Fastest-in-class Audi RS 3 updated for 2025

AUDI has announced updates to its hard-charging RS 3 range this week, the Sedan and Sportback duo featuring a revised design with added carbon-fibre detailing, flat top- and bottom steering wheel, new standard and optional tyre offerings, and “more precise tuning of its chassis control systems”.

The changes are sufficient, Audi says, the ensure the RS 3 is the fastest car in its class with a Nürburgring Nordschleife record lap time of 7:33.123 – outpacing the BMW M2 by a full five seconds and the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S by more than 10 seconds.

While Audi Australia has yet to confirm the arrival of the updated RS 3 for local showrooms, head office says the model will be offered with optional semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres, and as standard with revised front-to-rear and left-to-right torque variation, electronic stability control and adaptive dampers.

Audi says the revised components enhance the lateral dynamics of the RS 3 to offer improved agility and higher cornering speeds. Understeer is reduced with the assistance of “finely dosed brake interventions”, the compact sports car said to follow corner radii more precisely than before allowing the drive to accelerate sooner when exiting bends.

The changes are also said to make oversteer easier to initiate, allowing drivers to obtain the same drift angle faster than before. The “evolved oversteer” of the RS 3 aimed at improving racetrack performance with stability control deactivated, allowing skilled drivers greater flexibility in eking the most from their lap time.

Interestingly, all the changes listed come with no alteration to Audi’s renowned 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine which continues to produce 294kW of power and 500Nm of torque. The 0-100km/h standard remains unaltered at 3.8 seconds. Top speed is listed at 290km/h.

The 2.5 TFSI engine remains paired with Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive as standard.

Visually, changes to the RS 3 Sedan and Sportback provide a sharper aesthetic, the duo sporting a new frontal motif with hexagonal-shaped Singleframe grille, dual side intakes, and new-look daytime running- and LED headlights with chequered flag signature.

Fascia changes are joined by new-look tail-lights, oval exhaust tips, and a choice of three new paint colours – Ascari Blue, Daytona Grey (matte), and Progressive Red.

Optional ten-spoke Performance Edition alloy wheels are now available.

Joining the newly shaped steering wheel inside the cabin are Nappa leather or optional RS sport seats alongside carryover 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrumentation, 10.1-inch infotainment array, LED ambient lighting, coloured seatbelt options and transmission shift indicator (displayed when transmission is set to manual mode).

Since its launch in 2011, the Audi RS 3 has sold almost 80,000 units worldwide, all manufacturer at the brand’s Ingolstadt, Germany, plant. The latest iteration will be priced at a €2000 ($A3300) premium over the outgoing model, retailing from €66,000 ($A108,860) in Germany.

Australian availability, specification and pricing is yet to be confirmed, though we expect an increase in price over the current $95,715 starting point when the model touches down in local dealerships.