Audi RS 3 Competition Limited | The Most Extreme RS 3 Yet

Audi has always had a special relationship with the five cylinder engine, and the new Audi RS 3 Competition Limited is a reminder of why enthusiasts still talk about that layout with so much excitement. This special edition celebrates 50 years of Audi’s turbocharged five cylinder heritage, and the brand decided to mark the occasion with something that feels a little more focused and exclusive than the standard RS 3.

Production is limited to just 750 vehicles worldwide, making this version immediately interesting to collectors and fans of the brand. The car is available as both a sedan and a Sportback depending on the market, but regardless of the body style, the goal is the same. Audi wanted to create the most driver focused RS 3 they have ever built while highlighting the character of the famous turbocharged five cylinder engine.

Under the hood sits the well known 2.5 liter turbocharged inline five engine that has become the heart of the RS 3 lineup. In this configuration it produces 394 horsepower and 369 pound feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through Audi’s Quattro all wheel drive system and the advanced torque splitter that can distribute power between the rear wheels to sharpen handling.

Performance remains extremely impressive. The RS 3 Competition Limited can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in about 3.8 seconds, and with the optional performance package the top speed reaches around 180 miles per hour. While the power output is similar to the regular RS 3, the real upgrades come from the chassis and suspension improvements.

For the first time in the RS 3 lineup, Audi has installed a factory coilover suspension system. This allows drivers to manually adjust the suspension for track use or more aggressive road driving. Engineers also added a stiffer rear stabilizer bar and recalibrated the suspension geometry to improve cornering stability and feedback.

Another highlight is the optional carbon ceramic brake system, which improves stopping performance and reduces unsprung weight. Audi also modified the RS sport exhaust system to make the distinctive five cylinder sound more pronounced inside and outside the vehicle. To enhance that experience further, the car has reduced sound insulation so the driver can hear more of the engine’s unique firing order.

Visually, the RS 3 Competition Limited stands apart from the regular model. Carbon fiber accents appear on the front splitter, side skirts, mirror caps, and rear diffuser. The vehicle rides on distinctive 19 inch wheels finished in matte Neodymium gold, which adds a dramatic contrast to the exterior colors.

Inside the cabin, the special edition theme continues with unique color accents, contrast stitching, and a numbered plaque that reminds owners just how limited this model really is. Audi also added a special headlight animation that displays the iconic firing order of the five cylinder engine when the vehicle starts up.

In many ways the RS 3 Competition Limited represents more than just another trim level. It feels like a tribute to a mechanical formula that has defined Audi performance for decades. With stricter emissions regulations approaching and the automotive industry moving toward electrification, cars like this may represent the final chapters of the turbocharged five cylinder era.

For enthusiasts who appreciate the sound, balance, and character of Audi’s legendary engine, the RS 3 Competition Limited is likely to become one of the most memorable versions of the RS 3 ever produced.