The RS Torque Splitter in the new Audi RS3 (8Y) with 400 PS!

Mr. Diessner, Mr. Stippler, how was your cooperation in the development and coordination process of the RS Torque Splitter?

Meic Diessner: Frank is extremely important to us in this process. He has a lot of experience, especially on the Nürburgring. That is why his feedback is crucial for the set-up and especially for the torque splitter. I am on site for the tests and drive myself as part of the three-week endurance test. I equip the vehicle with measurement technology and compare the measurement data with the feedback from Frank in order to change the setting if necessary.

Frank Stippler: In addition to my experience and the ability to drive a car quickly, my training as a car mechanic and a degree in mechanical engineering will of course help me in such a process. I can immediately classify the feedback from the vehicle technically and pass it on to Meic. At the same time, he understands me when I talk about the feedback the car gives me on the track.

Which is more important: the measurement data or the feedback from the development driver?

Meic Diessner: The data and Frank's impressions flow equally into the tuning of the torque splitter. The feedback from a racing driver is very important to us because he is at the limit on the racetrack. The measurement technology helps me to change certain parameters based on Frank's descriptions. One doesn't work without the other.

How does the torque splitter feel in the RS 3 prototype? And why was it installed?

Frank Stippler: In general, the vehicle is much more agile from the middle of the curve to the exit and when accelerating out. All-wheel drive vehicles are very stable on the road, but tend to understeer in the absolute limit range. We were looking for a solution that would alleviate this driving behavior. The torque splitter distributes more load to the rear axle. As a result, the car tends to develop oversteering driving dynamics. And this is where the Audi drive select system comes into play, which helps to regulate this tendency according to use, route conditions and preferences. We are really fast on the road in RS Performance mode, the setting for the racetrack, which is specially designed for semi-slick tires. For me, the RS Torque Splitter is a quantum leap in terms of agile driving.

When exactly do Frank Stippler's findings flow into the vote?

Meic Diessner: Of course, this primarily happens during the two endurance runs over 8.000 kilometers each on the Nürburgring. These extensive test runs play a very important role during development for the practicality - and thus also for the series use of the torque splitter.

Which parameters can still be changed during these tests?

Meic Diessner: Basically, the software becomes more and more complex during the development phase. We have to adapt these to the available driving modes - from auto to RS Torque Rear, which enables controlled drifting on closed routes. In practice this means: Frank drives, gives feedback, we adapt and drive alternately - until it fits.

When is it ready for series production?

Frank Stippler: Over time you develop a feeling for it. I contribute my opinion because I drive the vehicle to the absolute limit and keep an eye on the demands that customers place on this car. If Meic and I are of one mind after test drives, then that confirms an overall picture that we have gained of the properties of the Torque Splitter. And that has to be consistent for everyone involved in the development. The Nordschleife test facility is particularly important in this process. The RS 3 prototype covers a wide range of needs with which sporty and ambitious customers are addressed. But we also consider buyers who are not or only rarely on the racetrack.

How intelligent is the torque splitter?

Meic Diessner: For example, it recognizes whether the road is wet or dry. The driving person does not have to change the mode for this. This means that in RS Performance mode, the vehicle automatically reacts differently on wet roads than on dry roads. In addition, the driver benefits from the variability of the RS Torque Splitter up to top speed. So he is always on the move with quattro drive when necessary.

Why is it important not just to be fast when setting up a vehicle?

Frank Stippler: Because we want to understand how hardware and electronics interact in all imaginable driving situations. In short, to keep an eye on the overall technical impression of a car. It's not about me or about setting up the car as quickly as possible for the racetrack. In order to meet the more extensive demands of customers in terms of dynamism and driving comfort, it certainly helps that I not only drive quickly in circles, but can also classify technical relationships.

So what can Audi fans look forward to?

Frank Stippler: A car that covers a very wide range of needs: from comfortable in city traffic to as fast as possible on the racetrack, and a car that is unique in its class and exudes emotions.

Meic Diessner: We're talking about an all-round successful, sporty all-rounder with a five-cylinder engine and a great sound that will give you goose bumps. In addition, there is a sporty, balanced chassis with the RS Torque Splitter, which, in conjunction with the driving modes, brings a lot of variations into the vehicle and raises the driving dynamics to a higher level.