Power from the 2.5 TFSI is transmitted to the road via a seven-speed
	    S tronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. 19-inch wheels and fenders
	    made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) underscore the Audi RS 3 Sportback
	    s position of distinction. Mighty five-cylinder gasoline engines have
	    a long legacy in the service of the four rings. In the 1980s, they gave many
	    Audi cars an edge on the competition. The brand is now carrying on the classic
	    line: The 2.5-liter with FSI direct gasoline injection and turbocharging
	    technology gives the RS 3 Sportback its blazing performance. Named Engine
	    of the Year  in 2010,the 2.5 TFSI delivers 250 kW (340 hp)from a
	    displacement of 2,480 cc. Its specific output is 100.8 kW (137.1 hp) per
	    liter. The peak torque of 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) is continuously available
	    over a broad rev range between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. The Audi RS 3 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 RS 3 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 RS 3 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 RS 3 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 RS 3 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. Deliveries
	    of the Audi RS 3 Sportback are scheduled to begin in the spring. Prices in
	    Germany will start at 49,900 euros.  |