RS3 Throttle Response

[Blue Smoke]

Hi all, new here. Nice site and good solid contributors.

I recently test drove the RS3. It's a pretty impressive machine. I've just put one on order so now it's just a big waiting game!

One thing that I noticed that left me wanting a bit was the throttle response. I test drove the M2 the day before I test drove the RS3 and their pedal dynamics are pretty different. The M2 was very sensitive at the first third or even first half of the pedal stroke. By comparison (in Dynamic mode) I found that I really needed to step on the RS3 pedal before I could get it to respond. On the one hand, I was a bit taken back that when the RS3 is in it's Sport mode, that the accelerator isn't nearly as responsive as I was expecting. On the other hand, I think it strikes a stronger balance between the track and daily driver (harder to justify when you have a dedicated Sport/Dynamic mode).

Being new to Audi, it's not clear if this is typical for an Audi or is it something that I'm doing wrong (the salesman I test drove with acknowledged the behavior but did his best to downplay it). Is this due to inherit RS3 turbo lag?

Thoughts?

[speeddemon69]

Great another one of these threads right before i get my car.




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[jwil]

Its been like that for every VAG product I’ve owned, the first 25% of the pedal feels a bit dead before you hit party mode. I believe many aftermarket tunes adjust the throttle position parameter to make things more lively but I could be wrong about that.

[Potatohead_RS3]

I truly have no idea what people are talking about when they mention this, but I’ve owned nothing but VAG stuff for the past twelve years so maybe I am just used to it. I mean throttle response is definitely slower in comfort and auto modes, but dynamic and especially in manual as well the thing just gets up and goes. I do feel like the actual pedal travel in this car is longer than my previous two though (which were both floor mounted).

[Blue Smoke]

I truly have no idea what people are talking about when they mention this, but I’ve owned nothing but VAG stuff for the past twelve years so maybe I am just used to it. I mean throttle response is definitely slower in comfort and auto modes, but dynamic and especially in manual as well the thing just gets up and goes. I do feel like the actual pedal travel in this car is longer than my previous two though (which were both floor mounted).

You know I might not have noticed it if I driven the RS3 first. But having driven the M2 less than 24 hours before I could immediately tell there was a difference. I guess if you're used to it then it's "normal". Personally, I was surprised by it.

[Wkraus]

My last three new VW’s were the same way, this is my first new Audi but had a few used. It’s the way they are unfortunately until they are tuned. They feel like a dog from the factory. They come alive and feel punchy and quick once tuned. At least that’s the way my last ones were, still waiting for my tune to ship from iroz lol. My golf R I still currently have as a daily and I was having major buyers remorse when I picked it up. Most of haven’t had the luxury of test driving any of these types of cars and just take it as it is. You’re lucky you found one to drive!!! I probably would have still bought mine knowing the tune would wake it up :-)

[irablumberg]

Hi all, new here. Nice site and good solid contributors.

I recently test drove the RS3. It's a pretty impressive machine. I've just put one on order so now it's just a big waiting game!

One thing that I noticed that left me wanting a bit was the throttle response. I test drove the M2 the day before I test drove the RS3 and their pedal dynamics are pretty different. The M2 was very sensitive at the first third or even first half of the pedal stroke. By comparison (in Dynamic mode) I found that I really needed to step on the RS3 pedal before I could get it to respond. On the one hand, I was a bit taken back that when the RS3 is in it's Sport mode, that the accelerator isn't nearly as responsive as I was expecting. On the other hand, I think it strikes a stronger balance between the track and daily driver (harder to justify when you have a dedicated Sport/Dynamic mode).

Being new to Audi, it's not clear if this is typical for an Audi or is it something that I'm doing wrong (the salesman I test drove with acknowledged the behavior but did his best to downplay it). Is this due to inherit RS3 turbo lag?

Thoughts?

Having owned an RS3 since August, I have two thoughts. First, were you in both Dynamic and Sport mode? That is one of the weird things about the car. You need to select the mode with the button on the dash AND pull the shift lever back twice in drive to get to the most aggressive engine / transmission settings. You can tell you are in this mode when the gear indicator on the instrument panel says S1, S2, etc. to show what gear you are in (versus D1, D2, etc.).

Second, the 2.5L I5 engine is a relatively small engine with a big turbo. Thus, even in the most aggressive mode, there is not too much grunt below 2,500 RPM. By contrast, I find the car very responsive at 3,000 RPMs and above.

By contrast, I do agree that in comfort mode and non-sport mode, the throttle response is a bit relaxed.

[DannyLo]

I truly have no idea what people are talking about when they mention this, but I’ve owned nothing but VAG stuff for the past twelve years so maybe I am just used to it. I mean throttle response is definitely slower in comfort and auto modes, but dynamic and especially in manual as well the thing just gets up and goes. I do feel like the actual pedal travel in this car is longer than my previous two though (which were both floor mounted).

