Racing version of Audi RS 3
The world premiere of the racing version of the new generation Audi RS3 took place at the Paris International Auto Show. The car was prepared in accordance with the requirements of the competitions in the TCR category and will expand the list of proposals of the client unit of Audi Sport, starting from 2017.
“Audi has participated in the highest level of autosport competitions over the years,” says Stefan Winkelmann, managing director of Audi Sport, responsible for the Audi R and Audi RS models offered by the Audi Sport sub-brand. – The racing version of the Audi R8 LMS allowed Audi Sport to create a successful client program in a very short period of time. This program operates in parallel with the participation of the brand in the WEC and DTM championships. Audi R8 LMS has become the leader of its segment. We are making similar plans for the Audi RS3 LMS, which will provide customers with an excellent opportunity to join the world of racing with Audi. ”
The Audi RS 3 LMS was created by the Audi Sport client unit to participate in the TCR racing category competitions (Touring Car Racing – body racing). A number of stages of the international TCR series are held as “races of support” at the Grand Prix of the FIA Formula-1 Championship. In addition, at the national level, more and more competitions are organized for bodywork cars, prepared according to the requirements of the TCR. TCR cars of various classes are currently taking part even in the largest endurance races, for example, the 24-hour Nürburgring daily marathon.
“From a market point of view, the TCR racing car segment has even more potential than the GT3 category,” said Chris Reinke, head of Audi Sport’s customer department. – Calendar 2016 has ten different series for TCR cars, which are held in 18 countries. There are more and more new championships for cars in this category. The Audi RS 3 version, prepared according to the TCR requirements, will open for us those countries where GT3 races are not held. In addition, the costs that TCR cars require are relatively low. This will contribute to the expansion of Audi Sport’s range of clients. In terms of technical support and parts supply, customers will be able to fully rely on the experience we have gained since 2009 with the Audi R8 LMS. Our customers using GT3 cars are very pleased with our work. ”
Audi RS 3 LMS accelerates to 100 km / h in about 4.5 seconds, the maximum speed of the car is about 240 km / h. A four-cylinder TFSI engine with a displacement of 2.0 liters and a proven TCR and a time-tested 2.0-cylinder engine has a capacity of 330 liters. with.
The extensive list of safety equipment of a new car includes: a fuel tank that meets the requirements of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), a safety cage, a PS3 racing seat with advanced protection, FIA-approved safety nets on both sides of the seat and a safety hatch in the roof (like the Audi R8 LMS).
Deliveries of the first Audi RS 3 LMS cars to customers in Germany will begin in December, with a margin of time before the start of the main 2017 TCR championships. The price of the racing version with sequential six-speed racing gearbox is 129 thousand euros (excluding taxes), and the version for club competitions – 99 thousand euros (excluding taxes).
