ABT Tunes Up The Audi RS3, Again!

The finished product is called the RS3-R, and only 200 will be made.

The fact is the standard Audi RS3 isn’t a slouch. But then, sprucing up go-fast models such as that give tuning houses a different level of kick. And that’s precisely what we saw when ABT Sportsline released a more powerful version of the Sportback a few months ago. The oomph from the five-cylinder turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engine was upped from 400hp to 460hp. As a result, the tuned-up car could complete the standard sprint (0-100kmph) in 3.6 seconds, or 0.2 seconds faster than the standard RS3.

However, ABT wasn’t done playing with the car in question. And it has just released another version with even more power and a carbon aero package. The finished product is called the ABT RS3-R, and only 200 will be made.

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The power has gone up from the previous 460hp state of tune to 500hp, whereas the peak torque is 600Nm (up from the standard RS3’s 500Nm). How? The powertrain gets an ABT intercooler along with a new ECU. Courtesy of the extra oomph, the RS3-R can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 3.3 seconds or 0.3 seconds quicker than the previously tuned version. Top speed? Well, that can be increased to 300kmph via the myABT app free of charge.

The RS3-R also packs ABT’s suspension springs and sports stabiliser bars. And the Sportback rides on forged 20-inch wheels with 245/30 Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport R tyres. At the back, there are two double-end stainless steel exhaust outlets finished in matt black. And as for the carbon aero package, that ropes in a front lip, front flics, mirror caps, a rear spoiler and a rear skirt insert, all finished in carbon gloss.

Indoors, the ABT-branded garnishing continues with logos on the seats, an emblem badge (ABT RS3-R 1/200), floor mats, door sills, integrated entrance lights and start-stop-switch-cap. And for all that, ABT Sportsline is asking for 35,900 euros. There’s even a list of optional extras, which includes ABT-branded dashboard covers, seat covers and paddle shifters.

I personally think that the RS3-R is extremely likeable. And why not! I mean, it can out-accelerate a Porsche 911 Carrera S, an Aston Martin DB11 V8 and even the Ferrari Roma!