Photo: New RS 3 Sedan developed by Audi Sport packs the most powerful series-produced five-cylinder engine in the world—this inline-five produces 400 hp and 480 Nm of torque.
The new RS 3 Sedan powered by an inline five-cylinder engine developed by Audi Sport—Audi AG’s high-performance division—prepares to debut in Audi Philippines’ showrooms along with the RS Q8 SUV and RS 6 Avant. The three RS models spearhead the introduction of the Audi Sport brand in the Philippines, which will be marked by the launch of more RS models, including the new R8 supercar, throughout 2021.
The 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder engine fitted to the RS 3 Sedan has won the 2.0-liter to 2.5-liter category in the International Engine of the Year Awards for 10 consecutive years—or from 2010 to 2019. Voted by a panel composed of automotive journalists from around the world, the turbocharged 2.5 TFSI is recognized as the most powerful series-produced five-cylinder engine in the world as it makes 400 hp and 480 Nm of torque. The power output is accompanied by a sound distinct to a high-performance five-cylinder unit, created as it is by adjacent cylinders firing alternately with distant ones. From its introduction, the 2.5 TFSI has constantly received updates, including a switch to a crankcase made of aluminum.
“The five-cylinder has been an icon of our brand for more than 40 years,” said Oliver Hoffmann, Head of Technical Development at Audi Sport.
Hoffman was referencing the five-cylinder gasoline engine in the Audi “Ur-Quattro” of 1980, which was equipped with a turbocharger and an intercooler, and which initially produced 200 hp. Combining this engine with the equally legendary quattro all-wheel drive system allowed the Ur-Quattro to be a formidable—and highly successful—technical package for the racetrack and the road. The combination won World Rally Championship titles and also claimed a victory in Pikes Peak, among other motorsport series.
This same winning formula of an inline-five engine and quattro all-wheel drive lives on in a more technologically advanced form in the RS 3 Sedan, affording the car the capacity to sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in only 4.1 seconds, and to reach a top speed of 250 km/h—all accompanied by the unmistakable sound of the five-cylinder engine. Transferring power to the quattro all-wheel drive system is an S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Along this drivetrain, an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch distributes torque variably between the axles. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system integrates the functions of the quattro management unit, steering, S tronic, engine management, and adjustable exhaust, among others.
Marking the exterior of the RS 3 Sedan are the Singleframe grille with quattro logo; flared wheel arches that accommodate increased front and rear tracks (improving handling and stability); a fixed rear spoiler lip; a distinctive diffuser insert with vertical struts; and large, oval RS exhaust tailpipes.
Notably, the RS 3 Sedan serves as the platform for Audi Sport’s RS 3 LMS, a racecar which in 2020 capped off another successful season in motorsports by continuing to dominate touring car competitions around the world. To date, the RS 3 LMS has scored more than 11 drivers’ titles, 25 championships and 230 race wins globally in the Touring Car Racing (TCR) series—currently considered as the world’s most successful touring car class in which at least 14 manufacturers take part.
