The 2022 Audi RS3 sets a new record at the Nordschleife. The new best time for a lap around the famed 12.9-mile German circuit, in the compact car class now stands at 7:40.748 minutes. It beat the previous record-holder, the Renault Megane RS Trophy-R by more than 4.5 seconds.

Overview

The new 2022 Audi RS3 Sportback and Sedan were only unveiled recently, with an all-new design. Frank Stippler who is an Audi race and development driver, took this all-new Audi to the Nürburgring to achieve a record-breaking time.

As the photos reveal, the model is still camouflaged, but only because the record was set in June, a month before the model's global debut. The question is, what changes did Audi make to the car before driving it on the track?

The Record-Breaking Audi RS3

As you may know, it’s not simple to break any Nürburgring lap record, and that too with a brand-new car like the Audi RS3. The sporty compact sedan packs a five-cylinder 2.5-liter TFSI engine with 400 horsepower and 368-pound feet of torque, which Frank Stippler unleashed on the Nürburgring.} It can get to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and tops out at 180 mph.

Audi RS3 - Nurburgring record specifications

Engine

2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five

Power

400 HP

Torque

368 LB-FT

0 to 62 mph

3.8 seconds

Top Speed

180 mph


Audi mainly credits the new record to their brand new RS Torque Splitter system, which is equipped with two electro-hydraulic reed clutches ensuring better distribution of torque to the rear axle, canceling the RS's oversteering driving dynamics.

The Performance Upgrades

According to the automaker from Ingolstadt, the RS3 was on track with an optional set of Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires. Although these tires are street legal, they are a nightmare to drive in cold and wet weather.

The adaptive damper control on the sport suspension allows for two distinct settings. The comfort setting is designed for race circuits with uneven surfaces, such as the Nordschleife; it reduces vertical excitation while retaining high lateral dynamics. Other additions include optional 19-inch ceramic brakes and the RS sport suspension plus package, all of which are optional extras.

In the cockpit, sportier seats and a safety roll cage, similar to those employed by most manufacturers in these undertakings were part of additional equipment installed on the car.

The Record

With these performance upgrades, the Audi RS3 went on to set a new lap record at the Nürburgring. It is now the most powerful vehicle in its class and Frank Stippler is truly ecstatic with the new time. The previous record was held by the Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy-R. Despite its severe modifications and sticky tires, the Renault is no longer the compact vehicle category record holder at the Nürburgring.

That's 4.64 seconds quicker than the Mégane R.S. Trophy-R. Audi definitely wants to dispel the notion, that the RS3 is just another compact sedan with a lot of understeer. This new record certainly demonstrates that the RS3 eats corners for breakfast.

Conclusion

The new record goes on to show how far the compact performance sedan class has come. The Nordschleife time that the new RS3 has set is not far from that of some all-time greats like the Lamborghini Murcielago or even the more recent Mercedes AMG GT 63. The new Audi RS3 is already available for order in European markets with a price tag of €60,000 ($71,000).