Audi Sets New Records at Nurburgring with RS Q8 Performance and RS 3 Sedan
Audi has been making waves at the Nurburgring, setting new records with its latest models. Audi race and development driver Frank Stippler recently achieved an incredible lap time of 7:36.698 in the new RS Q8 Performance, surpassing his previous record in the 2020 RS Q8 by almost 16 seconds. This feat sets a new record for SUVs at the iconic race track.
Not stopping there, Stippler also set a new record for compact cars that aren’t front-wheel drive. In the forthcoming Audi RS 3 sedan, he clocked a record time of 7:33.123. This remarkable achievement outshines his previous time in the RS 3 from 2021 by seven seconds and even breaks the previous record set by the BMW M2 by over five seconds.
To put these accomplishments into perspective, let’s look back at some historical context. In 2007, Porsche racing legend Walter Rohrl set a remarkable lap time of 7:31 in a Porsche 911 GT2. At that time, only barely-road-legal track monsters like Radical and Donkervoort, as well as the Pagani Zonda, had managed faster times. The following year, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the Nissan GT-R further solidified their racing credentials with impressive lap times of 7:26.4 and 7:29 respectively.
Now, the upcoming Audi RS 3 will join this elite group of performance cars at the Nurburgring. Powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, it will deliver the same output as its predecessor with 394 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. Audi attributes the sedan’s ability to make more of its power to several updates. These include a fully variable rear differential that can distribute torque to either side of the rear axle, brake-based torque vectoring, and an updated algorithm in the vehicle dynamics controller for enhanced agility.
Additionally, the RS 3 offers an optional adaptive RS sports suspension and 19-inch carbon ceramic brakes, along with semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires. According to Stippler, these upgrades result in improved cornering capabilities and earlier acceleration, allowing for greater momentum and speed on the straights.
Enthusiasts can expect Audi to unveil the new RS 3 in August, with European orders opening shortly after. The American market should follow suit not long after. Furthermore, Audi has hinted at an even more powerful version of its iconic five-cylinder engine to come in the future.
In conclusion, Audi’s recent achievements at the Nurburgring highlight the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance. With record-breaking lap times in both the RS Q8 Performance and RS 3 sedan, Audi proves once again that it is a force to be reckoned with in the world of high-performance vehicles. Car enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing the thrilling performance of these models and the upcoming advancements from Audi’s renowned five-cylinder engine.
