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Audi Sport Reveals the Latest Version of Its TCR Race Car, the 2021 RS 3 LMS

After the success enjoyed by the first generation, Audi Sport has recently revealed the latest iteration of its entry-level race car. Completely redesigned, the new RS 3 LMS aims to offer better performance, increased safety, ergonomics, and reliability, all packed into a mean-looking, aerodynamically improved body.
2021 Audi RS 3 LMS 24 photos
Photo: Audi AG
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The German carmaker released the first RS 3 LMS in 2016, and it quickly became one of the best-selling cars in Audi Sport’s customer racing range.

The 180 units assembled at Audi’s Martorell plant in Spain made 3,105 appearances in a total of 1,051 races across the world by the end of 2020, being praised by owners for the unbeatable mix of reliability and performance.

Building on the first generation’s success, the new RS 3 LMS is based on the MQB Evo platform, which it shares with the road-legal Audi A3 Mk4, VW Golf Mk8, SEAT Leon Mk4, and Skoda Octavia Mk4.

2021 Audi RS 3 LMS
Photo: Audi AG.
The front suspension uses a simple McPherson design with highly variable chassis kinematics, while the rear uses a four-link layout with bump steer capabilities. Camber can be quickly modified using different types of shims, while the stabilizer bars are nine-way adjustable on the front axle and six-way adjustable on the rear.

At the heart of the new RS 3 LMS stands the latest version of VW Group’s 2.0-liter TFSI EA888 four-cylinder that features a race-specific cooling system and a common TCR control unit. Still, the engine block, cylinder head, crankshaft drive, valve train, injection system, and turbocharger are the same used by the standard production version of the engine.

According to Audi, the cost-effective unit, which delivers a maximum output of 335 hp (250 kW/340 PS) at 6,250 rpm and 332 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque at 2,500 rpm, is guaranteed to provide several thousand miles of racing without the need for a complete rebuild.

2021 Audi RS 3 LMS Engine
Photo: Audi AG.
Linked to the turbocharged engine is a new Hewland six-speed sequential gearbox that comes with a twin-plate racing clutch weighing 800 grams (28 oz) less than the previous version. Also new is the multi-disc limited-slip differential with easily adjustable locking.

Stopping power is provided by a dual-circuit hydraulic braking system with mechanically adjustable brake pressure distribution. It uses two-piece steel rotors and ventilated calipers on the front axle for improved thermal stability and higher braking performance.

In terms of safety, the cockpit features an ultramodern Audi Sport bucket seat built in accordance with the highest protection standards. To optimize side impact protection, engineers moved the seat closer to the centerline of the vehicle and redesigned the door’s protection frame.

2021 Audi RS 3 LMS Cockpit
Photo: Audi AG.
To comply with all TCR regulations, the car is also fitted with a steel roll cage, an FIA-FT3 safety fuel tank, a fire extinguishing system, a roof hatch, and a polycarbonate rear window.

Compared to the previous model, Audi Sport states that the cockpit ergonomics have been thoroughly improved. The steering wheel is fitted with a new easy-to-use control panel, a central keypad with twelve functions has been added to the central console, and the pedal box is now easier to adjust.

Finally, the new RS 3 LMS comes wrapped in one of the coolest factory liveries we have seen in a long time which, unfortunately, won’t be used by many customer racing teams.

The car is set to undergo final tests in the coming months and deliveries to customers are expected to commerce towards the end of the year.

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About the author: Vlad Radu
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Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times.
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