2012 Audi RS3 Sportback Spec Reviews
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| 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback Exterior Photo |
The
Audi RS3 Sportback accelerates from a standing stop to 100 km/h (62.14
mph) in 4.6 seconds - a best-in-class performance figure. The limited
top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is merely the official figure. Even
so, the dynamic compact car uses on average just 9.1 liters of fuel per
100 km (25.85 US mpg) and emits 212 g CO2 per km (341.18 g/mile). This
efficiency is due in large part to a delivery-on-demand oil pump and a
recuperation system that recovers energy as the car decelerates.
The powerful five-cylinder unit is extremely compact and lightweight.
Its large turbocharger compresses the intake air at pressures of up to
1.2 bar, and an intercooler lowers its temperature at full load. When
the driver pushes the standard Sport button on the center tunnel, a flap
installed in the left exhaust tailpipe renders the characteristic
growling of the exhaust even more intense while allowing the engine to
respond with even more punch.
Dynamic par excellence: the drivetrain and suspension
A seven-speed S tronic comes standard in the Audi RS3 Sportback. The
compact dual-clutch transmission shifts gears almost imperceptibly, with
extreme speed and comfort. Seventh gear is very tall - a measure that
reduces fuel consumption. In addition to two automatic programs, a
manual mode is available, which can be controlled with optional paddles
on the steering wheel. The launch control system manages maximum
acceleration from a standing start.
quattro permanent all-wheel drive grants the Audi RS Sportback
outstanding traction, fascinating dynamics, and superb stability. Its
centerpiece is an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, mounted
at the rear to achieve a favorable weight distribution. If the situation
calls for it, the clutch diverts torque from the front axle to the rear
axle within a few milliseconds.
The chassis of the powerful compact car has an extremely sophisticated
design. A four-link suspension capable of handling longitudinal and
lateral forces separately is used at the rear. With a gear ratio of
16.2:1 the electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering is extremely
direct, combining fine precision with highly efficient operation. The
stiff sports suspension lowers the body by 25 millimeters (0.98 in)
compared with the A3.
The Audi RS3 Sportback has 19-inch wheels. The front tires are size
235/35, whereas the tires at the rear are 10 millimeters (0.39 in)
narrower to further enhance handling. The internally ventilated brake
disks measure 370 millimeters (14.57 in) in diameter at the front and
310 millimeters (12.20 in) at the rear. The front friction rings are
perforated.
They are connected by hollow pins to the aluminum brake disk covers and
gripped by four-piston fixed calipers painted in black. The electronic
stabilization program (ESP) has a sport mode and can be switched off
partially or entirely.
The Audi RS3 Sportback hints at its enormous potential from the very
first glimpse. Its front and rear aprons have been prominently modified,
and a large roof spoiler sits atop the rear end. The flared front
fenders are made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) - an
expression of Audi expertise in lightweight design.
The dynamic style is matched in the interior, entirely black and
sporting a number of RS3 logos. Sport seats with Fine Nappa leather
upholstery are standard; the inlays sport a Piano finish. A boost
pressure indicator, an oil thermometer and the lap timer are all
included in the driver information system. The instruments and the
selector lever are specially designed.
A flat-bottomed leather multifunction sport steering wheel, a two-zone
deluxe automatic air conditioner, the chorus radio system and xenon plus
headlights with LED daytime running lights round out the array of
standard equipment. Audi offers customers a range of optional features:
black 19-inch alloy wheels with a red rim flange, bucket seats, inlays
in the new Aluminum Race material and styling packages in black or matt
aluminum.
Design and body
The new, dynamic top-of-the-line model in the A3 series reveals its
potential from the very first glimpse. The single-frame grille, the
defining element at the front of the car, features a high-gloss
anthracite-colored insert with diamond-patterned styling. A frame in
matt aluminum look encircles the grille, and an RS3 badge adorns it.
Xenon plus lights are standard on the Audi RS3 Sportback, with
integrated LED daytime running lights that form a striking contour.
