνιστική έκδοση του μοντέλου. Το ονομάζει Audi RS3 LMS και είναι εξελιγμένο από την Audi Sport και κινείται από έναν 2-λιτρο TFSI κινητήρα απόδοσης 330 ίππων, βάσει κανονισμών, επιταχύνοντας από 0-100 χλμ/ώρα σε 4,5 δευτ. και πιάνοντας τελική ταχύτητα 240 χλμ/ώρα.
Η διάθεση του θα ξεκινήσει από τον Δεκέμβριο για το πρωτάθλημα του 2017, με την τιμή του να ανέρχεται στα €129.000 (χωρίς φόρους) για την TCR έκδοση με το εξατάχυτο σειριακό κιβώτιο και €99.000 για την club sport έκδοση.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWnX5yrwh7Y
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Pole position in the compact segment: The Audi RS 3 Sedan
- New RS 3 sedan expands the brand’s product line internationally
- 2.5 TFSI aluminum engine with 294 kW (400 hp) and 480 Nm torque (354.0 lb-ft)
- Wider track compared with the Audi A3 and distinctive RS design
Audi will be presenting the most dynamic model of the A3 model series, the Audi RS 3 sedan at this year’s Motor Show in Paris*. With a 400 hp five-cylinder engine, groundbreaking efficiency and an even sharper look, it is the first compact Audi sedan to bear the RS label.
The new 2.5 TFSI outputs 294 kW (400 hp) – 33 hp more than its predecessor. That makes it the most powerful five-cylinder engine on the world market. Its 480 Nm (354.0 lb-ft) of torque is available at engine speeds between 1,700 and 5,850 revolutions per minute for outstanding tractive power. The compact RS model sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 4.1 seconds. It can attain a maximum speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph); on request Audi will increase the electronically limited top speed to 280 km/h (174.0 mph). The unique sound of the five-cylinder unit intensifies an already emotionally charged driving experience. Its sound comes from having the ignition alternate between directly adjacent cylinders and widely spaced ones. The sound can be modified via Audi drive select.
With its light-alloy crankcase, the five-cylinder engine is 26 kilograms (57.3 lb) lighter than its predecessor. It employs a dual injection into the intake manifold and into the combustion chambers, as well as the Audi valvelift system for variable control of the exhaust valves. The result is optimal power development at a reduced consumption level.
Sportiness, top traction and driving safety
With lightning-fast shifting, the S tronic seven-speed dual clutch transmission transmits the power of the 2.5 TFSI to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Its electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch distributes the drive torque variably between the axles. The electronic control combines superior stability with a high level of driving pleasure. The sportier the driving, the faster and more often will a large share of the torque reach the rear axle. The result: especially agile driving characteristics.
quattro management is integrated as a standard feature in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, as are the steering, S tronic, engine management and the adjustable exhaust flaps. The driver can individually vary the operation of these components between the three modes comfort, auto and dynamic. The same is true for the optional RS sport suspension plus with adaptive damper control.
Wheel-selective torque control, an intelligent software feature of the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), rounds off the work of the all-wheel drive. In fast cornering it slightly brakes the inside wheels, which are under a reduced load. In this way it can transmit greater lateral power, making handling more fluid and stable. In addition, the RS-specifically tuned ESC comes with a sport mode for controlled drifting. The ESC can also be fully deactivated for especially sporty driving characteristics.
Progressive steering, four-link rear axle, a tight setup and lowered by 25 millimeters (1.0 in) relative to the standard model – the chassis of the RS 3 sedan is the perfect partner for the powerful drive system. From its stable center position, the RS 3 sedan spontaneously steers into curves and follows through with superior precision. The front brake disks have a diameter of
370 millimeters (14.6 in), while eight-piston calipers with large-area linings provide optimal deceleration. Alternatively, Audi supplies carbon-fiber ceramic disks in front. At the rear axle there are brake disks with a diameter of 310 millimeters (12.2 in). Standard on the RS 3 sedan are 19-inch wheels and 235/35 tires. 255/30 tires are optionally available in front.
Distinctive RS design outside and inside
The new top athlete in the compact segment also expresses its sporty character visually. The Singleframe with its three-dimensional honeycomb grille bears the quattro logo along the bottom. Underneath, a blade extends across the entire width of the front into the side air inlets, where it forms narrow funnels for better air flow through the wheel arches. LED headlights with their distinctive daytime running light signature are standard; Audi also offers matrix LED headlights as an option. Compared with an A3, the front track of the RS 3 sedan is wider by 20 millimeters (0.8 in) – the front wheel arches are accordingly wider flared as well. At the rear axle the wheels are spaced 14 millimeters (0.6 in) further apart compared with the basic model.
A fixed spoiler lip on the luggage compartment lid improves the separation of air flow. A distinctive diffusor insert with vertical struts and the large oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system terminate the rear. Audi exclusively offers the RS-specific paint colors Nardo gray and Catalunya red as options.
The dark-toned interior welcomes the driver and passengers with illuminated door sills bearing the RS 3 logos as a standard feature. Black fine Nappa leather sport seats with RS logos on the backrests are standard. Optionally available are more contoured RS sport seats with integrated head restraints. Their covers are also diamond patterned and color-perforated. The RS sport leather steering wheel is flattened at the bottom. Inlays at the instrument panel and at the doors complete the atmosphere of sporty elegance.
