A hatchback with the heart of a sports car.
The Audi RS3 is arguably the hottest hatch Audi has ever produced. The small five-door isn’t powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder or the V-6 that was once available. Instead a turbo five-cylinder, one that recalls the days of the Ur Quattro, powers the all-wheel drive hatchback. Roland Mayer and his team and MTM have created a RS3 tuning package that turns hatch into a fiery five-door.
In the 1980s when Audi was developing five-cylinder powerplants, Roland Mayer was a young engineer who had his hand in the creation of the turbo-five that propelled the Ur-Quattro. Now, he’s the CEO of MTM and using his experience to further develop the 2.5-liter inline-five used in the Audi RS3. The new MTM Audi 2.5 TFSI tuning program takes the turbo-five from the modest 340 horsepower stock output all the way up to 472 horsepower.
The first and most basic upgrade available in the MTM Audi tuning program is the MTM Monotronic computer that pushes the speed limited back to 167.7 mph (270 km/h) and keeps the stock 340 horsepower output. From there, customers can choose to install a 410 horsepower, 405 lb-ft. MTM Monotronic computer. A reinforced intercooler, new downpipe, and metal catalytic converter can be added for a 424 horsepower and 413 lb-ft. upgrade in addition to the ECU tune. For those seeking the biggest gains, a 472 horsepower and 442 lb-ft. upgrade with a new turbocharger and spark plugs is available in addition to the previous components.
Along with the engine upgrades, MTM also offers a host of chassis products that provide drivers with a better balance of power and handling. The Haldex ECU that transfers power between all four wheels can be tuned so that the system sends torque to the rear wheels faster. The entire brake system can also be upgraded with eight-piston Brembo calipers, stainless steel lines, and sport pads. New wheel and suspension options are currently in development at MTM for the Audi RS3.
The entire MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI tuning range is currently available from the German tuner. For the full price list and details, visit the MTM website.
MTM Audi RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 2.5 liters
Number of Cylinders: Inline-five
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 472 (348 kW)
Maximum Torque: 442.48 lb-ft (600 Nm)
-New turbocharger
-New spark plugs
-ECU tune
-New downpipe and metal catalytic converter
-Reinforced standard intercooler
Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed S tronic
Drive: All-wheel
-Haldex Upgrade
Other Upgrades:
-Eight-piston Brembo calipers with sport pads and stainless steel lines
MTM Audi RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI Gallery
[Source: MTM]
What do you think of the MTM tuning range for the Audi RS3? Leave a comment and let us know!
