Generation next

The second generation of Audi Sport’s hugely successful sports sedan, the Audi RS 3 LMS, is now fully homologated and ready for customers to order. The new version builds on what has become the most popular car from the Audi Sport customer racing stable, with 180 of the first generation cars manufactured and seeing service in race series around the world.

To the end of last year, Audi’s performance sports sedan had competed in more than 1000 races around the globe since its introduction in 2016, clinching a total of 764 podium places in Australia, Africa, North and South America, Asia, and Europe, as well as 279 victories. 

The RS 3 LMS also wrapped up 16 drivers titles in its first four years, 38 further championship successes and a total of five class victories in 24-hour races as well as being named the global ‘TCR Model of the Year’ in 2018. 

First previewed at the start of the year, the RS 3 LMS Gen II has completed rigorous testing throughout the year and has already competed in the WTCR FIA World Touring Car Cup, taking two victories along the way.

Production of the new car, which features numerous improvements over its predecessor, is now underway with customers from around the globe able to place their orders. For Australian customers wanting to go racing in this exciting format, inquiries and orders are handled by Melbourne Performance Centre which looks after all Audi Sport customer racing operations Down Under including the R8 LMS campaigners in the GT class.

“This market launch has been long awaited by many customers,” says Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing. “Our customers have clinched more than 300 race victories and 55 championship titles with the first generation Audi RS 3 LMS to date. In the process, we have received valuable experience and wishes as feedback. Our new car is the sum of this feedback and the creativity of our engineers.” 

“The focus of our development goals for our latest model was on the customers. Whether it’s about running times or setup options, safety or cockpit ergonomics: we want to offer the teams a car that’s even more of a race car than before, that has many practical advantages in everyday use and that can be operated economically thanks to long running times.” 

Much of the car’s technical and mechanical side is strictly governed by the regulations governing TCR racing around the world. Visually, the second generation of the new Audi RS 3 LMS differs from its predecessor in that the body extensions are integrated into the bodywork and are more aerodynamic than before, while at 1.95 metres, the car’s width is the maximum allowed under the rules.

The front apron incorporates the air intakes as part of a significantly revised cooling concept for the engine and brakes while the rear wing, suspended from the rear for the first time, adds to the optimised aerodynamics package. 

In fact the aerodynamics package was designed completely on computer for the first time with the use of a computerised flow simulation, known as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

The body shell of there car comes from Ingolstadt, while the two-litere turbo engine (capable of up to 250kW and 420Nm) comes from the Győr plant in Hungary. As before, the race car is built at the Martorell site in Spain. 

Audi Sport customer racing has renewed the power transmission for the second generation of its TCR race car in all areas. The twin-plate racing clutch now weighs 800 grams less than in the previous model and the new Hewland pneumatically actuated six-speed transmission is particularly robust and can be operated sequentially via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. 

Safety remains a major focus with a roll cage made up of steel tubes that add up to just under 25.8 metres in length. 

Then there is the standard roof hatch as seen on the Audi R8 LMS cars, that facilitates recovery of the driver in the event of an accident, allowing the helmet to be gently removed upward and, if necessary, a rescue corset to be inserted. 

Front and rear windows are optionally available in polycarbonate. This material reduces weight and is extremely impact-resistant. 

Audi Sport’s Protection Seat, a six-point safety belt serves and fire extinguishing system complete the safety systems.

Priced at 137,500 euros (plus taxes), customer teams receive the touring car from Audi Sport in race-ready condition, painted in Daytona grey with the distinctive Audi Sport signature colour pattern. Additional options are also available to oder including a kit for endurance racing which includes preassembled wiring for auxiliary headlights, a racing anti-lock braking system and a device for external refuelling. Front and rear windows made of polycarbonate as well as triangular safety nets to the right and left of the seat are also offered as options.

Deliveries of the second-generation Audi RS 3 LMS will start towards the end of the year.