The Audi RS 3 becomes an even more radical and exclusive sports compact. The model signed by Audi Sport debuts the limited edition performance edition. Available for the Sportback and Sedan body variants, it stands out for its extensive equipment, specific decoration and a boosted engine.
The most sporty compact model signed by Audi Sport. The new Audi RS 3 performance edition has burst onto the scene with the aim not only of offering a plus of exclusivity. This limited edition of which there will be a small number of units boasts enhanced mechanics, extensive standard equipment and a differentiated design.
For the creation of this limited edition, of which there will only be 300 units, the Audi RS 3 that we can find in dealerships has been taken as a starting point. The new RS 3 performance edition will be available in Sportback and Sedan body variants.
The design of the new Audi RS 3 performance edition
Just take a quick look at the images published by Audi and illustrating this article to discover the most characteristic features of the new RS 3 performance edition. This limited edition exudes its own personality and sports an image directly inspired by the world of competition. To move away from a conventional RS 3 presents new elements of design and equipment.
It is equipped with some Matrix LED headlights with blacked-out bezels. The rear lights, also LED, have dynamic turn signals and a specific staging. When unlocking the car, the digital daytime running light, made up of 15 LED segments, displays a “checkered flag” on the passenger side and a “3-0-0” on the driver’s side, referring to the number of units already the maximum speed you can reach. When locking the car in the pixel field under the headlight, instead of “3-0-0” the letters “RS-3” appear.
Mention should also be made of the new 19-inch cast aluminum wheels. They are specific to this version and are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires. Through the rims you can see the ceramic brakes. The brake calipers are painted in blue. Other important design elements are the Audi rings and the RS 3 badging at the front and rear finished in black. The body is painted in Daytona Grey.
The interior and technology of the new Audi RS 3 performance edition
Leaving aside the outside, if we go into the interior of the new RS 3 performance edition we will quickly be enveloped by the atmosphere of a very exclusive sports car. For the first time in this model, bucket seats are part of the standard equipment. The center panel of the front and rear seats have the contrasting blue honeycomb stitching. The material used in the upholstery is Dinamica microfiber, combined with perforated Nappa leather. The black opening under the headrest incorporates the RS badge.
Seat belts are blue. A tone also present in the seams of the front center armrest, the door armrests and the steering wheel. The floor mats and boot carpet are in Black Velor and also feature the RS badging. As for the steering wheel, it has a sporty design, the lower part is flattened and it has a mark at 12 o’clock.
An additional and exclusive detail of this limited edition is found in the 10.1-inch touch screen of the infotainment system. The background image simulates the carbon fiber finish and shows the characteristic ignition sequence of the 2.5 TFSI engine.
The engine of the new Audi RS 3 performance edition
Beyond the exterior design and equipment, it is in the mechanical section where the main key of the new RS 3 performance edition is found. It’s more powerful and faster than any previous RS 3. If we take a look under the hood we will find a 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder petrol engine upgraded to deliver now 407 hp and 500 Nm of maximum torque.
The increase in power has been achieved thanks to a higher boost pressure from the turbocharger. The power is transmitted to the system four-wheel drive through a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Thanks to this mechanism, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach 300km/h. It is the first vehicle in its segment with such top speed. That’s 10 km/h more than the standard version with the RS dynamic plus package.
Standard equipment also includes an RS sports exhaust system, with a modified center silencer and gloss black oval tailpipes. In the dynamic, RS performance and RS torque rear modes of the Audi drive select steering system, the sound emanating from the exhaust system varies. RS sport suspension with adaptive damper control is also included as standard equipment.
Release date and prices of the new Audi RS 3 performance edition
When will it hit the market? Audi has confirmed that the new RS 3 performance edition will only be available in the Spanish market in Sportback bodywork. The order book will be opened before the end of this year. The first units will arrive at dealerships in the first quarter of 2023. Prices are currently unknown.
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