Audi RS3 Destroys BMW Nürburgring Record With 5-Cylinder Rocket

Alex Harrington | Jun 23, 2024

Audi

Audi has just reset the benchmark at the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife, where its latest offering, the 2025 Audi RS3, toppled BMW’s record for the fastest lap in the production compact class. In an impressive display of speed and precision, the RS3 clocked a lap time of 7 minutes and 33.12 seconds, eclipsing the previous record held by BMW by over five seconds.

Under the skillful handling of driver Frank Stippler, the camouflaged 2025 model of the RS3 showcased its cutting-edge enhancements and raw power. The vehicle, not yet officially released, is equipped with top-tier features like Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires, ceramic brakes, and a newly tuned RS-spec adaptive suspension, all contributing to its record-setting performance.

The beating heart of the RS3 is its slightly detuned European 2.5 TFSi engine, producing a formidable 395 horsepower. This contrasts slightly with the pre-facelift model available in the United States, which boasts 401 horsepower. These variations cater to different market demands, with Europeans favoring a five-door hatchback version that offers a genuine alternative to high-performance models like the Volkswagen Golf R.

Audi’s aggressive push for supremacy in the compact sports car market is further illustrated by its plans for the RS3. Sebastian Grams, head of Audi Sport, in a May 2023 interview, revealed the ambitions to enhance the power and performance of RS models, particularly the five-cylinder engines.

“We will increase the five-cylinder for the next step. We will improve that. There's still a way to go. We have done the RS3 Performance Edition, which is faster, which has more performance, which has bucket invested with high-performance standing standards, and another calibration. You can see that we will really sharpen our products in the juke this future," Grams explained.

The RS3 Performance Edition, a version that Grams alluded to, will not only mirror the power specifications of the American models but will also feature bucket seats and additional performance-tuning. However, this special edition will be unavailable in America and is very much aimed at enhancing the brand’s appeal on the European front.

With Audi set to unveil the 2025 RS3 officially soon, and with dealership arrivals slated for October, anticipation is building. The model is expected to become a significant contender in the sport compact segment, drawing on its record-breaking lap to boost its allure. Nonetheless, looming challenges such as stringent emission standards might curtail the lifespan of the current engine setup, suggesting that future iterations of the RS3 may require significant adjustments to meet evolving environmental regulations.

As the automotive world watches, Audi’s latest achievement signals not just a fleeting moment of triumph but a steadfast commitment to escalating the performance dynamics of its RS lineup. The 2025 Audi RS3 appears poised to redefine the boundaries of what compact sports vehicles can achieve.