Audi Japan has announced the "RS 3 Sportback" and "RS 3 Sedan," high-performance models in the A3 series. Sales are scheduled to begin around late April 2022. To commemorate this launch, the "RS 3 Sportback 1st edition" will also be introduced with a limited production of 50 units, and applications for purchase will be accepted online until 10:00 AM on December 13, 2021 (Monday).

The "RS 3" undergoes its first full model change in four years since 2017. The Sportback evolves into its third generation, and the Sedan into its second.

The RS models are handled by Audi Sport GmbH, responsible for the development of Audi's high-end sports models such as the R8 and RS 6. In Japan, they are also involved in the development and production of racing versions like the "R8 LMS GT3," which competes in the Super GT series, and the "RS 3 LMS," which competes in the TCR Japan series. The RS 3 introduced this time also boasts performance directly derived from racing.

The engine is an all-aluminum, 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder TFSI gasoline direct-injection turbo, which has won its category at the "International Engine of the Year" for nine consecutive years. It produces a maximum output of 400 ps and a maximum torque of 500 Nm, an increase of 20 Nm over the previous model. This is combined with a 7-speed S tronic transmission and the quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The quattro system, in particular, employs a compact and lightweight electro-hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch. By variably distributing torque to the front and rear axles, it reliably transfers immense power to the road, achieving excellent high-speed stability and handling agility.

For the first time in an Audi, this full model change also incorporates the RS torque splitter into the quattro system. This technology, integrated into the rear axle, variably distributes driving torque between the left and right rear wheels. Depending on driving conditions, the system increases torque to the outer rear wheel in corners. This allows for the elimination of understeer by distributing more torque to the outer rear wheel during cornering. Furthermore, during straight-line driving, the two rear clutches are disengaged, directing torque solely to the front axle, which also contributes to reduced fuel consumption.

This functionality adds two new modes to the Drive Select system, alongside the existing Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, and Efficiency modes: "RS Torque Rear," which distributes 100% of the torque to the outer rear wheel to facilitate drifting, and "RS Performance," optimized for semi-slick tires and circuit driving.

In "RS Performance" mode, the torque splitter minimizes understeer and oversteer, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.8 seconds. On the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the car's primary development track, it recorded a time of 7 minutes 40.748 seconds, currently the fastest in the compact class.

The standard RS sport suspension features newly developed shock absorbers and a valve system specifically for the RS 3. This valve system allows the shock absorbers to exhibit even better response in both extension and compression than the previous model. Additionally, an RS damping control suspension is available as an option.

The exterior design is more dynamic than the previous generation, with a wider RS bumper at the front. New design elements, such as air outlets, have been added behind the front wheel arches. The rear also features an RS-specific bumper and diffuser, integrated with two large, oval chrome tailpipes.

The interior also features RS-exclusive components that emphasize sportiness. Notably, the RS-specific shift indicator, which operates in manual mode, notifies the driver of the ideal upshift timing by changing color from green to yellow to red and flashing like a racing car. The 10.1-inch touch display shows coolant temperature, engine temperature, transmission temperature, and a G-meter.

The "RS 3 Sportback 1st edition," released to commemorate the introduction of this new RS 3, comes equipped with features such as a panoramic sunroof and a carbon engine cover. It also sports a special Kemora Grey metallic finish, a color not available on the catalog models.

The prices are 7.99 million yen for the "RS 3 Sportback," 8.18 million yen for the "RS 3 Sedan," and 9.07 million yen for the limited 50-unit "RS 3 Sportback 1st edition."