Audi is celebrating 50 years of five-cylinder engines with a special RS 3 Competition Limited edition. Production is capped at just 750 units globally and a small batch is headed for Australia.
The RS 3 is one of the only vehicles on the new-car market that’s powered by a five-cylinder engine. What’s so special about that? Well, a five-cylinder engine produces a distinct character and howling note. It’s also more powerful than a typical four-cylinder, with more torque, but not quite as thirsty as a six.
In the case of the RS 3 Competition Limited, the 2.5-litre turbo produces the same 294kW and 500Nm as the regular RS 3, capable of flicking the small car from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds, and onto a top speed of 290km/h.
For the special edition, Audi has fit coilover suspension and a new stabiliser bar. This package provides various adjustment options for the owner, with 12 steps for low-speed compression and 15 steps for high-speed compression.
For the exterior, Audi has given the special edition various matt carbon trimmings, including canards for the front corners, a lip spoiler for the nose, and a matching rear spoiler and diffuser element down below.
Inside, passengers will notice the black, Neodymium gold, and Ginger white colour theme, with special edition door lighting, RS bucket seats in leather and Dinamica microfibre, and carbon fibre for the backs of the front seats.
It’s believed this could be one of the last applications of the 2.5L five-cylinder from Audi, as ever-tightening emissions laws close in for Europe in 2027. In standard form the RS 3 Sportback offers a fuel consumption average of 8.3L/100km and 8.2L/100km in sedan form.
The special edition is set to offered in Australia in very limited numbers (just 18 units, in fact). It’s being produced in sedan and Sportback body style. Prices are yet to be confirmed.
