Audi RS 3 of 2025 Breaks ‘Ring Lap Record for Compact Cars

Audi’s impressive performance at the Nurburgring has garnered attention in the automotive industry. Audi’s race and development driver, Frank Stippler, recently set a new record for SUVs by completing a lap in the new RS Q8 Performance in just 7:36.698. This beats his previous record time in a 2020 RS Q8 by nearly 16 seconds. Stippler also achieved another milestone by setting a new record for compact cars that are not front-wheel-drive, with a lap time of 7:33.123 in the upcoming Audi RS 3 sedan. This time surpasses his previous record in an RS 3 from 2021 by seven seconds and bests the previous record held by the BMW M2 by more than five seconds.

It’s fascinating to reflect on the historical significance of these record-breaking laps. Back in 2007, Porsche racing legend Walter Rohrl set the benchmark at 7:31 in a Porsche 911 GT2. Fast forward to today, and the Audi RS 3 is among the elite group of cars that have conquered the famed track. The RS 3’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine boasts 394 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, thanks to various updates and enhancements. The sedan’s advanced technology, including a fully variable rear differential, brake-based torque vectoring, and adaptive RS sports suspension, contributes to its impressive performance on the track.

Enthusiasts can expect the new RS 3 to make its debut in August before opening orders for the European market, with the American market following shortly after. Audi has also hinted at a more powerful version of the iconic five-cylinder engine on the horizon. Stay tuned for more updates from Audi as they continue to push the boundaries of performance and innovation in the automotive world.

For a visual overview of Audi’s impressive performance at the Nurburgring, check out the related video.