Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
The third generation of the Audi RS3 Sportback and the second generation of the RS3 Sedan took high performance to a whole new level, and now Audi Sport GmbH is adding the RS3 performance edition to the line up. Unfortunately, only 300 units will be built making it highly exclusive. The performance edition is certainly the pinnacle of its series both technically and visually, it will be available as Sportback and Sedan.
Image: Audi
The special edition Audi RS3 is built and developed for maximum performance, making it faster and even more powerful than any RS3 ever built before it. With Audi adding a bit more juice to the turbocharger and a few tweaks to the exhaust, power gains are immediately apparent. The special edition RS3 is the first vehicle in its segment to achieve a top speed of 300 km/h, 10 km/h more than the standard version with RS Dynamics Package plus. The five-cylinder turbo engine boasts 299 kW of power and 500 N.m of torque. Power is transmitted through a 7‑speed S Tronic dual-clutch transmission distributed to all four wheels. According to Audi, The RS3 performance edition accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3,8 seconds.
Image: Audi
Performance Edition models come standard with the usual optional adaptive dampers, which operate in three different selectable modes from Comfort, Normal and Sport. The RS3 has always had a motorsport-inspired design, the performance edition RS3 still holds the same aggressive look but with subtle changes such as the RS-sports exhaust system with black tailpipe trims, Audi rings and the RS3 badge on the front and rear finished in black, standard Matrix LED headlights with darkened bezels and the LED taillights feature a dynamic flashing light and RS-specific staging when unlocking and locking.
The standard wheels are a new design of 19-inch cast alloys, with a pair of 380 mm carbon ceramic brakes on the front axle gripped by six-piston calipers that on their own reduce the unsprung weight by 10 kg. Standard 310 mm steel discs with a single-piston calliper remain at the rear, and all four callipers are painted blue.
Image: Audi
Stepping inside the cabin, occupants are immediately greeted with more exclusivity. For the first time in an RS3, Audi replaced the standard sports seats with a new set of carbon fibre-backed bucket seats that have already been seen on the new RS4 Competition and RSQ3 10 Years Edition. Materials used in the interior include Dinamica microfibre fabric combined with pearl Nappa leather, finished in blue honeycomb stitching.
Image: Audi
A 10,1-inch touch display monitor with a carbon look, showing displays of coolant temperature, engine and transmission g-forces and tire pressures. The Audi virtual cockpit provides information on performance-related data such as lap times, g-forces, and acceleration in seconds from 0-100 km/h. The RS3 Performance Edition is available in a limited range of colours including Arrow Grey, Daytona Grey, black and white with the iconic Nogaro blue also making a comeback.
Keyword: The Audi RS3 Performance Edition means more power and performance