Frank Stippler has set a new lap record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife with a pre-production model of the RS 3 product upgrade. The Audi Sport racing and development driver clocked an impressive time of 7:33.123 minutes, beating the current fastest lap time in this class by more than five seconds. Further proof that the enhanced top model from the A3 series is once again the fastest compact car.
The record was made possible by the optimized cornering behaviour, enabling the new RS 3 to deploy its agility even earlier and in a more controlled manner, as Frank Stippler explained: “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."
The basis for the vehicle’s exceptional driving dynamics is the interplay between the torque splitter with its fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, the electronic stabilization control, the wheel-selective torque control (brake torque vectoring), and the RS sports suspension’s optional adaptive dampers. The modular vehicle dynamics controller now connects the data from all components relevant to lateral dynamics with even greater sensitivity thanks to an enhanced algorithm.
Power is still provided by the legendary five-cylinder engine with 400PS and 500Nm torque. In combination with the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires, the 19-inch ceramic brake system, the RS sports suspension with adaptive damper control, and the optimized chassis setup, the 2.5 TFSI now propels the RS 3 even more spirited around bends. All underscored by its distinctive deep-throated roar, thanks to its signature 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence.
The record was made possible by the optimized cornering behaviour, enabling the new RS 3 to deploy its agility even earlier and in a more controlled manner, as Frank Stippler explained: “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."
The basis for the vehicle’s exceptional driving dynamics is the interplay between the torque splitter with its fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, the electronic stabilization control, the wheel-selective torque control (brake torque vectoring), and the RS sports suspension’s optional adaptive dampers. The modular vehicle dynamics controller now connects the data from all components relevant to lateral dynamics with even greater sensitivity thanks to an enhanced algorithm.
Power is still provided by the legendary five-cylinder engine with 400PS and 500Nm torque. In combination with the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires, the 19-inch ceramic brake system, the RS sports suspension with adaptive damper control, and the optimized chassis setup, the 2.5 TFSI now propels the RS 3 even more spirited around bends. All underscored by its distinctive deep-throated roar, thanks to its signature 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence.
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MotorTranscript
00:00I think the Audi RS3 is for me one of the cars that generally works best on the racetrack.
00:13The agility is particularly high.
00:16The new Audi RS3 has improved especially on the chassis.
00:22The secret is in the end that you can accelerate earlier.
00:27This happens with a finely tuned brake-torque vectoring,
00:31where the car is positioned better out of the corner.
00:35In connection with the torque splitter, this ensures that you can drive to the next straight with less steering angle.
00:57The new Audi RS3 has improved especially on the chassis.
01:01The agility is particularly high.
01:04The new Audi RS3 has improved especially on the chassis.
01:08In connection with the torque splitter, this ensures that you can drive to the next straight with less steering angle.
01:14In connection with the torque splitter, this ensures that you can drive to the next straight with less steering angle.
01:19In connection with the torque splitter, this ensures that you can drive to the next straight with less steering angle.
01:24In connection with the torque splitter, this ensures that you can drive to the next straight with less steering angle.
01:29In connection with the torque splitter, this ensures that you can drive to the next straight with less steering angle.
01:34In connection with the torque splitter, this ensures that you can drive to the next straight with less steering angle.
01:39In connection with the torque splitter, this ensures that you can drive to the next straight with less steering angle.
01:44In connection with the torque splitter, this ensures that you can drive to the next straight with less steering angle.
01:49In connection with the torque splitter, this ensures that you can drive to the next straight with less steering angle.
01:54In general, it was sensational.
01:57I shot from the hip in the first attempt. I drove at 35 kmph.
02:01I took a little more risk everywhere and then we squeezed out the 7.33, 1.23 and we are super happy with that.
02:08It was a perfect lap, it was a lot of fun and I am very satisfied with the driving.
02:12The Audi RS3 is one of my favorite children.
02:15I don't know where the car could be done better.