Audi RS3 III (8Y) photos

Introduced in 2021, the Audi RS3 8Y generation refined the iconic 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo engine to deliver 400 hp and an increased 500 Nm of torque. The headline technical innovation was the replacement of a traditional Haldex rear differential with the RS Torque Splitter. Utilizing two electronically controlled multi-plate clutches on the rear driveshafts, the system actively vectors torque between the rear wheels, eliminating understeer and introducing a dedicated RS Torque Rear drift mode.

Visually, the 8Y boasts an assertive stance with dramatically flared front fenders, a blacked-out Singleframe grille, and checkered-flag LED headlight signatures. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, it achieved a record-breaking lap time around the Nürburgring Nordschleife for compact cars. Blending cutting-edge chassis control with unmatched five-cylinder character, the 8Y generation represents the pinnacle of modern AWD compact performance.