The five-cylinder engine from Audi has cemented its legendary status, becoming a true embodiment of Audi’s core DNA. Its impressive track record boasts numerous motorsport victories and consistently strong performance in everyday driving, earning it the prestigious “International Engine of the Year Award” an incredible nine times consecutively since 2010. The 2.5 TFSI engine has been instrumental in shaping Audi’s “Vorsprung durch Technik” (Progress through Technology) philosophy. This powerhouse delivers an intensely emotional driving experience, characterized by its distinctive 1-2-4-5-3 firing order and the deeply satisfying, throaty engine sound that accompanies it. In the latest RS 3 models, this remarkable engine further solidifies its dominance in its class.
Enhanced Power: A Boost in Torque
The Rs3 Engine in the new models unleashes a formidable 294 kW (400 PS), maintaining this peak output across a broad rev range from 5,600 rpm to 7,000 rpm. Significantly, maximum power is now accessible 250 revolutions earlier and sustained for a longer duration, resulting in a more aggressive power curve. Audi engineers have meticulously refined the angle drive and boosted the torque of the 2.5 TFSI by 20 Nm, reaching a peak of 500 newton meters. This impressive torque band spans from 2,250 to 5,600 rpm. Despite maintaining the same horsepower figure as its predecessor, this iteration of the five-cylinder RS3 engine delivers noticeably stronger pull, particularly in the low to mid-range revs, translating to enhanced acceleration. The new RS 3 now achieves a blistering 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in just 3.8 seconds with Launch Control engaged as standard – a full three-tenths of a second quicker than the previous model. This improved acceleration firmly establishes the RS3 engine as a leader in its segment.
Audi offers the option to increase the electronically limited top speed from 250 km/h (155 mph) to 280 km/h (174 mph). For those seeking ultimate performance, the RS dynamics package plus, featuring a ceramic brake system and adaptive suspension, pushes the top speed even further to an impressive 290 km/h. The acceleration and top speed figures of the Audi RS 3, powered by its exceptional RS3 engine, set a new benchmark in the compact high-performance category.
Power from the RS3 engine is channeled to the road through a rapid-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with sport-tuned gear ratios. Drivers can choose between automatic modes (D and S) for the lightning-fast S tronic transmission or take manual control using steering wheel paddle shifters. The sophisticated engine control unit, working in conjunction with a faster onboard power system, intelligently manages the interplay between the quattro all-wheel-drive system with torque splitter, the dual-clutch transmission, electronic stabilization control, and the optional adaptive dampers. This seamless integration ensures optimal performance and handling in all driving conditions, maximizing the potential of the RS3 engine.
| Audi RS 3 | 2.5 TFSI Engine Specs |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,480 cm3 |
| Max. Power | 294 kW (400 PS) @ 5,600 – 7,000 rpm |
| Max. Torque | 500 Nm @ 2,250 – 5,600 rpm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h (optionally 280/290 km/h with RS dynamics package plus) |
| 0-100 km/h Acceleration | 3.8 seconds |
| Combined Fuel Consumption | 8.8 – 8.3 l/100 km (Sportback) / 8.7 – 8.2 l/100 km (Sedan) |
| Combined CO2 Emissions | 201 – 190 g/km (Sportback) / 198 – 188 g/km (Sedan) |
| Transmission | 7-speed S tronic, quattro permanent all-wheel drive with torque splitter |
The TFSI designation signifies Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection, a pioneering technology Audi first brought to large-scale production in 2004. The turbocharger in the new RS3 engine generates a significant 1.5 bars of relative boost pressure. Extensive engineering efforts have been dedicated to minimizing internal friction and maximizing power output within the RS3 engine. Lightweight materials are strategically employed throughout the engine construction. For instance, the oil pan is crafted from magnesium, while the crankcase of the 2.5 TFSI is made of aluminum. The cylinder barrels feature a plasma coating, the crankshaft is hollow-bored, and the aluminum pistons incorporate oil cooling channels. To enhance efficiency, the switchable water pump strategically limits coolant circulation in the cylinder head during the initial warm-up phase after a cold start. This allows the RS3 engine to reach its optimal operating temperature much more rapidly, simultaneously reducing friction and lowering fuel consumption.
The Unmistakable Sound of the 2.5 TFSI
The distinctive sound of the five-cylinder RS3 engine is a key element of its appeal. The unique odd number of cylinders and the signature 1-2-4-5-3 firing order, further enhanced by the refined intake and exhaust system design, create an unmistakable and emotionally resonant engine note. The 2.5 TFSI’s firing interval is precisely 144 degrees of crankshaft rotation. This firing order results in alternating firing patterns, with directly adjacent cylinders firing in quick succession followed by cylinders firing at wider intervals, contributing to the engine’s characteristic sound.
For the first time, the exhaust system incorporates a fully variable flap control system. This advanced system allows the flaps to assume a range of intermediate positions, dynamically adjusting the exhaust sound based on the selected Audi drive select mode. In the dynamic, RS Performance, and RS Torque Rear modes, the flaps open significantly earlier compared to other driving modes, amplifying the emotional sound components and unleashing the full auditory potential of the RS3 engine. The optional RS sports exhaust system further intensifies the aural experience, providing an even more pronounced and sporty soundtrack that truly complements the high-performance nature of the RS3 engine.
Enhanced Efficiency: Coasting and Efficiency Mode
Despite its increased power and performance, the RS3 engine in the new models also achieves improved efficiency. The consumption-focused efficiency mode, selectable via Audi drive select, modifies the accelerator pedal mapping to a flatter curve. This limits the available torque and power to a maximum of 80 percent under normal driving conditions, instantly reverting to 100 percent upon kickdown for full acceleration when needed. Furthermore, the five-cylinder RS3 engine now incorporates coasting functionality with the engine remaining on for the first time. Both intake and exhaust camshafts adjust dynamically as needed to optimize efficiency. On the exhaust side, the Audi valvelift system (AVS) modulates the valve opening duration in two stages depending on engine load and speed. This system promotes fuel-efficient operation at low and partial loads while ensuring spontaneous response and powerful performance under full load, perfectly balancing power and efficiency in the RS3 engine. Additionally, the RS 3 is equipped with two large-volume gasoline particulate filters featuring an optimized coating to further reduce emissions.
This powerful yet efficient RS3 engine continues to solidify its place as a benchmark in performance and engineering, offering an unparalleled driving experience in the Audi RS 3.
