This update comes to you hot off the unionized press—the Auto Union, that is. Fun fact: Auto Union (Today: AUDI AG) was formed when four companies—Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer—came together to consolidate themselves on June 29, 1932.

Since then, the company has had a storied legacy, including several wins at major races like Le Mans, Spa, and several other FIA races. And not to be left out is their rallying experience.

My point is that the four-ring company has come a long way from the shed in rural Germany, where it began life a century ago, with a couple of wars in between.

And now, Audi has once again raised the bar in the company performance segment by introducing the new 2025 Audi RS3. I'd go so far as to say that they've taken the bar and are currently practicing javelin throws with it.

Although everyone is a bit miffed about Audi's nameplate change for the A-series lineup, for those who don't know, all even-numbered A-cars (A4, A6, A8) will be electric now, and all odd-numbered (A3, A5, A7) will be ICE-powered.

So then, let's take a deeper look at what makes the 2025 RS3 tick, and why it continues to win the hearts and minds of car enthusiasts worldwide.

"New 2025 Audi RS3 in Kyalami Green showcasing its aggressive front design and LED matrix headlights on a winding mountain road"

The New 2025 Audi RS3 Engine

The heart of the New 2025 Audi RS3 remains its iconic 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, a powerplant that has become synonymous with Audi's compact performance car. This New 2025 Audi RS3 engine continues to produce a robust 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, maintaining its position as one of the most powerful engines in its class. This five-cylinder marvel's unique 1-2-4-5-3 firing order gives the New 2025 Audi RS3 its distinctive, throaty exhaust note that enthusiasts have come to love.

What sets the New 2025 Audi RS3 engine apart in this update is not an increase in power, but rather how that power is delivered and experienced. Audi has fine-tuned the exhaust system, optimizing the 2,200 to 3,500 rpm flap control. This results in a fuller, more consistent sound across all driving modes, enhancing the auditory experience that is so crucial to the RS3's character.

The New 2025 Audi RS3 engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which has been recalibrated for even quicker shifts.

This combination allows the RS3 to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds, a figure that remains impressive in the hot hatch segment.

But it's not just about straight-line speed; the New 2025 Audi RS3's powertrain has been tuned to provide more responsive power delivery in corners, enhancing the car's overall dynamic capabilities.

Next, we'll look at the new 2025 Audi RS3 performance, and how it actually handles all of that power.

"New 2025 Audi RS3 in Kyalami Green showcasing its aggressive front design and LED matrix headlights on a winding mountain road"

The New 2025 Audi RS3 Performance

When it comes to the New 2025 Audi RS3 performance, Audi has focused on refining and enhancing rather than dramatically altering the formula. The New 2025 Audi RS3 performance figures remain impressive, with the aforementioned 3.8-second 0-62 mph time and a top speed of 180 mph when equipped with the optional RS Dynamic package.

However, the true improvements in the New 2025 Audi RS3 performance are found in its handling characteristics. Audi has made significant strides in its cornering abilities thanks to a retuned torque splitter system. This technology, which can distribute torque between the rear wheels, has been given a more aggressive calibration.

As a result, the New 2025 Audi RS3's cornering performance is noticeably sharper, with less understeer and a more willing turn-in.

The suspension system has also been refined, with new adaptive dampers that react more quickly to changes in road conditions and driving style.

This improvement in the New 2025 Audi RS3 performance is particularly noticeable on twisty roads, where the car feels more planted and responsive than ever before. Audi has also introduced a new tire compound as standard, offering improved grip in both dry and wet conditions, further enhancing the car's dynamic capabilities.

Next, let me walk you through the new 2025 Audi RS3 design and updates from last year.

"New 2025 Audi RS3 in Kyalami Green showcasing its aggressive front design and LED matrix headlights on a winding mountain road"

The new 2025 Audi RS3 Design and Updates

The New 2025 Audi RS3 design showcases a subtle evolution rather than a revolution, maintaining the car's aggressive stance while introducing some fresh elements.

At the front, the New 2025 Audi RS3 design features a redesigned Singleframe grille, now broader and flatter than before, giving the car a more imposing presence on the road.

The front bumper has been reshaped, with larger air intakes that not only look more aggressive but also improve cooling efficiency.

One of the most notable aspects of the New 2025 Audi RS3 design is the new LED matrix headlights.

"New 2025 Audi RS3 in Kyalami Green showcasing its aggressive front design and LED matrix headlights on a winding mountain road"

These not only provide superior illumination but also feature a customizable daytime running light signature. Drivers can choose from four different light patterns, adding a personalized touch to the car's appearance.

