The new Audi RS3 claims a Nurburgring lap record for compact cars by setting a time of a time of 7 min 40,748 sec. Audi did not specify the rival, but it seems that the RS3 beat the time previously set by the Megane R.S. Trophy-R, which is a hard-core front-wheel-drive hatch.

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Family sportscar

Audi recently launched the RS3 in two body styles, the RS3 Sedan and Sportback. You can read more about the performance twins here. Interestingly, the company chose the four-door sedan with which to attempt the record run. Both cars are powered by turbocharged five cylinder engines that produce 294 kW and 500 N.m of torque. These outputs, sent through an all-wheel-drive system, propel the RS3 from rest to 100 km/h in 3,8 seconds and endow the cars with a top speed of 290 km/h. 

Read our review of the Audi R8 Spyder V10 at this link.

Those figures alone aren’t enough to deliver a record-setting lap time. Audi says the standard torque splitter (read more here) was crucial in achieving the lap time. There’s also the small matter of the optional tyres. In this case the RS3 was fitted with Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slicks. Another option box that was ticked was that of the ceramic front brakes. The latter two items would have been critical components for a quick lap.

In their own words

“I’m proud of the whole team. Everyone worked hard for this day,” said Audi RS3 technical project leader Marvin Schwätter. “When we started development, we didn’t know just how quickly our compact sportscar would really be on the Nordschleife,” he explained. “But over the course of endurance testing, we determined that we could reach very good times and set a new record.”

Audi Sport racing and development driver Frank Stippler was the man behind the wheel during the run. He said “For me, the torque splitter is a quantum leap in terms of agile driving.” 

Listen to the men responsible for the new car and the record-breaking run and watch Herr Stippler manhandle the Audi RS3 in the video below: