Each of the Audi RS models is special in its own kind of way in every aspect and specifications. The 2011 RS3 has a dynamic philosophy in this compact category. This new version is improved in its performance and power.
The car can rocket from 0 to 62.14 mph or 100 km/h in about four and a half seconds with a top speed of 155.34 mph or 250 km/h. The car is compact and weighs about 3,472.28 or 1,575 kilograms and the fuel consumption is an amazing 26 mpg and the emission of carbon dioxide is at 341.18 g/mile or 212 g CO2/km. All this is possible by the technology used in the regenerative system, which is meant to recover some energy during the car’s decelerations.
The RS3′s Engine
The 2011 Audi RS3 has a 2.5-liter engine that will surely thrill the passengers because it has a strong pulling power and the 6,800-rpm. The Audi engine’s growling and roaring soundtrack combined with the signature 5-cylinder firing order creates a strength feeling in the car and gives the driver gobs of power on the road. There is a flap in the exhaust system that is controlled by the sport button, also used in varying engine response, and is used to further intensify the sound.
The 5-cylinder engines have a history in Audi. It was used to edge out the existing competition in race cars in the 80s. The first RS model, 94, had one of these engine types. The engine now is redefined and has earned the top position in engines ranked by a panel of automotive journalists. This means that the engine is created to have high performance and the general parameters used in it will yield great elasticity and excellent acceleration values.
At just about 403 pounds and 19.29 inches the Audi RS3′s 5-cylinder unit is super compact. The vermicular-graphite cast iron use in making the crankcase is a light weight but strong material that contributes a lot in the overall light weight of the unit. In fact, this material has been used in gasoline engines for the first time by Audi. The block loadability is further enhanced by the reinforcement’s which are perfectly placed. The light weight design is meant to keep the weight of the Audi RS3 in check so that it can pay off when it comes to axle load distribution which translates to an excellent and ultimate car handling.
What about boost?
The 2011 Audi RS3 has a turbocharger that is responsible for up to a 1.2 bar pressure boost while the intercooler achieves a cool 80% efficiency. Just like other Audi gasoline turbo engines, the RS3’s unit combines the turbo charging with FSI direct injection system. The combination of the two technologies create high compression ratio (about 10:1) and consequently raise the efficiency ratio. The air is mixed as it is flowing in by the flaps positioned and the intake tract. The mixture formation is further enhanced by the two adjustable (by 42 degrees – crankshaft rotation) camshafts.
Audi RS3′s Transmission
The S Tronic, seven-speed, transmits power straight from the 5-cylinder engine through three shafts. Two of these are output shafts while the other one is the drive shaft. The car has two transmission structures since it is a dual-clutch transmission. This results in a smooth shifting process which takes a very short time during the clutch switch. The two clutches make sure that there is no power interruption during the shifting process. The seventh gear, being very tall, is the ultimate way of saving on fuel consumption.
There is a choice of two automatic modes and a manual mode. The gear shift can be made through the selector lever or via the paddles on the wheel. The control system manages to launch the car from a dead zero to the explosive turbo power while maintaining the car’s stability and minimum tire slip. The all-wheel drive gives the RS3 dynamics, stability and traction. The main component is its multi-plate clutch that is electronically controlled and placed at the propeller shaft’s end for the purpose of achieving an advantage in axle load distribution.
The famous Audi Quattro
Quattro enables the distribution of propulsive power to all the axles as required. Every time there is slip in any of the axles, the oil pressure is increased in a jiffy by an electric powered pump. The two clutch plates are pressed on each other in a similar continuous motion which permits the redirection of torque accordingly. No matter how many words are used to describe this process the duration of time the actual process is much faster than the description. This is just to make sure that there are no interruptions caused by the slip.
The stiff body lays the cornerstone in the RS3 handling but the chassis makes everything fall in place. There is a four-link suspension that has a 60.16 inches track anchored to the sub frame. The front suspension is more widened but still has a separate sub frame. The major components of the construction are aluminum. The vertical support is provided by the shock absorbers and the coil springs. Compared to the A3, the sports suspension lowers the RS3 body by 0.98 inches.
The Audi RS3′s Interior
In the interior, there are a number of logos reminding the passenger that they are inside an Audi RS3. The interior comes in black with leather seats that are stitched in contrasting silver stitching. The car has a flat bottomed steering wheel, all leather and multifunctional. The instruments and the selector lever are uniquely designed. The driver information includes a lap timer, boost pressure and the oil temperature. The 2011 Audi RS3 comes with different standard equipment, such as the Sport button, climate control, xenon headlights, chorus radio system, and rear parking system.
The 2011 Audi RS3 not only comes with Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, but the new version will also enjoy the new S Tronic 7-speed transmission from Audi. This transmission uses a tall 7th gear that increases the efficiency levels of the vehicle at motorway speeds. Though the car is sporty, the exterior can appear as though it was a business car.
