The RS Torque Splitter is what separates this RS3 from every one before it. Where earlier cars used a single clutch pack at the rear axle, this generation gives each rear wheel its own, so all of the available rear torque can be sent to the outside wheel in a corner.

The engine is the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder at 400 horsepower and 500 Nm from 2,250 to 5,600 rpm, driving all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic. 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.8 seconds. Vorsprung is the top trim in the range, which is why this car carries the RS Dynamic package and carbon-ceramic front brakes; together they lift the limiter from the standard 250 km/h to 290 km/h.

RS Torque Rear is a separate drive mode that pushes as much torque as possible to the rear axle. It is the setting that makes the car steerable on the throttle rather than simply quick out of a corner.

The exterior runs the Carbon Black package: carbon fiber on the hood, mirror caps, side skirt trim and rear spoiler, with the honeycomb front grille, badges and rear bumper insert in gloss black.

Inside, carbon inlays run along the console, the RS steering wheel is specific to the car, and the sport seats are leather with contrast stitching across the backrests and cushions and RS lettering embossed into the trim. The Driver Assistance package is fitted.