Audi RS 3 performance: a limited edition of 300 units, more powerful and exclusive

How can you make an Audi RS 3 even more exclusive? By launching a limited, numbered edition, simply customising it with specific equipment and decorative details. But… what if, in addition, its power is raised a little -just enough to boast about it-, the top speed limiter is removed and some standard elements aimed at providing the most sporty behaviour are added? Well, that is exactly what the brand with the four rings has done with the new Audi RS 3 performance, of which only 300 units will be built.

Some of them will reach Spain during this same year, but there will be very few and only in Sportback bodywork. So, if you want to get your hands on what becomes, for the time being, the fastest compact sports car on the market, you can already “run” over to…

More power, ceramic brakes and semi-slick tyres

On this occasion it is worth starting backwards, that is, with what the RS 3 performance edition incorporates that cannot be seen. Under the bonnet, the magnificent five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI engine increases power very little, just 7 CV, to reach 299 kW (407 CV), which are delivered 100 rpm higher: between 5,700 and 7,000 rpm. The maximum torque of 500 Nm also shifts its curve, with a plateau that reveals it is available over a wide range between 2,250 and 5,750 rpm. These changes have barely required adjusting the turbo boost pressure, which rises by 0.1 bar to reach 1.6 bar.

The central silencer of the RS sports exhaust system, which in this version is standard, has also been modified to deliver an even more forceful sound. The top speed rises to 300 km/h, up from the 290 km/h limit offered by the standard RS 3 versions when fitted with the RS dynamic plus package. With the launch control system, the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is covered in 3.8 seconds.

As for the chassis, compared with the RS 3, the performance edition comes as standard with the RS sports running gear with adaptive damping and specific settings, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres in 265/35-19 sizes for the front axle and 245/35 for the rear, and high-performance brakes with carbon-ceramic discs and six-piston calipers on the front axle.

Exclusive details for a very special RS 3

All these modifications affecting the engine and running gear would already be enough to consider the RS 3 performance edition a very special car. But Audi has chosen to distinguish this limited edition with many exclusive design and equipment details, starting with the specific wheels, all the trim pieces in black (grille, exhaust outlets, window surrounds, badges) or the Matrix LED headlights with darkened bezels.

The latter offer a curious light sequence, matching the special edition: they show a chequered flag on the passenger side when the vehicle is unlocked, and the number “3-0-0” on the driver’s side as a reference to the total number of units to be built… and to the top speed reached by the RS 3 performance edition. When the doors are opened, a dedicated LED projects “#RSPerformance” onto the ground.

Inside, the bucket-type seats are part of the standard equipment, and are upholstered in Dinamica microfibre combined with Nappa leather. The colour accent is provided by the belts and the blue contrast stitching, along with the eye-catching RS badges.

Audi RS 3 performance edition – Image gallery