Audi RS 3 Competition Limited: A 50-Year Celebration of the Five-Cylinder Engine

Audi Sport has unveiled the RS 3 competition limited, an exclusive iteration of the RS 3 designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the brand’s iconic five-cylinder engine. Limited to just 750 units worldwide, this special edition combines high performance with distinctive design elements and the signature sound of the 2.5 TFSI engine.

A Legacy of Performance

The five-cylinder engine debuted in 1976 with the second-generation Audi 100 and now reaches a new milestone with the RS 3 competition limited. Audi Sport has enhanced the RS 3 to create a model particularly appealing to collectors.

Exterior Design and Features

The RS 3 competition limited boasts a more dynamic design with matte carbon fiber exterior accents. These include front canard elements, a split front bumper, mirror housings, side skirts, a rear spoiler, and trim around the rear diffuser. The car features 19-inch wheels with a unique ten-cross-spoke design in a matte Neodymium Gold finish, and a model designation on the rear side window. Tinted Matrix LED headlights provide a distinctive light signature, displaying a 1-2-4-5-3 sequence – referencing the engine’s ignition order – when the car is locked or unlocked.

Available colors include Daytona Gray, matte Glacier White, and an exclusive Malachite Green, inspired by the historic Audi Sport quattro rally cars.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the RS 3 competition limited is the 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine, producing 294 kW (400 hp) and 500 Nm of torque. This allows for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a maximum speed of up to 290 km/h.

The engine’s unique sound, characterized by its 1-2-4-5-3 ignition sequence, is enhanced by an RS sports exhaust system with fully variable valve timing. Reduced sound insulation further amplifies the engine’s acoustics within the cabin. The exhaust valves open earlier in dynamic, RS Performance, and RS Torque Rear drive select modes for a more pronounced sound experience.

Enhanced Driving Dynamics

The RS 3 competition limited is equipped with a specially designed coilover suspension for improved handling, reduced body roll, and increased stability. Three-stage adjustable shock absorbers allow for fine-tuning of compression and rebound. A stiffer rear stabilizer enhances rear axle precision during cornering, while the torque splitter actively distributes torque between the rear wheels.

Standard ceramic brakes provide consistent performance under high load. Optimized aerodynamic elements contribute to increased stability and driver confidence. Rebound adjustment offers 16 levels of customization, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s responsiveness.

Interior Details

The interior features a black color scheme with Neodymium Gold and Ginger White accents. The model designation is projected onto the ground when the doors are opened and is also visible on the floor mats, headrests, and in the luggage compartment. Each vehicle includes an individual serial number on the center console.

RS bucket seats with black leather side bolsters and Neodymium Gold Dinamica microfiber centers provide enhanced lateral support. Ginger White contrasting stitching and matte carbon fiber seat backs add to the sporty aesthetic.

A 10.1-inch touchscreen and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display essential information, including power and torque readings, G-forces, lap times, and drivetrain component temperatures. The steering wheel features a beveled top and bottom with Ginger White markings, paying homage to Audi’s five-cylinder heritage.

Availability

The RS 3 competition limited is available in both Sportback and Sedan body styles. Standard equipment includes brushed carbon fiber exterior elements, Neodymium Gold wheels, an exclusive interior with RS bucket seats and individual numbering, adjustable coilover suspension, a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, an RS sports exhaust system, and ceramic brakes.

Optional equipment includes three-zone climate control, heated seats, a Sonos premium sound system, and a range of driver assistance systems.