You will be able to drift (yes, drift) the all-new AWD Audi RS3

While the Mk8 VW Golf R has been receiving worldwide adulation (and rightly so), it's platform sibling, the Audi RS3 is yet to hit the markets. However, this hasn't stopped Audi from sharing exciting news about its incoming performance hot-hatch. 

Central to how the all-new Audi RS3 will drive is the RS Torque Splitter. What is it, you ask? Well, it is an all-new rear-differential that is capable of active, fully variable torque vectoring between the rear wheels. 

This is the first time such a system will be employed in an Audi vehicle. Obviously, The RS3 will retain its indomitable quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) setup, but in conjunction with the RS Torque Splitter, the all-new Audi RS3 promises driving dynamic that oversteers. No, really. 

Unlike the previous model's rear axle differential and multiple disc clutch package on the rear axle, the RS Torque Splitter uses one electronically controlled multiple disc clutch each on the respective rear drive shaft.

During dynamic driving, the torque splitter increases the drive torque to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load, which significantly reduces the tendency to understeer. The result is less understeer, earlier and faster acceleration when exiting corners, and agile handling

In case you're wondering, yes the all-new Audi RS3 can and will drift (what a sight that will be). The RS Torque Splitter enables controlled drifts by applying all of the engine power at the rear axle to just one of the rear wheels.

Frank Stippler, Audi's development and test engineer for chassis said, "All-wheel drive cars have great tracking stability, but they tend to understeer at the very upper limits."

We were looking for a solution that would minimize that behavior. The torque splitter distributes more weight onto the rear axle. For me, the RS torque splitter is a quantum leap in terms of agile driving."

This RS Torque Splitter sounds like a great solution: AWD stability with added agility and poise in the corners. There's much to look forward to in the all-new Audi RS3. 

Meic Diessner, another Audi chassis expert, surmised, "We’re talking about a well-made car with a five-cylinder motor and a great sound that will certainly give you goosebumps." Previous Audi RS models always had a nose-led dynamic behaviour. Let's hope this one marks a departure.