Audi has introduced a special edition version of its compact performance car, the Audi RS3 Competition, designed as a celebration of the brand’s iconic five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. With only 750 units planned worldwide, this exclusive model represents one of the most focused and collectible versions of the RS3 to date.
The RS3 Competition will be available in both Sportback hatchback and sedan body styles. For enthusiasts, however, the appeal of the car lies not only in its exclusivity but also in what it represents. Audi’s five-cylinder turbocharged engine has been a cornerstone of the company’s performance identity for decades, powering everything from rally legends to modern hot hatches.
A distinctive engine with decades of heritage
At the heart of the Audi RS3 Competition sits Audi’s well-known 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine. The unit continues to deliver 394bhp and 369lb-ft of torque, identical to the output in the regular RS3.
Performance figures therefore remain extremely strong. Audi claims the car can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in just 3.8 seconds, while its electronically limited top speed rises to 290kmph.
Power is channelled through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel-drive system, ensuring maximum traction and stability.
While the engine output itself hasn’t been increased, Audi engineers have focused on enhancing the emotional side of the driving experience. The RS sport exhaust system has been recalibrated so that the exhaust valves open earlier, allowing the car’s unmistakable five-cylinder soundtrack to be heard more clearly.
To amplify the engine’s character even further, some insulation material in the engine bay area has been removed. This change not only makes the sound more prominent inside the cabin but also trims approximately 4kg from the vehicle’s overall weight.
Suspension and chassis upgrades sharpen the driving experience
Although the engine specifications remain familiar, the biggest changes to the RS3 Competition come in the chassis department.
Audi Sport has equipped the car with three-way adjustable KW coilover suspension, giving owners extensive control over how the car behaves. Drivers can adjust ride height as well as compression and rebound settings, allowing the suspension to be tuned for different driving environments.
The dampers used in the front suspension include external reservoirs, a feature typically seen in motorsport applications that helps maintain consistent performance under heavy use.
In addition to the new suspension system, the rear axle setup has been revised with stiffer springs and a more robust anti-roll bar. These changes improve body control and help the car remain balanced during aggressive cornering.
Another key element of the RS3’s handling is the torque splitter rear differential, which is capable of directing all available torque to a single rear wheel when necessary. This system improves traction and also enhances the car’s ability to rotate through corners.
For buyers planning to use the car on track, Audi also offers Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres, which provide significantly higher levels of grip compared with standard road tyres.
Distinctive styling with subtle performance cues
Visually, the RS3 Competition retains the familiar silhouette of the standard RS3 but introduces several exclusive details that set it apart.
The front bumper receives additional aerodynamic elements, including small canard-style fins designed to improve airflow and give the car a more aggressive appearance. Carbon-fibre accents are used extensively throughout the exterior, appearing on components such as the mirror housings, side skirts and rear spoiler.
The car rides on 19-inch alloy wheels finished in a distinctive Neodymium matte gold colour, which contrasts with the bodywork and gives the model a unique visual identity.
Audi has also included a clever visual reference to the five-cylinder engine within the lighting system. When the car is locked or unlocked, the LED daytime running lights briefly display the 1-2-4-5-3 firing order of the engine — a subtle but meaningful tribute to the powerplant.
Several exterior colour choices will be available, including Malachite Green, a shade inspired by the classic Sport quattro rally car from the 1980s.
A cabin designed to highlight exclusivity
Inside the RS3 Competition, Audi has made a number of changes to emphasise the car’s limited-edition status.
The cabin features carbon-fibre bucket seats trimmed in Alcantara, finished in a light off-white shade that contrasts with darker interior surfaces. Gold accents appear throughout the interior, echoing the finish used on the exterior wheels.
Additional design touches include white instrument dials inspired by the legendary RS2, Alcantara trim on the steering wheel and distinctive white seat belts.
Competition branding is visible in multiple areas of the interior, including the floor mats, seats and rear glass.
Each car will also feature a numbered plaque mounted on the centre console, identifying its position within the limited production run.
A fitting farewell to an iconic powertrain
With production limited to 750 examples globally, the RS3 Competition is expected to become one of the most collectible versions of Audi’s compact performance car.
The model arrives at a time when stricter emissions regulations and the industry’s transition toward electrification are putting increasing pressure on high-performance internal-combustion engines.
Audi’s turbocharged five-cylinder has long been one of the most recognisable engines in the performance car world, thanks to its unusual firing order and distinctive sound.
For many enthusiasts, the RS3 Competition represents more than just a special edition. It serves as a tribute to an engine that has played a significant role in shaping Audi’s performance legacy.
And if this really is the final chapter for the brand’s famous five-cylinder hot hatch, the Audi RS3 Competition ensures that the story ends on a memorable note.
