The hottest version of the latest A3 sedan is coming to the U.S. with the same distinctive engine as before and standard torque-vectoring AWD with a drift mode.
2022 Audi RS3
Audi’s new A3 lineup is now complete with the official debut of the top-dog RS3 performance version. With a 401-horsepower turbo five-cylinder engine, standard all-wheel-drive with torque vectoring, and meaner looks than its predecessor, the 2022 RS3 will again be coming to the U.S. market in sedan form. (An RS3 Sportback hatch is also available in Europe, but US won't be getting that version.)
The same turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five we liked so much in the previous RS3 continues on, but with a few tweaks that result in more power and torque. The new RS3 now has 401 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, increases of 7 hp and 15 pound-feet over the previous U.S.-spec 2020 RS3. Audi claims it will sprint to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds, but we think it will be quicker than that given that we got a previous-gen RS3 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is again standard across the board, and a variable exhaust should create a distinctive five-cylinder soundtrack.
2022 Audi RS3
The RS3's upgraded all-wheel-drive system features torque vectoring for the rear axle. It redirects power differently depending on which driving mode is selected, and there's a drift mode called RS Torque Rear that can direct torque to a single rear wheel for sliding around on a track.
The new RS3's track is slightly wider than before, and it's 0.4 inches lower than the S3. Adaptive dampers will be optional, along with carbon-ceramic rotors for the front brakes. 19-inch wheels are standard.
2022 Audi RS3
Looks-wise, the RS3 sets itself apart with a black front grille, a lip spoiler and diffuser in the rear, and special lighting elements in the daytime running lights meant to look like a checkered flag. A black roof is optional, as are matching color inserts for the interior. There's also plenty of carbon-fiber trim found inside, and the digital gauge cluster is configured to show an interesting runway-style tachometer.
Audi has yet to announce pricing for the new RS3, but we reckon it will be a few thousand dollars more expensive than the outgoing 2020 model, which started at $57,195.
-by Amaan Attar
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