Intuitive operation and high-definition displays
The flat hierarchies and intelligently linked context menus make operation of the Audi RS 3 sedan intuitive and ergonomic. The main control element is the rotary/push-button control on the console of the center tunnel. With the top infotainment system MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, the terminal includes a touchpad for scrolling, zooming and writing. Additionally included is a free text search feature that automatically completes the user’s input after entering just a few letters. The voice control processes questions and commands formulated in ordinary language.
Standard is an electrically extending MMI screen with a 7-inch diagonal. The two circular instrument dials are black with red needles and white scales. The centrally positioned driver information system includes a boost pressure indicator, an oil thermometer and a lap timer. The fully digital Audi virtual cockpit is optionally available. On its high-resolution 12.3-inch monitor the driver can choose between three display modes. They include a special RS screen that moves the tachometer to the center. On the left and right information appears on tire pressure, torque and g‑forces. When the transmission is operating in manual mode, a scale with a color background prompts the driver to use the steering wheel paddle or selector lever to upshift when approaching maximum revs.
Always online with Audi connect and Audi smartphone interface
An LTE module gets the Audi RS 3 sedan online. It brings on board the various services of Audi connect, including navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View, as well as information on fuel prices, the weather, travel and traffic. The information is displayed directly in the MMI, and operation is by way of the standard-equipped RS multifunction steering wheel, the rotary/push-button control and touchpad or by spoken command. Data is transmitted via the new Audi connect SIM, which is factory-installed in the car. With the corresponding data flat rate the customer can immediately use the services for up to three years free of charge – even in other European countries. In addition, the navigation systems include a Wi-Fi hotspot enabling passengers to surf the web with their tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices.
The free Audi MMI connect app offers many other features, such as transferring your smartphone’s calendar to the MMI. Through Aupeo! and Napster it affords access to countless music tracks and audio books. Destinations from Google Maps, points of interest (POIs) and the entries from the “Travel” service can be transferred from your smartphone to your car’s navigation system using the app. The Audi smartphone interface brings Apple Car Play and Android Auto into the car.
Selected apps for the phone, navigation and streaming services, for example, are then directly displayed on the MMI screen. The driver can control the apps using the various operating options in the car.
Attractive supplementary components complete the infotainment line. The Audi phone box inductively charges the smartphone according to the Qi standard and connects it to the car antenna via near-field coupling for optimal reception quality. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System produces an excellent sound experience with 705 watts of power and 14 speakers.
Arrive safe and relaxed at your destination thanks to new assistance systems
The RS 3 sedan is also the top of its class when it comes to driver assistance systems. They keep the car at the desired distance from the vehicle in front, assist the driver when changing lanes and staying within the given lane, detect traffic signs and help avoid rear-end collisions and pedestrian accidents.
New are the traffic jam assist, which briefly takes over the steering in slow-moving traffic up to 65 km/h (40.4 mph), the emergency assist, which automatically stops the car if required, and cross traffic assist rear. The latter system looks out for crossing vehicles when pulling out of a parking space.
The compact RS model will be launched in China and the USA from summer 2017 under the “Audi Sport” label.
Audi Sport develops racing version of the Audi RS 3
- Audi RS 3 LMS new entry-level model for customer sport
- Touring car for worldwide TCR racing series
- Managing Director Stephan Winkelmann: “Attractive opportunity to get started in fascinating Audi racing”
With a racing version of the new Audi RS 3 that made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show, Audi Sport customer racing will extend its offering in customer sport starting in the 2017 season. The TCR version of the Audi RS 3 sedan puts customer sport at Audi on an even broader base.
“Audi has been active in motorsport on the highest level for generations,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Managing Director at Audi Sport with responsibility for the Audi R and RS models which Audi sells under the “Audi Sport” label. “With the Audi R8 LMS, Audi Sport customer racing, in a very short time, managed to build a successful customer sport program alongside the factory commitments in the WEC and the DTM. The Audi R8 LMS has since become the market leader in its segment. We have the same plans for the Audi RS 3 LMS, which offers customers an attractive opportunity to get started in fascinating Audi racing.”
The Audi RS 3 LMS is being developed by Audi Sport customer racing for the TCR category which is still relatively new. In addition to an international TCR series, with some of its races being held as part of the FIA Formula One World Championship supporting program, more and more national racing series for TCR touring cars are being founded. Even major endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring are now including TCR classes.
“The TCR market has even larger potential than that of the GT3 category,” says Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing. “In 2016, there were ten TCR series with races in 18 countries, and more and more series are being added. With the TCR version of the RS 3 we’re also reaching countries where no GT3 races are held. The costs for a TCR race car are very low. As a result, we’re going to win new customers for Audi Sport as well. In terms of support and parts supply, they’ll benefit from the experiences we’ve been gathering with the Audi R8 LMS since 2009, which our GT3 customers have come to appreciate.”
The Audi RS 3 LMS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of about 240 km/h. In TCR trim, the proven four-cylinder two-liter TFSI engine delivers 243 kW (330 hp).
In terms of safety, Audi Sport customer racing is not making any compromises. The extensive safety package includes an FIA-conformant safety fuel tank, a racing safety cell, the PS3 safety seat, FIA safety nets on both sides of the seat and a rescue hatch in the roof like the one used in the Audi R8 LMS.
Audi Sport customer racing will start delivering the first Audi RS 3 LMS cars to customers this December, in time before the seasons of the major TCR racing series open in 2017. The purchase price is 129,000 euros (plus VAT) for the TCR version with a sequential six-speed racing transmission and 99,000 euros (plus VAT) for a club sport version.
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