By Otsile Kadiege

Audi Sport recently got their hands on the already extremely potent RS 3 Sportback and RS 3 Sedan and dialed up the heat with a limited edition performance edition. This special edition increases the power, torque and top speed of the RS 3 duo as well as additional mechanical parts to boost performance. It also boasts model-specific exterior and interior styling.

1-2-4-5-3 on steroids

The RS3 performance edition is more powerful and faster than any previous series RS3. It is the first vehicle in its segment to achieve a top speed of 300 km/h and thus 10 km/h more than the standard version with RS Dynamics Package plus. In addition, the award-winning five-cylinder turbo engine with its characteristic sound, now delivers 299 kW, 100 revolutions later, between 5,700 and 7,000 rpm on a high plateau.

The torque plateau is also wider: maximum torque of 500 Nm is now available 100 revolutions longer, between 2,250 and 5,700 rpm. According to Audi this is achieved through higher charge pressure: the large exhaust turbocharger generates 1.6 bar relative, which corresponds to a plus of 0.1 bar. Power is transmitted by the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Short shifting times without interrupting traction, a sporty gear ratio, and launch control ensure top driving performance. Audi claims the RS3 performance edition accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Go fast bits and bobs

The Audi RS3 performance edition features RS sports suspension with adaptive damper control as standard equipment which is said to continuously and individually adjusts each shock absorber to the road conditions, the driving situation, and the mode selected in Audi drive select.

The special edition is also fitted with the RS Torque Splitter and semi-slick Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” tyres as standard equipment – 265/35 on the front axle, 245/35 on the rear. The 19inch rims in dark gray matte, exclusively available on the special model, have a striking design with ten cross-spokes and display the RS branding. Behind it, the standard six-piston ceramic brake takes a firm grip. Their discs on the front axle measure 380 x 38 mm (15 x 1.5 in.). The high-performance brake system, with a specially adapted pedal curve on the brake booster, is 10 kg lighter and more heat-resistant than the steel brakes.

Exclusive exterior styling

The special model shows its leading position in the RS3 portfolio with a wide range of new design-elements and equipment: in addition to the motorsport-design wheels and the RS-sports exhaust system with black tailpipe trims, the Audi rings and the RS3 badge on the front and rear are also black.

The performance edition models can be ordered in colors with pearl-effect like Nogaro Blue, Arrow Gray and Daytona Gray as well as Sebring Black Crystal Effect and Glacier White Metallic. The standard Matrix LED headlights with darkened bezels and the LED taillights feature a dynamic flashing light and RS-specific staging when unlocking and locking. When the Audi RS3 performance edition is opened, the digital daytime running light, consisting of 15 LED segments, displays the “checkered flag” on the passenger side and the “3-0-0” on the driver side – based on the limited number of units and a top speed of 300 km/h. Upon closing, “R-S-3” lettering appears in the pixel field below the main headlight instead of the “3-0-0.” While driving, the checkered flag lights up on both sides as a daytime running light. Another distinguishing feature is an entrance LED in the front doors: it projects “#RS performance” onto the ground next to the car.

Exclusive interior styling

Inside, the performance edition duo are fitted with bucket seats as standard equipment for the first time in an RS 3. Like the outer rear seats, the seat center panel also has contrasting blue honeycomb stitching. The material used for this is Dinamica microfiber fabric, which is combined with pearl Nappa leather on the side bolsters. In addition to the full-surface blue belt straps, the contrast stitching on the center armrest, the door armrests, and the steering wheel are also in blue. The same applies to the floor mats and the trunk mat in black Velour, which also features RS lettering. For better orientation during sporty driving, the Alcantara steering wheel, which is flattened at the bottom, features a 12 o’clock marking – also in blue.

Specifically in the special model, the background image on the 10.1 inch touch display has a carbon look and shows the characteristic 2.5 TFSI 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence. The RS monitor also integrates displays of coolant temperature, engine and transmission oil, g-forces, and tire pressures. At the same time, the Audi virtual cockpit plus provides information on performance-related data, such as lap times, g-forces, and acceleration in seconds from 0-100 km/h, 0-200 km/h, quarter mile, and eighth mile.

Availability

The RS 3 Sportback and Sedan performance edition will be limited to only 300 units. Audi South Africa are yet to confirm if any of the said units will be reserved for our market.