The 2025 Audi RS 3 Fine Tunes the Nürburgring Record Holder Formula

RESTON, Va. (March 20, 2025) – Audi of America today releases full pricing and specifications for the 2025 Audi RS 3, reaffirming the compact sport sedan’s position as the attainable entry point to the Audi Sport portfolio. Featuring a combination of visual enhancements to both the interior and exterior, more standard equipment, and performance benefits of fine-tuning; the latest rendition of the RS 3 invites drivers to experience the progressive union of luxury with the track-proven performance demonstrated through the new record lap set in the compact vehicle class on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife with 7:33.123 minutes.

The legendary five cylinder engine
Powered by Audi’s legendary five-cylinder engine, the 2025 RS 3 arrives with 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and from a standstill reaches 60mph in just 3.6 seconds. When equipped with the Dynamic plus package, drivers unlock an increased top track speed of 180 mph (+25 mph from standard 155 mph top track speed). The uneven cylinder configuration and unique 1-2-4-5-3 firing order bellow a distinctly iconic sound and deliver unparalleled performance.

First introduced in the 1976 Audi 100 (C2), Audi’s five-cylinder engine has achieved hall-of-fame status as it relates to the brand’s storied history in motorsports and engineering. The RS 3 represents the closest production car to the legendary Sport Quattro S2; which was also powered by a five-cylinder engine and was the first Audi race car to use a dual clutch transmission.

Dynamic Driving: Emboldened by the RS Torque Splitter and RS sport suspension plus with dynamic chassis control
The innovative RS Torque Splitter enables active and fully variable torque vectoring between the rear wheels. This system utilizes electronically controlled multi-disc clutches on each driveshaft, with each clutch having its own electronic control unit. When cornering, the RS Torque Splitter increases drive torque to the outside wheel, significantly reducing understeer. For example, when cornering left, the system directs delivery of torque to the right rear wheel.

The operation of this system is influenced by several factors, including longitudinal and lateral acceleration, steering angle, throttle position, current gear, and yaw angle. The Torque splitter is fully integrated into the RS 3’s five distinct drive select options, adjusting rear wheel torque distribution based upon selected mode as well as driving behavior.

Also benefiting the driving dynamics of the RS 3 is the RS sport suspension plus with dynamic chassis control (DCC). This system is continuously and individually adjusted based on various road conditions and driving situations, as well as by which Audi drive mode is active. As the RS 3 progresses along varying road conditions, the suspension’s damping force is calculated within milliseconds through height sensors measuring the vertical acceleration of the body, and relative movement of the wheels.  While in RS Performance mode, the suspension system is specifically tuned to minimize vertical oscillations and optimize lateral dynamics, leading to a more controlled ride experience and improved cornering capabilities relative to the previous model year.

It was through these fine-tuning enhancements and increased dynamic capabilities that the RS 3 has once again etched its name in history as a record lap holder on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife in the compact segment, breaking its previous 2021 record by more than seven seconds.

Exterior design matching its performance
The latest iteration of the RS 3 arrives with several impactful exterior design elements. The sporty demeanor of the RS 3 is more apparent, seen most prominently by the striking front and rear bumpers with a distinctive RS-specific diffuser with vertical reflectors. The new Anthracite Audi rings add a sleek, modern touch, while the new singleframe grille (now featuring a rhombus pattern), and a larger more angular air intake give the RS 3 a dominant stance.

Within the RS 3’s darkened headlight housings are new Matrix-design LED headlights featuring an RS-specific daytime running light (DRL) signature, accompanied by three additional light signatures which can be cycled through the interior’s MMI touch display. Exclusively available for the RS3 is a digitalized checkered flag pattern, accentuating the track-capable credentials of the vehicle.

From the rear, the black oval trim surrounds bolster the dual exhaust tailpipes, leading to an increasingly formidable aesthetic. As with the headlights, new digital signatures come to life in the taillights, visible both in the pattern configuration while running, as well as during the coming home / leaving home sequence.

As part of the all-new wheel offerings, the 2025 RS 3 receives 19’’ 10-cross-spoke design wheels as standard, with optional 19’’ 10-cross-spoke design wheels in a dark gray matte finish as part of the Carbon optic package. Additionally, when equipped with the Dynamic plus package, ultra-high-performance summer tires are included.  

New for the 2025 model year are three distinct additions to the palette of available exterior colors, including Arkona White, Progressive Red metallic, and Ascari Blue metallic. Other available colors include Kyalami Green, Mythos Black metallic, Daytona Gray pearl effect, and Python Yellow metallic.

Interior enhancements showcase blend of performance and luxury
The interior experience is enhanced to strike an intentional balance between performance and luxury, without losing sight of the sporty and agile character of the RS 3. An all-new RS steering wheel includes distinct RS Mode satellite buttons and aluminum paddle shifters, providing a responsive and conveniently thrilling driving experience. This new flat top and bottom steering wheel design comes standard wrapped in perforated leather, with an optional Alcantara finish for the benefit of additional grip.

While driving in low-light environments, the interior ambiance of the RS 3 comes to life with new applications of customizable, multi-color, LED lighting. Arriving as standard equipment, the LED interior lighting package pro features ambient backlighting in the door trim, door panels, cupholders and surrounding the perimeter of the center console. Selectively dictating the illumination within the door panel are hundreds of rhombus-shaped laser cutouts of cascading sizes, delivering an emotional nighttime interior experience. Within the illuminated surrounds of the center console lies a sleek new shifter design.

Replacing the previous model year’s bright silver finishes seen on interior elements (such as the door handle, door trim, and HVAC vents), the 2025 model introduces a dark gray metal Vanadium finish, further emphasizing the evocation of performance. Drivers and passengers alike can become immersed in music of their choosing via the standard 3D sound of the SONOS premium sound system.

Adorning either the standard RS sport seats, there are three design options, including the standard Black with Super Black stitching, or when equipped with the optional Design Package Plus; Black with Micrommata Green stitching, or Black with Express Red stitching. The accent color of the chosen stitching carries through to the rest of the interior, most notably through the center of the HVAC vent structure, and at the 12 o’clock position of the new RS steering wheel.

Key Specifications & Pricing