Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Audi RS 3 near Hollister, CA
If you’re shopping near Hollister, CA, and want a compact performance sedan that blends track-proven engineering with everyday livability, the 2026 RS 3 deserves a spot at the top of your list. Audi sharpened the RS 3 for this model year, adding standard Matrix-design LED headlights with customizable DRL signatures and a standard head-up display, while retaining the charismatic 2.5-liter 5-cylinder turbocharged engine that has made the RS badge legendary. From canyon runs to weekday commutes, it’s an enthusiast’s car that never stops being practical.
As your local resource for performance-minded Audi shoppers, we at Audi Monterey Peninsula make it easy to learn about the car, experience it on a test drive, and compare trims and packages to build the perfect setup for your roads and routines. Shoppers visiting from Capitola and Aptos will appreciate how approachable this RS feels in daily use, even as it delivers the surge, sound, and steering precision you expect from Audi Sport. Here’s everything to know before you buy, including key features, buying considerations, and how to get the most from your test drive.
Key Features of the 2026 Audi RS 3
2.5-liter 5-cylinder turbocharged engine
The heart of the RS 3 is its unique 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder turbocharged engine, rated at 394 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque. Beyond the numbers, its distinct 1-2-4-5-3 firing order produces a signature soundtrack that enthusiasts instantly recognize. With a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds, the RS 3 feels immediate and elastic, pulling hard through the midrange and surging to redline with urgency. Throttle mapping is crisp in RS modes, yet composed in Comfort, so you get performance when you want it and refinement when you need it. For added heat management and durability under extended spirited driving, the available Dynamic plus package adds a carbon engine cover alongside ceramic front brakes and ultra-high-performance summer tires.
quattro® all-wheel drive with RS torque splitter
Standard quattro® all-wheel drive is engineered here with an RS torque splitter that can actively distribute available torque across the rear axle to the left or right wheel. The result is a turn-in that feels more incisive, mid-corner balance that’s more neutral, and traction out of tight bends that inspires confidence. With Audi drive select, you can choose RS performance for balanced grip and poise, or RS torque rear for a more rear-biased character. On real roads, this translates to a planted, predictable car that’s ready for coastal damp patches or heat-baked backroads alike, and on track days, it opens a new layer of adjustability.
Adaptive suspension with damper control
The adaptive suspension continuously adjusts damper forces to deliver an optimal blend of ride comfort and body control. Compared with the S3, the RS 3 sits 10 mm lower for a lower center of gravity and crisper response. In Comfort, it smooths out freeway expansion joints; in Dynamic or RS modes, it tightens body motions for precise cornering with reassuring stability under heavy braking. The calibration makes the RS 3 versatile—firm enough to handle repeated switchbacks without feeling busy, yet supple enough for commutes and long-distance trips. The result is a genuine dual-purpose setup that flatters expert drivers while remaining welcoming to first-time RS owners.
Matrix-design LED headlights
New for 2026, the standard Matrix-design LED headlights with customizable DRL signatures deliver impressive nighttime clarity with a distinct light signature. Welcome and leaving animations provide a premium ritual every time you approach or step away. The precision of the beam pattern helps you see more confidently on unlit rural roads near Hollister, CA, while the styling underscores the RS 3’s assertive stance. Pair these with the available Carbon package—carbon rear spoiler, side sill inlays, front air inlets, and mirror housings—and the result is a compact sedan with a big visual footprint.
Audi virtual cockpit plus
Audi virtual cockpit plus is a 12.3-inch HD digital instrument cluster that puts critical information squarely in your field of view. RS-specific modes, including the RS runway design, highlight power and torque percentages so you can see how the engine is delivering in real time. The display works in tandem with the standard head-up display, which projects key data—like shift indicator and oil temperature—directly on the windshield. Add the standard Sonos® Premium sound system with 3D sound and the Audi smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, plus wireless charging, and you have a cockpit that balances performance telemetry with seamless connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the RS torque splitter change the way the RS 3 handles?
The RS torque splitter can actively send available torque to either rear wheel, sharpening turn-in and improving stability and traction when accelerating out of corners. In RS performance mode, it balances grip and predictability. In the RS torque rear, it creates a more rear-biased feel for agile rotation on closed courses. On everyday roads, it simply translates to confidence—especially when conditions vary from dry to damp.
What new standard features were added for the 2026 model year?
For 2026, Matrix-design LED headlights with customizable DRL signatures and a head-up display are standard. The head-up display projects core information—such as the RS shift indicator and oil temperature—within your line of sight, complementing Audi virtual cockpit plus.
Which driver assistance features stand out for daily use?
Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance helps maintain a preset distance and assists with lane centering, while Audi side assist with rear cross traffic assist supports awareness during lane changes and backing out of parking spaces. The top-view camera aids low-speed maneuvering, and standard park assist plus can assist with parallel and perpendicular parking.
Can I enhance the RS 3’s look and braking performance?
Yes. The available Carbon package adds exterior carbon fiber elements for a more aggressive appearance. The available Dynamic plus package increases the top track speed limiter and adds ceramic front brakes with red calipers, ultra-high-performance summer tires, and a carbon engine cover.
Why Buy from Audi Bakersfield near Hollister, CA?
- Enthusiast guidance: Our RS product specialists understand chassis tuning, packages, and track-day needs, and can tailor recommendations to your roads and goals.
- Convenient Seaside location: Our showroom makes it easy to visit from near Hollister, CA, for same-day test drives and side-by-side comparisons.
- Audi-certified service: Factory-trained technicians, genuine OEM parts, and state-of-the-art equipment help keep your RS 3 at its best.
- Streamlined process: From digital paperwork to flexible scheduling, we focus on saving you time without sacrificing thoroughness.
- Long-term support: We stay engaged after delivery with maintenance guidance, accessory options, and software feature help.
At Audi Monterey Peninsula, our approach is personal and transparent. We offer deep product knowledge, thoughtful test-drive planning, and straightforward guidance on configurations. Whether you’re building a bespoke track companion or a refined daily driver with a performance streak, our team is ready to help you get every detail right.
Next Steps
- Schedule a drive: Book a focused route that includes freeway, city streets, and a few curves near Hollister, CA.
- Compare packages: Review the Dynamic plus, Carbon, and RS design packages to match your priorities.
- Confirm tech fit: Set up Audi virtual cockpit plus, head-up display, and your preferred smartphone integration.
- Evaluate assistance: Try adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, side assist, and park assist plus.
- Plan protection: Discuss maintenance plans and accessories for long-term enjoyment and care.
Ready to take the next step? Our team will structure an appointment around your goals—whether that’s a detailed technical walkaround, a targeted test drive, or time in our showroom to compare interior trims and packages. We can also coordinate follow-up drives and accessory demos to make sure your final choice feels perfect.
Request More Info About the 2026 Audi RS 3 near Hollister, CA
When you’re considering a 2026 Audi RS 3 near Hollister, CA, having a knowledgeable partner makes all the difference. Our RS specialists can explain the nuances of the RS torque splitter, help you choose between drive select modes for your favorite roads, and walk you through the technology so everything feels intuitive from day one. From the first consultation to long-term service support, Audi Monterey Peninsula focuses on your needs and timeline. Tell us what you want the car to do—daily commute, backroad exploration, occasional autocross—and we’ll help you configure, test, and fine-tune your ideal build. Reach out to our team to request more information, set up your personalized test drive, or begin exploring package options and accessories that match how you drive.