Audi Launches RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan in Japan After Two Years
AUDI RS3 Sportback | Audi RS3 Sportback
AUDI RS3 Sedan | Audi RS3 Sedan
Audi Launches RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan in Japan After Two Years
On July 21, Audi Japan announced the sale of the "RS3 Sportback/RS3 Sedan," high-end sports models of the A3 series with enhanced equipment, in the Japanese market for the first time in approximately two years. The RS3 Sportback is scheduled for release on August 18, and the RS3 Sedan on September 15.
Text by HARA Akira
A Compact High-Performance Model Directly From Motorsport
The RS3 Sportback/RS3 Sedan, bearing the RS name from Audi's high-end sports model series, are essentially the top models of the compact A3 series. In particular, the RS3 Sedan is the base model for the Audi RS 3 LMS, which competes in the TCR category of touring car racing, a globally popular motorsport. It is positioned as a street version of the racing car RS 3 LMS, making it a compact, high-performance sedan directly descended from motorsport.
Audi RS3 Sportback
Audi RS3 Sportback
The powertrain combines an all-aluminum 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder TFSI gasoline direct-injection turbo engine, producing a maximum output of 400 ps and a maximum torque of 480 Nm, with a 7-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive system.
The quattro system employs a compact and lightweight electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch, variably distributing torque to the front and rear axles to reliably transfer high power to the road. This achieves excellent high-speed stability and handling stability.
The 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 4.1 seconds. Furthermore, this engine has received the Best Engine award in the 2 to 2.5-liter category of the "International Engine of the Year" for nine consecutive years.
Audi RS3 Sedan
Audi RS3 Sedan
Audi RS3 Sedan
The models announced this time feature special equipment for both the RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan, including Matrix LED headlights, front dynamic turn indicators, and a matte aluminum styling package for the exterior. The interior includes RS sport seats with fine Nappa leather diamond stitching, air vents with red accent rings, and floor mats with red stitching.
The suspension is equipped with Audi magnetic ride (electronically controlled variable dampers), and the Sportback and Sedan are fitted with Audi Sport 5-arm matte titanium-look 19-inch alloy wheels with different designs, paired with 235/35R19 tires.
Audi RS3 Sedan
Audi RS3 Sedan
Audi RS3 Sedan
Exterior colors include four options: the new Kyalami Green, as well as Nardo Grey, Glacier White Metallic, and Mythos Black Metallic. The prices are 8.5 million yen for the RS3 Sportback and 8.69 million yen for the RS3 Sedan.
Additionally, TCR Japan, a touring car race whose opening was postponed due to the spread of COVID-19, will commence on July 25-26 at Sportsland SUGO. Two units of the aforementioned RS 3 LMS are scheduled to compete in TCR Japan from the Audi Sport customer racing team.