X2, I never thought this, and I've had my car for 10 months now of daily driving. I came from a 2014 981 Cayman S before this which is as responsive as they come. In full dynamic for all modes, including S transmission, the car is downright punchy if you blip the throttle in my opinion.

Also, this car is definitely a car where pre and post break-in is a very noticeable difference in driving experience, so that could also be contributing to what you're describing. After my car hit 1k-1.5k miles or so I really felt it come alive in all aspects, especially tip-in throttle response.

[keninblaine]

Second, the 2.5L I5 engine is a relatively small engine with a big turbo. Thus, even in the most aggressive mode, there is not too much grunt below 2,500 RPM. By contrast, I find the car very responsive at 3,000 RPMs and above.

I entirely agree with this, and think this is the best explanation. It is pretty amazing what this little motor can do for its size. I actually prefer the more relaxed low end over one where it could be hard to start from a standing stop without a lurch. And there is always the option of launch control when speed matters.

[Blue Smoke]

... First, were you in both Dynamic and Sport mode? ...

I thought it was but I could be wrong. It was my first time in the car and the (knowledgeable) salesman instructed me on how to get it into sport mode. I can only say that I was trying to be nice to the car and I was generally light on the accelerator -- but that's how I was with the M2 so just not sure.

[Blue Smoke]

X2, I never thought this, and I've had my car for 10 months now of daily driving. I came from a 2014 981 Cayman S before this which is as responsive as they come. In full dynamic for all modes, including S transmission, the car is downright punchy if you blip the throttle in my opinion.

Also, this car is definitely a car where pre and post break-in is a very noticeable difference in driving experience, so that could also be contributing to what you're describing. After my car hit 1k-1.5k miles or so I really felt it come alive in all aspects, especially tip-in throttle response.

This concern that I've listed is purely a subjective comment. So I'm not surprised that opinions vary. I think the break-in period could be a factor as well.

Either way, I'm getting the RS3 and I'm really looking forward to it!

Cheers

[Potatohead_RS3]

This concern that I've listed is purely a subjective comment. So I'm not surprised that opinions vary. I think the break-in period could be a factor as well.

Either way, I'm getting the RS3 and I'm really looking forward to it!

Cheers

Do you know if the car you drove has been at the dealer a while? I wonder if there is a newer software revision from the factory maybe that addresses this, I've only had mine just over two weeks. But I know DannyLo has had his longer too so who knows.

Also I don't have to change the trans/engine to S mode when switching to dynamic, it just does it on its own. However if the car is started in those modes, it does need to be cycled back through (which is weird).

[Blue Smoke]

Do you know if the car you drove has been at the dealer a while? I wonder if there is a newer software revision from the factory maybe that addresses this, I've only had mine just over two weeks. But I know DannyLo has had his longer too so who knows. .

I can't say for sure but from what they told me the RS3 had recently arrived and was only days away from going to its new owner.

[0000 RS5]

Also I don't have to change the trans/engine to S mode when switching to dynamic, it just does it on its own. However if the car is started in those modes, it does need to be cycled back through (which is weird).

This has been my longest gripe with Audi programming. My RS5 did the same thing. It lied to you as to what more it was in on startup. Each time it would default back to Auto (I believe) but would say it was in whatever mode it was last left it in. I toggle through modes every time I turn it on. At least with the RS3 I can program the * button on the steering wheel to toggle this.

[veearrsix]

Do you know if the car you drove has been at the dealer a while? I wonder if there is a newer software revision from the factory maybe that addresses this, I've only had mine just over two weeks. But I know DannyLo has had his longer too so who knows.

Also I don't have to change the trans/engine to S mode when switching to dynamic, it just does it on its own. However if the car is started in those modes, it does need to be cycled back through (which is weird).

I've noticed similar, when switching to dynamic the car moves to S mode. If I start the car in dynamic, it doesn't start in S - but then I just move it to S myself and all is right with the world.

[dv/dt]

I can't say for sure but from what they told me the RS3 had recently arrived and was only days away from going to its new owner.

The car was days away from going to its new owner, and they were letting people drive it? I'd be looking for a new dealer.

[lalalaprise]

The car was days away from going to its new owner, and they were letting people drive it? I'd be looking for a new dealer.

I highly doubt the dealer allowed a sold car to be test driven

[dv/dt]

Just going by what Blue Smoke said, at least how I interpret it. The car recently arrived and was days away from going to its new owner?

[lalalaprise]

Just going by what Blue Smoke said, at least how I interpret it. The car recently arrived and was days away from going to its new owner?

We will need to wait for clarification but that would be very surprising considering most dealers wouldn't let people drive un sold cars

[Blue Smoke]

We will need to wait for clarification but that would be very surprising considering most dealers wouldn't let people drive un sold cars

I'm not sure how to respond here; The point of the question (from Potatohead_RS3) was to clarify if the vehicle had "old" software. I didn't check any of that. I think most of you know that these RS3s don't sit on dealer lots for long. So regardless if it was sold or not shouldn't matter.

