The Audi RS 3 Competition Limited – Honouring 50 Years of Five-Cylinders
Audi is marking 50 years of its five‑cylinder engine with the Audi RS 3 Competition Limited, a highly exclusive model with only 750 units being produced. The car celebrates the Audi’s five‑decade history with this unique powertrain while enhancing the Audi RS 3’s already performance‑focused character with sharper styling, bespoke engineering and a range of edition‑specific details.
Striking Exterior
On the exterior, the Audi RS 3 Competition Limited refines the car’s naturally aggressive look. The single-frame grille and pronounced air intakes are complemented by new matte carbon elements, including stacked carbon canards and a redesigned split front lip that visually widens the car. Heritage‑inspired badges appear front and rear, while the matte Neodymium gold 19‑inch wheels stand out immediately. Mirror caps, side skirts and the rear spoiler also feature matte carbon, paired with a carbon trim piece above the functional diffuser. The darkened matrix LED headlights are exclusive to this edition and show a 1‑2‑4‑5‑3 illumination sequence on locking and unlocking, paying tribute to the iconic five-cylinder firing order. Three colours are available: Daytona Grey, Glacier White matte, and Malachite Green, echoing the legendary Audi Sport quattro.
Power Beneath the Bonnet
Power comes from the familiar 2.5‑litre inline five‑cylinder, now one of the last engines of its kind in the segment. Producing 400 PS and 500 Nm, it delivers 0–100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h. Its distinctive rhythm comes from the alternating firing order, and the RS sport exhaust system amplifies this further, with flaps that open earlier in dynamic‑oriented drive modes. Reduced insulation between the cabin and engine bay lets more of the characteristic exhaust note reach occupants.
The most significant mechanical upgrade is the introduction of adjustable coil over suspension, a first for the Audi RS 3. Developed specifically for this edition, it includes a stiffer rear stabiliser and integrates with the torque splitter and standard ceramic brakes to deliver sharper handling. The suspension uses stainless steel front dampers and aluminium rears for improved cooling and durability. The three‑way adjustable dampers allow independent control of low‑speed compression, high‑speed compression and rebound, enabling drivers to fine‑tune the car’s balance for comfort, daily driving or maximum performance. Larger damper tubes and external reservoirs help the system maintain consistency under hard use. Aerodynamic improvements include the new roof spoiler on the Sportback and the revised front elements on the Saloon, these reduce lift and improve balance. Cornering behaviour benefits from the torque splitter distributing power between the rear wheels, and brake torque vectoring helps the car position itself accurately through bends. Optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres can be fitted for even more grip.
Step inside the Cabin
Inside, the exclusivity carries through with a distinctive mix of black, Neodymium gold and Ginger white. Illuminated door entry lights, the floor mats, the boot carpet and the trim beneath the headrests all display the “RS 3 Competition Limited” name, while a matte‑finished serial number in the centre console reinforces its rarity. The rear seats feature Dinamica inserts in Neodymium gold with contrasting stitching, echoing the front bucket seats with their matte carbon backs. The cockpit includes a Ginger white 12‑o’clock marker on the flattened steering wheel, and RS‑specific readouts displayed on the 10.1‑inch central screen show performance data such as fluid temperatures, tyre pressure and torque distribution. The Audi virtual cockpit plus pays homage to the white‑dial RS2 Avant from 1994 and includes real‑time power and torque readings, G‑force measurements, lap timing and launch‑control indicators.
A True Collectors Edition
The Audi RS 3 Competition Limited is offered as both Sportback and Saloon. Both versions feature the matte carbon exterior package, Neodymium gold wheels, RS bucket seats, numbered interior detailing and exclusive digital instrument graphics. Ceramic brakes with red callipers, the RS sport exhaust, the adjustable suspension, a 290 km/h top speed, Sonos audio, heated seats, three‑zone climate control, driver assistance systems and privacy glass are all standard. The Sportback additionally offers hands‑free boot opening.
Overall, the Audi RS 3 Competition Limited represents the most focused and exclusive interpretation of the Audi RS 3 to date, combining heritage styling cues, bespoke engineering upgrades and a celebration of Audi’s iconic five‑cylinder engine.
If you would like to contact us about the Audi RS 3 Competition Limited, you can do so here or you can give our friendly team a call on 01935 411808