Audi’s little race rocket is back after a short hiatus from the market, bearing a sticker price just a hair below $60,000. Audi dealers will ask $58,900 for the new 2022 RS 3, plus a $1,095 destination fee.
That’s nearly $3,000 more than the 2020 RS 3 (there was no 2021 model). It keeps the RS 3 competitive with the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45. We’re still awaiting word on a BMW M2 to challenge them all.
For your money, though, you’ll get black magic. The RS 3 – based on the little A3 sedan – gets 401 horsepower from its turbocharged 5-cylinder engine. But its best trick is a new type of rear differential that uses two electronically controlled clutches to split torque between the rear wheels to reduce understeer.
Audi says the 2022 RS 3 can jump from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds in a straight line. But why would you drive it in a straight line?
With every option, we should note, it’s possible to push the RS 3’s price tag over 75,000.
