Audi RS 3 Gains A Performance Edition
Only 300 examples will be made.
After the TT Iconic Edition and the RS Q3 edition 10 years, Audi is back with another limited-run offering. It’s called the RS 3 performance edition. Only 300 examples will be made, covering both the Sportback and the sedan body styles. Why 300? There’s a reason behind it, which we’ll come to later. But to get things going here’s a highlight – the RS 3 performance edition is more powerful than the aforementioned models, even though it has the same powertrain.
Propulsion for the Audi RS 3 performance edition comes from a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder TFSI motor that generates 407hp/500Nm. That’s 7hp and 20Nm more than what the celebratory RS Q3 and TT models pack. Handling the transmission duties is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is slick enough to post a 0-100kmph sprint time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 300kmph. That’s 10kmph more than the standard RS 3 and the deciding factor for production limitation.
Complementing the up-tuned engine is a modified exhaust system, boasting a fully variable exhaust flat control and gloss black finish for the oval-shaped tailpipes. Also, the RS 3 performance edition packs adaptive damper control with the RS sports suspension. And rounding off the mechanical alterations is the RS Torque Splitter, which increases stability in wet conditions and offers agility in fast corners.
The RS 3 performance edition rides on unique 19-inch rims finished in dark grey matte, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” rubber. Accompanying the wheels are the standard ceramic brakes, which are 10kg lighter than steel discs and offer better resistance to heat. And for that extra theatrics, the brake callipers are blue, the logos and badges are black, the outer lamps have darkened inners and the LEDs play around to depict a checkered flag and “3-0-0”. Audi has lined up a range of colour options, including Nogaro Blue, Arrow Gray, Daytona Grey, Sebring Black Crystal Effect and Glacier White Metallic.
The all-black interior of the RS 3 performance edition features bucket seats as part of the standard equipment. Adding contrast to the equation are the RS logos and the blue stitching and highlights. The range of upholstery materials includes Dinamica microfibre fabric, pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara. Audi has even tweaked the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster to up the sporty ambience.
Price? In Sportback style, the RS 3 performance edition starts at 75,000 euros. Those wanting it in sedan form will have to pay at least 77,000 euros. Audi will commence deliveries in early 2023.
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