To celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the legendary five-cylinder engine, Audi Sport has unveiled an exclusive special-edition model: the Audi RS 3 Competition Limited. With only 750 examples to be built globally and just 11 earmarked for the UK this model stands as a tribute to five decades of performance. Its inline five-cylinder engine makes this compact performance car unique in its segment, combining extraordinary track ability with an unmistakable exhaust note.
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A Legacy Born in 1976
The five-cylinder story began in 1976 with the second-generation Audi 100. Today, that heritage reaches new heights. To mark “50 years of five cylinders,” Audi Sport is enhancing the RS 3 with numerous upgrades that make this special edition highly sought after by collectors.
Performance and Sound: The Heart of the RS 3
While the 1983 Audi Sport quattro developed 306PS, the modern Audi RS 3 Competition Limited pushes the 2.5-litre TFSI engine to impressive limits.
- Power: 294 kW (400 PS)
- Torque: 500 Nm
- 0–62 mph: 3.8 seconds
- Top Speed: 180 mph (increased for this edition)
The engine’s soul lies in its 1-2-4-5-3 firing order. Audi has reduced insulation around the firewall, allowing that rorty, offbeat warble to reach the cabin more directly. When you engage “RS Performance” mode, the fully variable flap control in the RS sports exhaust opens earlier, amplifying the drama.
Precision Handling: New Coilover Suspension
For the first time, the RS 3 features a manually adjustable coilover suspension system. This allows drivers to tune their car for specific tracks or road conditions.
| Adjustment Type | Settings | Influence on Handling |
| Low-Speed Compression | 12 Steps | Affects lateral grip and cornering turn-in. |
| High-Speed Compression | 15 Steps | Controls how the body reacts to bumps and kerbs. |
| Rebound Damping | 16 Steps | Controls how quickly the suspension decompresses. |
Stability is further increased by a new tubular rear stabilizer with a stiffness of 85 N/mm, paired with increased rear spring rates. Combined with standard ceramic brakes and the RS torque splitter, this is the most agile RS 3 ever produced.
Exterior and Interior Exclusivity
Visually, the Audi RS 3 Competition Limited is a masterclass in carbon fiber and heritage. All 11 UK units are finished in Malachite Green, a nod to the iconic Audi Sport quattro rally cars.
Key Exterior Features:
- Carbon Canards: Two-stage winglets on the front corners for added downforce.
- Neodymium Gold Wheels: 19-inch 10-cross-spoke alloys.
- Matte Carbon Elements: Mirror caps, side skirts, and a split front lip.
- Matrix LED Graphics: Headlights flash the 1-2-4-5-3 firing order on startup.
Inside, the cabin features RS bucket seats in black leather and gold Dinamica. The digital Audi virtual cockpit plus harks back to the 1994 RS2 Avant with its retro white instrument dials.
What This Means for Drivers
The RS 3 Competition Limited is likely the “final lap” for the pure internal combustion five-cylinder engine. With Euro 7 regulations looming, this 750-unit run represents a valedictory celebration of mechanical soul. For the 11 lucky UK owners, it is a £92,855 piece of automotive history that offers genuine track-tool capability straight from the showroom.
FAQs
What is the price of the Audi RS 3 Competition Limited in the UK?
The Audi RS 3 Competition Limited is priced from £92,855 OTR in the UK. This premium reflects its extreme rarity and the inclusion of high-end hardware like ceramic brakes and adjustable coilover suspension.
How many units of the Audi RS 3 Competition Limited will be made?
Audi is producing only 750 units worldwide. The UK allocation is strictly limited to just 11 individually numbered vehicles, all in the Sportback body style.
What makes the Audi RS 3 Competition Limited engine special?
The model uses the award-winning 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. It features a unique 1-2-4-5-3 firing order and reduced firewall insulation to maximize the “emotional” sound experience for the driver.
