New Audi RS3 that set Nurburgring lap record on sale now from £50,900

Audi has revealed its 2022 super hot RS3 Sportback and RS3 Saloon duo available for customers from £50,900. Orders are now being taken for its magnificent hyper hatch that can reach 62mph in 3.8 seconds thus claiming the Nurburgring lap record for compact sedans.

Following a test drive with Four Ring’s celebrity driver Frank Stippler, the supercar managed to set a new compact class best as it completed a full 12.9-mile lap in just 7 minutes and 40.748 seconds at the beginning of August.

The RS3’s new record beats the previous one held by the Renault Megan RS Trophy-R by 4.6 seconds.

Starting from £50,900 and £51,900 the RS3 pair aims to rival its greatest opponents, Mercedes-AMG A45 and Volkswagen Golf R, while managing to keep its trademark characteristics in addition to some smart torque splitting upgrades to help it dominate the curves.

Powered by an award-winning 2.5-liter five-cylinder petrol engine that cranks out 400PS and 500Nm of torque, both the RS3 Sportback and Saloon come in four different versions: RS3, Carbon Black, Launch Edition and Vorsprung.

The “International Engine of the Year” then powers all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and a clever torque-splitting rear differential, before reaching its speed limit at 155mph, unless customers decide to add the optional performance package and upgrade the max speed to a blistering 180 mph.

Standardly-equipped with a torque splitter, as the rear axle differential and the previous multiple disc clutch package went in history, the new technology makes the RS3 capable of drifting on closed-off tracks, by directing all of the power to only one of the rear wheels.

Larger and newly-developed six-piston steel brakes are set to maintain the power of the engine, but can be upgraded to 10-kilogramme-lighter (22 lbs) ceramic high-performance brakes if requested by the buyer.

Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle said: “There are fewer more iconic engines in the world than Audi’s 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder. Now more powerful than ever before, and with class-leading performance figures to back up its striking new design, the introduction of the RS3 Sportback and Salon reinforce Audi Sport’s commitment to setting the benchmark in every segment.”

An RS-specific variable ratio that regulates the supercar’s steering speed according to the steering angle helps ensure stability around the straight-ahead position, while improving turn-in reaction in the corners.

Standard specs for the cheapest model include 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and cruise control, while the inside reveals heated Front Sport seats with the model’s logo embossed in Fine Nappa leather, in addition to a 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The RS3 Carbon Black, which comes above the base-model, adds matte black 19-inch alloy wheels, tinted Matrix LED headlamps, a gloss black front splitter and a carbon fibre finish for the mirror caps, rear spoiler, side skirts and engine cover for a starting price of £55,550.

Audi will sell only 96 samples of its third category limited-run RS3 Launch Edition in the UK, after an additional £1,350 will bring customers an adaptive suspension, a sports exhaust system, a panoramic glass sunroof and red brake calipers.

The £56,900 model, whose top speeds increase to an amazing 174mph, captivates enthusiasts’ attention with its electric front seats, a premium Bang & Olufsen stereo system, a heads-up display, a hidden wireless smartphone charger and gloss black trim for the dashboard.

Finally, Audi’s showcase model named RS3 Vorsprung, which comes at an additional £7,750 from the base model (£58,650), boasts off with black 19-inch alloy wheels with graphic print, an electrical tailgate and a 360-degree camera to assist during parking.

An optional RS Dynamic pack, worth an extra £5,500 on the base-design and £5,000 on Carbon Black and Vorsprung versions, that reaches top speed at 180 mph, combines together a bunch of other upgrades, including adaptive dampers (Adaptive suspension with Audi Drive Select), ceramic brakes with brake calipers and a sports exhaust system.

Any of the varieties can be ordered exclusively in two different colours according to the automotive house: Kyalami green and Kemora grey, while the Carbon Black version of the Saloon comes in Brilliant black.