Audi Monterey Peninsula - Is quattro® with RS torque splitter on the 2026 Audi RS 3 the Advantage Soquel, CA Drivers Should Prioritize?
The 2026 RS 3 brings a potent twist to quattro® all-wheel drive—an RS torque splitter that can actively distribute available torque across the rear axle. If you’re weighing which performance features matter most for real-world driving in and around Soquel, CA, this is a smart place to focus. It’s the component that helps the RS 3 feel agile in tight turns, stable under power, and planted on imperfect pavement, all while giving you character options via Audi drive select.
In traditional setups, power distribution front-to-rear optimizes traction but can’t fully address how the car rotates mid-corner. The RS torque splitter adds that last layer of precision by sending available torque to the rear wheel that needs it most. In RS performance mode, it emphasizes balance and exit traction—you can feel the car pivot cleanly as you reapply throttle. Switch to RS torque rear on a suitable closed course, and the RS 3 takes on a more playful, rear-biased attitude. Either way, it’s an extra dimension of control that amplifies driver confidence on coastal backroads and improves composure during quick lane changes on Highway 1.
Of course, the torque splitter is only part of the story. The adaptive suspension with damper control knits everything together by fine-tuning ride and body motions in real time. You get flatter cornering when driving hard and a calmer ride during commutes. Combine that with the 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder turbocharged engine’s 394 HP and 369 lb-ft, and the RS 3 feels eager without being nervous. It’s a compact package that thrives on technical roads, yet remains easy to live with in town thanks to standard park assist plus and available top view camera.
Technology supports the driving experience without getting in the way. Audi virtual cockpit plus presents crisp, RS-specific graphics right in your line of sight, while the standard head-up display adds shift indications and vital stats directly on the windshield. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integrate seamlessly, and the standard Sonos® Premium sound system with 3D sound delivers immersive audio when you’re headed home. It’s the kind of interface that keeps your focus where it belongs—on the next corner.
If you’re cross-shopping performance compacts, prioritize a long, varied test drive. Try RS performance mode on a familiar twisty stretch to feel how the rear axle helps you carve a clean arc, then sample low-speed maneuvering and parking to appreciate the RS 3’s daily usability. The torque splitter’s benefit is most obvious when you build speed progressively and apply throttle through the apex—it’s the moment the car seems to shrink around you and go exactly where you point it.
For shoppers who want the sharpest edge, the available Dynamic plus package adds ceramic front brakes, ultra-high-performance summer tires, and an increased top track speed limiter, augmenting the RS 3’s stamina on spirited drives and track days. If you lean toward visual drama, the available Carbon package and RS design package in Express Red add motorsport-inspired details without sacrificing cabin refinement. It all comes together as a performance sedan that can be tailored to your roads and tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How noticeable is the RS torque splitter in everyday driving?
Even at moderate speeds, you’ll feel more neutral rotation and better exit traction. The RS 3 tracks cleanly through sweepers and feels composed as you feed in throttle, which is especially reassuring on uneven or damp pavement.
Does the RS torque rear mode make the car difficult to control?
RS torque rear is designed for closed-course use and provides a more rear-biased feel. Used appropriately, it adds playfulness while preserving predictability. For daily driving, RS performance mode offers the best blend of stability and agility.
How do the electronics and suspension work together?
The torque splitter manages available rear-axle torque distribution, while the adaptive suspension with damper control continuously adjusts damping. Together, they refine both the initial turn-in and the chassis’ composure over mid-corner bumps or patchy surfaces.
If you want to explore how the RS torque splitter elevates confidence on your favorite roads, schedule a test drive with Audi Monterey Peninsula, serving Capitola, Aptos, and Soquel. Our RS specialists will map out a route that lets you evaluate both chassis modes, sample the standard Matrix-design LED headlights at dusk if timing allows, and get hands-on with the Audi virtual cockpit plus and the head-up display. After a focused session, you’ll know exactly why this technology sits at the heart of the RS 3’s appeal.