Audi Sport has unveiled a new special-edition RS 3 to celebrate 50 years of its legendary five-cylinder engine. The Audi RS 3 Competition Limited comes with extra performance upgrades, distinctive styling and a unique interior in Sportback hatch and sedan body styles.
With only 750 global examples slated for production, it is a highly exclusive model aimed at enthusiasts and collectors. Only 18 of these RS 3’s will come to Australia, divided into 10 sportbacks and 8 sedans.
The special-edition RS 3 is priced from €100,680 in Germany, which is roughly 43% higher than a base RS 3. The standard RS 3 is priced from $104,800 (MLRP) in Australia. A 43% addition takes this price to nearly $150,000.
This model marks the final goodbye to Audi’s iconic five-cylinder, whose story dates back to 1976, when the engine first appeared in the 2nd-generation Audi 100.
Powerful five-cylinder engine
| Specification | Audi RS 3 Competition Limited |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5-litre inline 5-cylinder turbocharged (TFSI) |
| Drive type | AWD |
| Power output | 294kW |
| Torque | 500Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic |
| 0-100km/h | 3.8 seconds |
| Top speed | 290km/h |
The limited-edition Audi’s five-cylinder engine delivers a distinctive sound thanks to its unique firing order 1-2-4-5-3, which ignites cylinders in alternating positions. Audi also fits an RS sports exhaust system with variable flap control, which opens earlier in dynamic, RS Performance and RS Torque Rear modes.
It produces a louder and more emotional exhaust sound and allows more engine sound into the cabin through reduced firewall insulation. The 5-cylinder engine continues a long heritage of performance models, including the famous Audi Sport quattro and the iconic Audi RS2 Avant.
More: Audi RS 5 revealed as Audi Sport’s first high-performance PHEV
Special coilover suspensions for better handling
The suspension setup was developed specifically for this limited edition and focuses on improving handling precision while maintaining flexibility for different driving styles. The key system upgrades include:
- Three-way adjustable dampers
- New stiffer rear stabiliser
- Twin-tube shock absorbers
- External reservoirs for front dampers
- Standard ceramic brakes
The suspension uses stainless steel front dampers and aluminium rear dampers, helping improve strength and cooling. Drivers can adjust the suspension in several ways:
- Low-speed compression (12 levels) to control how the car reacts to cornering forces
- High-speed compression (15 levels) to control how the car reacts to bumps or sudden steering inputs
- Rebound adjustment (16 levels) to control how quickly the suspension returns to its normal position
This system also allows a ride height reduction of up to 10mm compared to the standard RS 3. Audi even includes a suspension setup guide and tools.
Enhanced stability and aerodynamics
Audi has also improved rear-end stability and cornering performance with better torque distribution. The updates include:
- New tubular rear stabiliser with greater stiffness
- Rear spring rate increased to 80 N/mm
- Torque splitter with fully variable rear torque distribution
- Brake torque vectoring
Improved aerodynamics
Several aerodynamic upgrades help improve stability and downforce. These include new front canards and a split chin spoiler, as well as a specific roof spoiler on the Sportback version. These wind-tunnel-developed parts reduce lift at both axles and improve balance between the car’s front and rear.
Track-focused tyres and braking
The car comes with ceramic brakes with red callipers. These brakes are lighter than standard brakes and highly resistant to thermal fade. Buyers also have the option of ‘Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R’ semi-slick tyres.
Carbon-heavy exterior design
The RS 3 Competition Limited’s unique exterior upgrades give the car a wider, more aggressive stance. It has matte carbon-fibre elements on:
- Front canards
- Split front lip
- Mirror caps
- Side skirts
- Rear spoiler
- Rear diffuser trim
This performance car features 19-inch wheels with a 10-spoke design and a Neodymium gold matte finish.
Its unique, darkened-matrix LED headlights feature a special animation when the car is locked or unlocked. The lights illuminate in the sequence 1-2-4-5-3, referencing the engine’s firing order.
Colour options
Collectors can choose from three paint finishes: Daytona Grey, Glacier White Matte, and Malachite Green (exclusive). The Malachite Green is a nod to the iconic Audi Sport quattro, which helped define Audi’s rally success during the golden era of five-cylinder performance. The rear side windows also feature matte graphics showing the model name.
Exclusive interior design and technology
Inside, the RS 3 Competition Limited features a distinctive three-colour theme: Black, Neodymium gold, and Ginger white. The special touches include:
- Door lighting projecting “RS 3 competition limited”
- Matching branding on floor mats, headrests and boot carpet
- A numbered plaque in the centre console reflecting a limited-edition
Sport seats and materials
The car comes with RS bucket seats designed to hold occupants firmly during spirited driving. Seat details include:
- Black leather bolsters
- Neodymium gold Dinamica microfibre seat centres
- Carbon-fibre seat backs
- Golden armrests
- Ginger white contrast stitching
- Diamond-pattern seat design
Rear passengers also get Dinamica upholstery and matching stitching, keeping the premium theme.
Driver displays and performance data
The interior features a 10.1-inch touchscreen showing RS-specific performance information. Displayed data includes:
- Coolant temperature
- Torque splitter temperature
- Brake temperature
- Engine oil temperature
- Transmission oil temperature
- Tyre pressure and temperature
- Real-time engine power and torque
- G-forces
- Acceleration data
- Lap timer
The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus features a special design inspired by the classic white gauges of the RS2 Avant. During launch control, the starting lights indicate the ideal moment to accelerate.
Performance-focused steering wheel
The Dinamica trim steering wheel also features several unique elements, including a flat top and bottom, a Ginger white centre marker, and matching contrast stitching.
Limited production
Audi will produce just 750 units globally. Each car includes a numbered interior plaque that highlights its place in the limited production run and makes it appealing to collectors.
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