The 2022 Audi RS 3 is entering our consciousness with proven hardware, performance-enhancing innovations, and record-breaking speed credentials. The first-generation RS 3 came in 2011 as an extreme derivative of a humble Audi A3 Sportback. The second-gen RS 3 Sportback arrived in 2015, and it brought along the first-ever RS 3 Sedan with the same potent five-cylinder turbo engine. The all-new, second-generation RS 3 Sedan (based on the fourth-gen Audi A3) is rejoining the RS family after a brief one-year hiatus, and it has a few tricks up its sleeve to make its RS 5 and RS 7 siblings green with envy.

2022 Audi RS 3: More Power

It may have the same turbocharged five-pot engine as its predecessor, but it now has a healthy 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque, seven more horses, and 15 more lb-ft. of torque than before. With more power comes more speed, and the new RS 3 obliges a zero to 60 mph run of 3.6 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds quicker than the old RS 3. The top speed is 155 mph, but choosing the Dynamic Package unlocks a 180 mph top speed while throwing in a nifty set of carbon-ceramic brakes.
2022 Audi RS 3. Photo: Audi of America.

New Nürburgring Lap Record

The equally alluring yet more legendary Audi RS 5 may have more horsepower with its updated 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 motor. Still, the 2022 Audi RS 3 is more agile around the bends owing to its compact footprint. And when you shoehorn a potent engine into a small car like the RS 3, it can t...