The EXTERIOR DESIGN: expressive and powerful
The RS 3 Sportback2 and the RS 3 sedan3 also show their sporty genes visually - with powerful proportions and expressive details. In terms of external dimensions, both models have grown compared to their predecessor. With the same wheelbase, the Sportback is now a good 50 millimeters wider and longer and 25 millimeters higher. The sedan is 63 millimeters longer, 49 millimeters wider and 13 millimeters higher. Compared to the previous generation, the track on the front axle is 33 millimeters wider on both models; The RS 3 has Sportback on the rear axle2 increased ten millimeters.
The front is characterized by the wide RS bumper, the newly designed single frame with a matt black or optionally glossy black honeycomb grille and the extra-large air inlets. There is a new design element behind the fenders: an air vent. The striking side skirts including black inserts, in combination with the pronounced wheel arches, also contribute to the expressive appearance of the new compact sports car.
At the rear of the RS 3, the bumper with integrated diffuser and the exhaust system have been redesigned with a large oval tailpipe on each side. The diffuser, which is divided by vertical bars, has a very large area and is therefore designed to be motorsport-oriented. The two tailpipe trims in the standard exhaust tray are chrome-plated; in the optional RS sports exhaust system, they are black. While a striking roof edge spoiler generates the necessary downforce in the Sportback, an RS-specific spoiler lip on the luggage compartment lid improves the flow behavior of the sedan.
Checkered flag and RS 3 lettering: the light signature
Concise signatures and dynamic lighting effects also contribute to the automotive personality of the new Audi RS 3. As standard, the RS 3 comes off the production line with flat, wedge-shaped LED headlights and LED rear lights including dynamic indicators. Optionally, there are Matrix LED headlights with darkened bezels, which draw the digital daytime running lights in their outer, downward angles. With its pixel field of three times five LED segments, it provides an unmistakable look. When the vehicle is opened, “R”, “S”, “3” appear one after the other as a dynamic staging on the driver's side; the pixel field of the other headlight shows a checkered flag. The "checkered flag" lights up on both sides while driving. A three-dimensional RS-specific animation also runs in the LED rear lights.
Many design options: colors and optics packages
The new RS 3 models can be ordered RS-specifically in the colors kyalami green and kemora gray. There is also a choice of other paint finishes: Turbo Blue, Glacier White, Mythos Black, Tango Red, Python Yellow and Daytona Gray. Customers can also have the RS 3 painted in an individual color of their choice.
For the first time, the roof is available as an option for the sedan in the contrasting color of brilliant black. The technical basis for this is what is known as overspray-free painting. This technology makes it possible to apply two different colors in the same painting pass. To do this, a robot-operated and high-precision measuring device measures the laser soldered seam between the roof and the side wall frame. An applicator then applies a black paint, specially developed for this process, to the body in strips with millimeter precision and without spray mist. The precise lining up of the fine colored stripes creates the contrasting finish - in just one pass.
The two optics packages black high-gloss and aluminum matt, which accentuate the front bumper, diffuser insert and window strips, promise even more individuality. For a sportier look, there are also inserts in the side skirts made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. The same applies to the mirror caps, the tailgate spoiler on the sedan and the roof edge spoiler on the Sportback.