Audi recently unveiled uprated versions of its popular RS3 Sedan and Sportback, dubbed the RS3 Performance Edition, and local fans will likely be disappointed to find out that these models won’t be making it to South African roads.
“Unfortunately the RS3 Performance Edition will not be available in South Africa,” Audi’s domestic subsidiary confirmed.
This is because the athletic RS cars are only being built in a limited run of 300 units and were therefore “prioritised for other global markets,” said the company.
Enhanced performance
The Performance Edition variants are equipped with the same 2.5-litre, turbo-petrol powertrains as the rest of the RS3 range, modified to generate 299kW and 500Nm – a 5kW improvement.
This was achieved by fitting a larger exhaust-gas turbocharger that produces 0.1-bar more pressure than the previous unit for a maximum of 1.6 bar.
As a result, not only the power is up but it also has a 100rpm-wider torque band as the maximum torque is now available between 2,250-5,700rpm.
Moreover, the special models come with a modified sports exhaust system that is louder than the standard pipes when in the Dynamic, RS Performance, and RS Torque Rear drive modes.
However, despite these enhancements the Performance Editions still claim 100km/h in 3.8 seconds which is the same as the normal RS3, though they are now capable of trumping 300km/h making them 10km/h faster.
Alongside the more powerful engine, the new high-performance Audis gain sports suspension with adaptive damper control for tighter handling, as well as semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R performance tyres.
Visually, the Performance Edition derivatives are set apart from their siblings through 19-inch cast-aluminium wheels with a 10 cross-spoke design, blue brake calipers, darkened exhaust exits, black badging, and an exclusive palette of colours comprising metallic Glacier White, crystal-effect Sebring Black, and pearl-effect Arrow Gray, Daytona Gray, and Nogaro Blue.
The 15-LED Matrix headlamps now also feature a unique ability. When the door is open, the passenger-side headlight displays the typical chequered flag pattern while the driver-side headlight displays a “300” pattern.
When the door is closed, the “300” changes into “RS3” lettering, and when on the move the chequered flags once again take centre stage in both light clusters performing the duties of daytime-running lamps.
The Performance Edition treatment continues in the passenger compartment where, for the first time in the RS3, carbon matte bucket seats have been fitted as standard.
These buckets provide better support during spirited driving sessions than the standard seats while also looking much sportier thanks to blue honeycomb stitching, large RS lettering, Dinamica microfiber fabric centers, and pearl Nappa leather side bolsters.
Blue stitching, matching the blue brakes and seatbelts, can further be found on the flat-bottom steering wheel, armrests, and floor and trunk mats – while the 12 o’clock marker on the steering wheel is also in this same shade.
Even the software skin has been tweaked for the flagship RS3s, featuring a carbon look while displaying the characteristic 1-2-4-5-3 firing order of the cylinders on the 10.1-inch infotainment display.
At the same time, the Audi virtual cockpit plus provides information such as lap times, g-forces, and acceleration in seconds from 0‑100km/h, 0‑200km/h, the quarter mile, and the eighth mile.
As the final addition speaking to the exclusivity of the vehicles, both get a carbon inlay on the passenger-side dash with a “1 of 300” badge.
Audi RS3 Sportback Performance Edition
Audi RS3 Sedan Performance Edition
Keyword: South Africa is not getting the Audi RS3 Performance Edition – Here’s why