Audi recently confirmed the return of the Audi RS 3 to its North American lineup for the 2022 model year. Set to launch later this summer, the RS 3 serves as an accessible entry point to Audi Sport GmbH's RennSport high-performance portfolio, delivering athletic handling, exciting acceleration, and refined driver-focused interior. But aside from the heightened driving experience, perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the new RS 3 is the engine itself.
Iconic Sound, Unparalleled Performance
At the heart of the 2022 Audi RS 3 is the automaker's legendary five-cylinder engine. Famous for the unique exhaust note from the particular 1-2-4-5-3 firing order, the 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder engine has received the "International Engine of the Year Award" nine times since 2010. The engine was born in the 1970s when Audi engineers were tasked with developing a new powerplant with more power than a four-cylinder while maintaining efficiency. Challenges with weight, space, and fuel economy ruled out a six-cylinder, and the first five-cylinder Audi engine came to life in the 1976 Audi 100. The combination of Audi five-cylinder and quattro® all-wheel-drive saw immense success at the World Rally Championships, as well as IMSA GTO and SCCA Trans Am series.
The 2022 RS 3 represents the latest evolution of the iconic engine, achieving the highest performance rating of any series production Audi five-cylinder in history, with an impressive 180 mph top track speed. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine cranks out 401 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque—up 7 hp and 15 lb-ft over the previous generation—resulting in improved 0–60 acceleration from 3.9 to 3.6 seconds. Boasting a phenomenal 160.4 horsepower per liter, the RS 3 Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record time of 7 minutes 40.748 seconds in June 2021 matched the 2005 time of the original Bugatti Veyron which made 123.4 horsepower per liter at the time.
Learn More at Audi Tysons Corner
Reach out to Audi Tysons Corner today for more information about the latest Audi models and available reservation opportunities. And if you'd like to explore any of the models in our new Audi inventory, we invite you to visit our Vienna dealership, where you can get behind the wheel for a test drive. We'd love to give you a tour.
