We just saw the official unveiling of the new Audi RS 3 at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Packed with the most powerful 5 cylinder engine on a car, the RS3 happens to be the first Audi compact sedan with the RS badge. Along with this standard RS 3 from Audi, the brand’s Sports customer racing division has developed racing version of the compact sedan. Unveiled as the Audi RS 3 LMS, this compact sports sedan will take part in the 2017 season of Touring Car Racing (TCR) International series.
Audi RS3 revealed : 400 hp, 0-100 in 4.1s and the world’s most powerful 5-cyl engine
Due to its racing character, the Audi RS 3 LMS looks edgier as compared to the stock RS 3. A wider body kit provides a stealthy low profile and the mean red and black livery adds to the devious demeanor. Although the RS 3 LMS makes lesser power and torque, it still has enough stamina to take you from 0-100kmph in just about 4.5 seconds. The proven four-cylinder two-liter TFSI engine under the hood of the TCR trim is capable of delivering a power of 330 horses (70hp less than the new Audi RS 3). With the help of a sequential six-speed racing transmission, it can reach a top speed of about 240 kmph. The urban theme of the interior has been transformed to a raw and ripped race spec motif.
The safety package of the Audi RS 3 LMS includes an FIA-conformant safety fuel tank, a racing safety cell, the PS3 safety seat, FIA safety nets on both sides of the seat and a rescue hatch in the roof like the one used in the Audi R8 LMS. The Audi RS3 LMS will be available in two versions – the Audi RS 3 LMS TCR and a club sport version. These trims will be up on sale for a price of 129,000 Euros (approx INR 97,00,000) and 99,000 Euros (approx INR 75,00,000). From December, the company will begin the deliveries in time before the seasons of the major TCR racing series open in 2017.
Stephan Winkelmann, Managing Director at Audi Sport is the man with the responsibility for the Audi R and RS models which Audi sells under the Audi Sport label. On the occasion, he said, “Audi has been active in motorsport on the highest level for generations. With the Audi R8 LMS, Audi Sport customer racing, in a very short time, managed to build a successful customer sport program alongside the factory commitments in the WEC and the DTM”. He further added, “The Audi R8 LMS has since become the market leader in its segment. We have the same plans for the Audi RS 3 LMS, which offers customers an attractive opportunity to get started in fascinating Audi racing.”
