In a surprising turn, Audi's rally-bred reputation took a hit during a test by Team O'Neil Rally School. Instructor Wyatt Knox found the Audi RS3, a car boasting the legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system, significantly outpaced by the more affordable Toyota GR Corolla on the same course. The Toyota, with less power and fewer cylinders, completed a lap over nine seconds faster.
The test revealed the Audi's limitations on loose surfaces. Its chassis was deemed not designed for performance driving, and its intrusive electronic systems hampered control. To even attempt a competitive run, Knox had to disable stability aids, which later caused a system failure forcing the car into a front-wheel-drive mode.
In the timed run, the Toyota GR Corolla clocked 2:30.44, while the Audi RS3 trailed at 2:39.45—a 6% deficit despite a major power advantage. The article suggests Audi's focus on electronic control from the factory holds the car back, noting it matched the time of a much less powerful Mini Cooper in a previous test.
The piece concludes by contrasting Audi's current motorsport efforts with Toyota's dominant World Rally Championship success, suggesting a return to rally roots could be more beneficial.