[Grexx]

Peeps in the euro market have been happy with pedal box with their RS3. I will be trying this option in the near future.

[Blue Smoke]

I understand why test driving a vehicle on the lot is uncommon. My dealer told me that they normally don't allow it. I think other people have had that experience -- where they either can't find a dealer with an RS3 or the dealer's not allowing test drives in it.

Regardless of this tangent, I was just looking for opinions on the RSE throttle response. So it would be good to continue on that topic.

I did another search and I found this review (starting right at the point of the relevant comment) on youtube where the reviewer describes what I experienced. It could be the mode or the break in period but he describes it as I remember.

[Potatohead_RS3]

I don’t even need to click on that link to know it’s Fonzie’s review. I saw that long before I had the car and I still don’t get it.

[lalalaprise]

I'm not sure how to respond here; The point of the question (from Potatohead_RS3) was to clarify if the vehicle had "old" software. I didn't check any of that. I think most of you know that these RS3s don't sit on dealer lots for long. So regardless if it was sold or not shouldn't matter.

I think you missed the point...wasnt referring to software... I was replying to someone who wss musing about the fact the dealer supposedly let you drive a sold unit

[Blue Smoke]

I think you missed the point...wasnt referring to software... I was replying to someone who wss musing about the fact the dealer supposedly let you drive a sold unit

Yep. I got it. Was trying to keep us on topic about the throttle response

[lalalaprise]

Yep. I got it. Was trying to keep us on topic about the throttle response

Yea sorry :) things seem to get derailed from time to time. I'm much like potatoehead... have only had VAG cars so the throttle response seems good to me. Especially after the car gets some mileage on it. The thing wakes up a little bit. It's not twitchy or anything like that though. I haven't driven a BMW M car but from what people say those seem to have better throttle response

[misterleeman]

Only I've noticed about is the turbo lag below 2k rpms. The mk7 GTI doesn't have much (if any) lag at low rpms.

[speeddemon69]

Ok so throttle lag, turbo lag not as bad as made out to be. This car pulls! Coming from a GTI with k04 this thing pulls with a little pedal movement. And its so smooth doing it too. Of course in D mode its slow to respond a little. But in S or manual it will put a smile on your face for sure.


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[hilltop804]

Ok so throttle lag, turbo lag not as bad as made out to be. This car pulls! Coming from a GTI with k04 this thing pulls with a little pedal movement. And its so smooth doing it too. Of course in D mode its slow to respond a little. But in S or manual it will put a smile on your face for sure.


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I agree. Just picked up the car yesterday and I think it's way overblown. You're exactly right on the feeling. D feels like the equivalent of 'comfort' for throttle response, but the gloves come off as soon as you kick it to S or M.

[lalalaprise]

Ok so throttle lag, turbo lag not as bad as made out to be. This car pulls! Coming from a GTI with k04 this thing pulls with a little pedal movement. And its so smooth doing it too. Of course in D mode its slow to respond a little. But in S or manual it will put a smile on your face for sure.


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To me that's a good thing! I like comfort D to be boring as hell...thats the point :)

[speeddemon69]

To me that's a good thing! I like comfort D to be boring as hell...thats the point :)

boring but not depressing either lol.

[Ducs_Of_Hazzard]

Anyone have any experience with a Sprint Booster to speed up throttle response? I thought about picking one up for my Q7 but never bothered because, well, it was a Q7.

[Grexx]

Anyone have any experience with a Sprint Booster to speed up throttle response? I thought about picking one up for my Q7 but never bothered because, well, it was a Q7.

Same idea with pedal box. Alot of peeps in the euro market have been happy with it. I will be buying one soon.

[PowerStroke]

Ok so throttle lag, turbo lag not as bad as made out to be. This car pulls! Coming from a GTI with k04 this thing pulls with a little pedal movement. And its so smooth doing it too. Of course in D mode its slow to respond a little. But in S or manual it will put a smile on your face for sure.


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Did you get your car??

[speeddemon69]

Did you get your car??

Yup!!! On Friday. No drilled front grill thanks god lol.


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[PowerStroke]

awesome, congrats!!! what specs did you go with?

[lalalaprise]

Yup!!! On Friday. No drilled front grill thanks god lol.


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Congrats... was a long road for you lol

Did you get the exact spec you wanted?

[speeddemon69]

awesome, congrats!!! what specs did you go with?

Congrats... was a long road for you lol

Did you get the exact spec you wanted?

Thanks guys!! Yup got all specs i wanted. Dynamic package, Tech, Black optics


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[Rynjim]

Having owned multiple turbo 4s and flat 6s (see below), I have to say the RS3 has the least turbo lag of any blown car I have driven. You have to be in Sport Dynamic and start off in 1st gear to get the full grunt at the bottom, but I find in that configuration (is there really any other?) there's remarkably little lag. My Esprit Turbo and 900 SPG were both much worse.