Audi Sport presents a limited edition RS3 with 400 hp, adjustable coilover suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes and production restricted to 750 units to celebrate the inline-five engine.
In short
- Limited edition of 750 units to celebrate 50 years of the inline-five.
- 2.5 TFSI inline-five engine with 400 hp (294 kW) and 500 Nm of torque.
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and top speed of 290 km/h.
- Adjustable coilover suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes and RS sport exhaust as standard.
- Available as Sportback and Sedan; European deliveries from mid-2026.
Previous generation
The 8Y-generation RS3 already offered 400 hp and the rear torque splitter system, but with standard adaptive suspension. The Competition Limited adds coilovers, carbon elements and consecutive numbering.
What changes from the previous model
- Coilover suspension: Replaces the standard adaptive setup with an adjustable coilover suspension featuring stainless steel front and aluminum rear shock absorbers.
- Stiffer rear stabilizer: Reduces body roll and improves response in sporty driving.
- Carbon-ceramic brakes: Red calipers and ceramic discs as standard, previously optional.
- Matte carbon elements: Mirrors, front splitter and rear diffuser in visible matte carbon.
- Exclusive interior: RS bucket seats, Neodymium gold details and consecutive numbering.
The last inline-five in production
The Audi RS3 Competition Limited retains the legendary 2.5 TFSI inline-five engine, the only engine of this configuration still in production worldwide. With 2.5 liters of displacement, it delivers 400 hp (294 kW) and 500 Nm of peak torque, making it the most powerful compact sports car in its segment.
The firing order 1-2-4-5-3 is responsible for the unmistakable five-cylinder sound, a sonority that Audi has optimized in this edition with revised exhaust valve control for a deeper roar across the entire rev range.
The package is mated to a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive, enabling 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h as standard.
Coilover suspension and radical dynamics
The most significant change in the Competition Limited over the standard RS3 is the suspension. Audi replaces the adaptive dampers with an adjustable coilover setup, featuring stainless steel front shock absorbers and aluminum rear ones. This allows for a more precise setup for track use.
The rear stabilizer is stiffer, reducing body roll and improving response in tight corners. The rear-axle torque splitter system, already present on the standard RS3, is retained with its RS Torque Rear mode that allows controlled drifts.
Carbon-ceramic brakes with red calipers are standard on this edition, along with the RS sport exhaust that amplifies the acoustic experience of the five-cylinder engine.
New technology
The RS3 Competition Limited comes standard with the infotainment system featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the 15-speaker Sonos audio system.
The 12.3-inch digital cluster includes exclusive RS display modes showing turbo boost, torque percentage and G-forces in real time.
Ambient interior lighting has been expanded with inserts on the door cards, and the panoramic glass sunroof is standard.
Market context
The RS3 Competition Limited sits above the BMW M2 and Mercedes-AMG A45 S in terms of exclusivity, with production limited to 750 units. Its five-cylinder engine makes it unique in the compact sports segment, where all rivals use four-cylinder engines.
Pricing and availability
The United States will receive only the Sedan version, pricing to be confirmed.
Pros / Cons
- Only inline-five engine in production, with unmistakable sound.
- Adjustable coilover suspension for track use.
- Carbon-ceramic brakes and sport exhaust as standard.
- Limited edition with consecutive numbering and exclusivity.
- High price compared to the standard RS3.
- Only 750 units, difficult to acquire.
- Coilover suspension less comfortable for daily use.
Milestones
- 1976First Audi inline-fiveAudi introduces its first inline-five cylinder engine.
- 1983Audi Sport quattroThe Sport quattro develops 306 hp from a 2.1-liter turbo five.
- 2011First RS3Audi launches the first RS3 with the 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine.
- 2026RS3 Competition Limited750 units to celebrate 50 years of the inline-five.
The RS3 Competition Limited is our tribute to half a century of five-cylinder engines. A mechanical work of art that will not be repeated.
Audi Sport
