Tuning: the rival of the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S according to ABT

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S is trembling because the ABT-tuned Audi RS3 is eager to hit the road hard. Will it manage to beat the king of sporty compacts?

So far, the official king in terms of power in the sporty compact segment is the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, which produces 310 CV and 500 Nm of maximum torque without any modification, making it 21 CV and 21 Nm more powerful than the standard Audi RS3 Sportback.

However, with a little help from ABT Sportsline, the agile Ingolstadt hatchback has overtaken its rival. The tuned Audi RS3 has been fitted with a new engine control unit and an intercooler, and its output rises to 470 CV and 540 Nm of torque.

Top speed has increased from 250 to 285 km/h, but there is no information yet about the 0-100 km/h acceleration. What we do know is that the standard version takes 4.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h.

This is the ABT-tuned Audi RS3

With the ABT Power S package, the car receives a new engine mapping in the ECU, which, together with a specific intercooler and the ABT Engine Control (AEC) system, raises the output of the Audi RS3 by ABT to 470 CV and 540 Nm. Top speed rises from 250 km/h (electronically limited as standard) to 285 km/h. It is also possible to fit only the AEC, which brings the figures on the dyno to 440 CV and 520 Nm on any Audi RS3.

In the near future, ABT will launch an optional stainless steel sports exhaust system with four black chrome tailpipes of 102 mm. It will be available for all Audi RS3 models. In the meantime, your car can be fitted with new springs, the sports anti-roll bar kit and upgraded brakes.

Or, if you want the look shown in the pictures, you will need the suspension as well as 19-inch matt black alloy wheels. Other options are also available, with different designs, in 19 or 20 inches.

ABT will not leave the interior of the Audi RS3 Sportback untouched either: for the right price, they will fit new leather and carbon fibre upholstery, as well as illuminated door sill plates. Those who cannot decide among the many parts available for the hot hatch Audi can simply buy the tuner’s RS3 package, which can be combined with the interior package.