The 2022 Audi RS 3 Sedan Is Now The Fastest Compact On The Nurburgring

The Audi RS 3 Sedan broke the record for the fastest compact production car at the Nürburgring lap, with driver Frank Stippler recording a time of 7:40.748. This is an impressive 4.64 seconds faster than the previous record-holder, the Renault Megane RS Trophy-R (7:45.38) although the latter is front-wheel-drive and less powerful.

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S which is a direct rival to the Audi RS 3 sedan hasn’t recorded an official time yet but the A 45 S was slower in an unofficial hot lap.

As a reminder, the five-cylinder turbocharged 2.5-liter engine produces 394 hp (294 kW / 400 PS) and 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque in European specification, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission sending power to all four wheels. Thanks to all that, it can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in a class-leading 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of up to 290 km/h (180 mph).

The lap time was recorded back in June, which explains the need for the green camouflage wrap on the RS 3 Sedan which was officially unveiled on July 19th.

The record-breaking RS 3 was in stock configuration, fitted with the optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires, the optional adaptive RS sport suspension plus, and the optional 380 mm ceramic disc brakes at the front axle. The RS Torque Splitter technology played an important role in the lap time improving acceleration out of each curve.

According to Frank Stippler, Audi Sport’s development driver who sat behind the wheel, the torque splitter brings “a quantum leap in terms of agile driving”, especially when combined with the RS Performance driving mode. This one has two settings focused on different types of racetracks – one being ideal for the uneven surfaces of the Nurburgring.

Audi RS 3 Technical Project Leader Marvin Schwätter, said: “I’m proud of the whole team. Everyone worked hard for this day. When we started development, we didn’t know just how quickly our compact sportscar would really be on the Nordschleife. But over the course of endurance testing, we determined that we could reach very good times and set a new record.”

Audi staff is in the process of donating money for flood victims in Rhineland-Palatinate which includes the area around the Nürburgring, with the company raising it to a six-figure amount.