 | |
| Category | TCR Touring Car |
|---|---|
| Constructor | Audi |
| Technical specifications | |
| Chassis | Audi RS 3 |
| Length | 4,599 mm (181.1 in) |
| Width | 1,950 mm (76.8 in) |
| Height | 1,340 mm (52.8 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,665 mm (104.9 in) |
| Engine | Volkswagen EA888 1,984 cc (121.1 cu in) 330 hp (246 kW; 335 PS)I4turbochargedfront-mounted, FWD |
| Transmission | Xtrac 6-speed Sequential |
| Weight | 1,160–1,265 kg (2,557.4–2,788.8 lb) |
| Competition history | |
| Debut | 2017 TCR Middle East Series Dubai round |
TheAudi RS 3 LMS is a racing car developed byAudi Sport GmbH according toTCR regulations. Unveiled in 2016, it is based on theAudi RS 3 sedan.[1] Although it is based on RS 3 sedan, the RS 3 LMS performs at high rates on the racetrack with its almost completely standard engine that came off the production line at the world famous site in Hungary.[2] Since its debut in 2016, the Audi RS3 LMS has been one of the most successful race cars in the TCR championship, with 180 units built. It is also Audi's most popular customer race car model, accumulating more than 3,000 starts in more than 1,000 races since its introduction.[3] The RS 3 LMS won theTCR Model of the Year in 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023, which is an annual award given for the most successful TCR touring car in the category across a year.[4]
To develop the LMS version, the RS 3 underwent significant widening, aero upgrades, and received safety upgrades. The engine is a 2.0-litreturbochargedinline-four engine.[5] Audi typically sells the RS 3 LMS with a sequential transmission, though a DSG transmission is provided as an option for endurance races. The original RS 3 LMS was built on thethird-generation Audi RS 3 and debuted in the2017 TCR Middle East Series at theDubai Autodrome.[6]James Kaye won the2017 Dubai 24 Hour that same weekend.[6]
The RS 3 LMS received a full refresh in 2021 following the release of4th generation Audi A3 the year prior.[7] The new car's design served as a preview of the then-unreleased RS 3 sedan.[8] It also received updates to its ergonomics, performance, and safety features.[9] The refreshed RS 3 LMS made its debut in the2021 World Touring Car Cup.Belgian racing teamComtoyou Racing managed Audi's factory efforts in the series.[10]
