A pre-production model of the new Audi RS 3 came through with the quickest lap time of the compact car class.

Audi's Impressive Feat

Audi is celebrating an impressive feat at the Nürburgring, with a pre-production version of its new RS 3 model achieving a new lap record in its class.

Driver and Lap Time Details

Driven by German driver Frank Stippler, the lap time of 7 minutes 33.123 seconds beat the previous record by more than 5 seconds. Stippler attributed the achievement to the optimised cornering behaviour that enabled the RS 3 to control its agility better.

“That was the key to our success. The new RS 3 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."

Technical Specifications

Powering the RS 3 is still the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine which produces 394bhp and 500Nm of torque. The car was also fitted with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres, a 19-inch ceramic brake system and RS sports suspension with adaptive damper control. and an optimised chassis setup for the lap at the Ring.

There will now be a much greater level of attention on the upgraded RS 3 after its record in Germany and it will be available to order at the end of August.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Audi