Audi RS3 Competition Limited Unveiled
The Audi RS3 Competition Limited will be restricted to just 750 units worldwide, with prices starting at £92,855 for both the Sportback and saloon bodystyles. This exclusive model is designed to celebrate the five-cylinder engine’s golden jubilee.
Under the hood, the RS3 Competition Limited features a powerful 2.5-litre in-line five-cylinder engine, producing 394bhp and 500Nm of torque. The car boasts impressive performance metrics, with a 0-62mph time officially rated at just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 180mph.
In addition to its robust engine, the RS3 Competition Limited includes a torque-vectoring rear differential, enhancing its handling capabilities. The car also showcases a new suspension set-up with adjustable coilover suspension, promising an engaging driving experience.
Unique styling elements, including extensive use of matt-finish carbon fibre, set this model apart from its predecessors. The exhaust system has been modified specifically for this limited edition, allowing enthusiasts to fully appreciate the five-cylinder soundtrack in various driving modes, including Dynamic, RS Performance, and RS Torque Rear (drift).
Only 11 units of the RS3 Competition Limited are destined for the UK market, all in five-door form. Deliveries are set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, although UK allocations of the car have not been confirmed as yet.
Audi’s decision to launch this limited edition model comes amid uncertainties regarding the future of the five-cylinder engine. Gernot Döllner, an Audi executive, has expressed concerns about the business case for re-engineering the engine to meet Euro 7 emissions regulations, stating, “I don’t know if we’re able to refinance the investment in EU7 regulations.”
Despite these challenges, Döllner noted, “It would have a great future in a narrow segment,” suggesting that the RS3 Competition Limited represents the ultimate form of the five-cylinder engine.
As the automotive industry evolves, the fate of this iconic engine remains unclear, with conflicting reports about its future. Observers will be watching closely as Audi navigates these complexities in the coming years.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact specifications and availability of the RS3 Competition Limited, but its unveiling has already generated significant interest among car enthusiasts.