Moving to the rear, the New 2025 Audi RS3 design incorporates a more prominent diffuser and larger oval exhaust tips, emphasizing the car's performance credentials.

The taillights have also been redesigned, featuring dynamic turn signals that add a touch of drama to the rear end. New color options, including Ascari Blue and Progressive Red, join the palette, allowing for greater personalization.

Next up is the interior of the new 2025 Audi RS3.

"New 2025 Audi RS3 in Kyalami Green showcasing its aggressive front design and LED matrix headlights on a winding mountain road"

The New 2025 Audi RS3 Interior

Step inside, and the New 2025 Audi RS3 interior immediately conveys its sporting intentions.

The most striking addition to the New 2025 Audi RS3 interior is the option of carbon fiber bucket seats. These not only look the part but also provide excellent support during spirited driving, holding the driver firmly in place through tight corners.

You also get a new steering wheel replete with a flat bottom, just like Audi Motorsport cars have.

The wheel also comes with new quick-access buttons to switch between drive modes without having to take your hands off the wheel. Coming to materials, we have the 'use of alcantara, high-quality leather, and loads and loads of carbon fibre.

By default, seats come with honeycomb stitching just like they did in the motorsport Audi's of Auld Lang Syne. And to the two people who care, you get more ambient light customization options, so... go wild, I guess?

"New 2025 Audi RS3 in Kyalami Green showcasing its aggressive front design and LED matrix headlights on a winding mountain road"

The New 2025 Audi RS3 Technology

There's not much to write home here, as the technology in the old Audi RS3 was quite mature.

However, we do get some subtle bumps. To kick things off, the first thing that's new with the RS3 technology is the MMI system.

It now supports CarPlay and Android Auto wireless by default (no more plugging your phone into the console). Then, it also now includes real-time traffic updates in certain countries, with expansion plans for the software, trademark pending.

The driver's display is a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, which can be configured to show a variety of information, including a G-meter and lap timer for track use.

The New 2025 Audi RS3 technology suite also includes an updated driver assistance package, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

On the performance side, the RS Torque Splitter, a key piece of the New 2025 Audi RS3 technology, has been refined for even more precise torque distribution between the rear wheels.

This system works in conjunction with the Audi drive select system, which now includes a new "Performance' mode optimized for track use.

And now, let's talk about the damage. The moolah. The price of the new 2025 Audi RS3.

"New 2025 Audi RS3 in Kyalami Green showcasing its aggressive front design and LED matrix headlights on a winding mountain road"

The New 2025 Audi RS3 Price

When it comes to the New 2025 Audi RS3 price, Audi has positioned the car competitively within the high-performance compact segment.

In Germany, the New 2025 Audi RS3 price starts at €66,000 for the Sportback version, with the sedan commanding a €2,000 premium. U.S. pricing has not been announced yet, but based on the current model and adjusting for inflation, I expect the New 2025 Audi RS3 price to start around $65,000.

While this puts the RS3 at the higher end of the compact performance car market, the combination of performance, technology, and brand prestige justifies the New 2025 Audi RS3 price for many enthusiasts.

It's worth noting that many of the most exciting features, such as the carbon fiber bucket seats and the RS Dynamic package, are likely to be optional extras, potentially pushing the final price higher.

"New 2025 Audi RS3 in Kyalami Green showcasing its aggressive front design and LED matrix headlights on a winding mountain road"

Conclusion

The New 2025 Audi RS3 represents a thoughtful evolution of an already impressive package. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it refines and enhances the elements that have made the RS3 a favorite among enthusiasts.

The continued use of the characterful five-cylinder engine, combined with improved handling dynamics and updated technology, ensures that the New 2025 Audi RS3 remains a compelling option in the high-performance compact car segment.

The New 2025 Audi RS3 engine continues to be a standout feature, offering a unique blend of performance and character that sets it apart from four-cylinder rivals.

The improvements to the New 2025 Audi RS3 performance, particularly in terms of handling and cornering ability, address some of the criticisms of the previous model, making it an even more capable all-rounder.

While the New 2025 Audi RS3 price may be steep for some, it reflects the car's positioning as a premium performance product.

For those who can afford it, the RS3 offers a compelling blend of everyday usability and thrilling performance, wrapped in a package that now looks sharper and feels more special than ever.

In a world where many manufacturers are moving towards downsized engines and electrification, the New 2025 Audi RS3, with its characterful five-cylinder engine and focused performance, feels like a celebration of the traditional high-performance car.

It's a reminder of why we fell in love with fast cars in the first place, and for that reason alone, it deserves recognition.

All image credits: Audi Newsroom. Performance Figures via Audi Press.