The Audi RS 3 LMS TCR was one of the first touring cars to bring FIA’s global TCR formula to iRacing, debuting in the 2017 Season 4 build. Compact, agile, and built to the cost-effective TCR specification, the RS 3 LMS emphasizes close, spec-style racing that rewards consistency, precision, and mastery of front-wheel-drive dynamics. For many iRacers, it was their first true introduction to competitive touring car racing within the sim.
Specs and Technical Details
Under the hood, the RS 3 LMS features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing around 340 horsepower. The engine is mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox driving the front wheels, a defining trait of the TCR formula. The car weighs approximately 2,800 pounds, striking a balance between durability, agility, and the tight performance envelope required by TCR regulations.
The RS 3 LMS is built for reliability and accessibility, making it an excellent entry-level race car in both the real and virtual worlds. Despite its modest horsepower compared to GT4 or GT3 machinery, its lightweight chassis, balanced aerodynamics, and punchy turbocharged engine make it a competitive and rewarding platform to race.
Handling Characteristics
The most important thing to understand about the Audi RS 3 LMS is that it is front-wheel drive. Unlike rear-wheel-drive GT cars, the RS 3 LMS requires a different driving style to be fast. Braking stability is one of its strengths—you can brake late and hard into corners thanks to the planted front end. However, on corner exit, throttle application must be handled with care. Push too hard and you risk spinning up the inside front tire, costing valuable momentum.
The car has a natural tendency toward understeer if overdriven. To combat this, smooth steering inputs and careful throttle modulation are critical. Trail braking can also be used effectively to help rotate the car into slower corners, reducing the front-end push.
Because it rewards momentum and punishes scrubbing speed, the RS 3 LMS is a fantastic teacher of precision.
Difficulty Level
The Audi RS 3 LMS is considered beginner-friendly in iRacing, but with layers of complexity. It’s forgiving enough for new drivers to learn the basics of racing lines, braking points, and car control, yet challenging enough that experienced drivers must dig deeper to extract maximum pace.
The biggest learning curve comes from mastering FWD dynamics. For drivers accustomed to RWD GT cars, adapting to a front-wheel-drive touring car requires unlearning habits like throttle steering and oversteer control, and instead embracing momentum preservation, trail braking, and managing wheelspin.
Real-World Tie-In
In real motorsport, the Audi RS 3 LMS competes globally in FIA TCR championships, including regional and national touring car series across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In North America, it races in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, where it regularly battles Hondas, Hyundais, and other TCR-spec cars.
Audi designed the RS 3 LMS to be an affordable customer racing car, making professional touring car racing more accessible. Its success worldwide has made it one of the most popular entries in the TCR category, and iRacing’s faithful recreation has brought that same excitement to sim racers.
Why It’s Popular in iRacing
The RS 3 LMS TCR has remained popular since its debut for several reasons:
- Spec racing feel: With identical performance across the class, racing comes down to driver skill.
- Close competition: TCR races often feature long drafting trains and intense door-to-door battles.
- Beginner-friendly: Stable and forgiving for newcomers while still rewarding mastery.
- Global pedigree: Ties directly into real-world touring car championships.
The Audi RS 3 LMS TCR offers one of the purest forms of racing in iRacing. Its modest power, front-wheel-drive layout, and spec-class balance create ultra-close competition that emphasizes skill over setup trickery. Forgiving yet deep, it’s an excellent car for drivers of all levels—whether you’re just starting out in road racing or looking to refine your precision and consistency in pack battles. With its strong real-world heritage and faithful simulation in iRacing, the RS 3 LMS continues to be a cornerstone of touring car racing in the sim.
