The Audi RS 3 Performance Edition is the sportiest compact in the Audi Sport range.

Designed for maximum performance, the special limited edition boasts 299 kW (407 hp) and a top speed of 300 km/h. In addition to well-known cutting-edge technologies from Ingolstadt, such as the RS torque divider and ceramic brakes, this model features RS bucket seats for optimal lateral support and a range of exclusive design features.

Audi RS 3 Performance Edition

The third generation of the Audi RS 3 Sportback and the second generation of the RS 3 sedan represent a breakthrough in terms of high performance in the compact segment. Now Audi Sport GmbH is adding a cherry to the cake: The Audi RS 3 Performance Edition is a limited edition of 300 units of this car, which is the absolute leader of its series both technically and visually. Available in the Audi RS 3 Performance Edition Sportback and Limousine versions, it guarantees great driving pleasure and the highest emotions.

High efficiency five-cylinder turbocharged engine

The Audi RS 3 Performance Edition is more powerful and faster than any previous RS 3 model. It is the first vehicle in its segment to reach a top speed of 300 km/h, 10 km/h more than the standard version with RS Dynamics Plus. . In addition, the award-winning five-cylinder turbo engine now delivers 299 kW (407 hp) 100 rpm later, between 5,700 and 7,000 rpm, with a signature sound. Peak torque is also wider: the 500 Nm peak torque is now available 100 rpm longer, between 2250 and 5700 rpm.

This is achieved thanks to a higher boost pressure: a large turbocharger creates a relative pressure of 1.6 bar - 0.1 bar more. Power is transmitted through a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Short shift times without sacrificing traction, sporty gear ratios and launch control ensure top driving performance. The RS 3 Performance Edition accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Engine power goes hand in hand with a unique and emotional sound, with a firing sequence typical of a five-cylinder engine: 1-2-4-5-3. The standard RS sports exhaust system with a modified middle muffler and high-gloss black oval tailpipes produces a sporty, solid sound.

The fully adjustable exhaust flaps, which widen the sound spectrum, have been slightly redesigned for the sporty version of the RS 3. In Audi drive select: Dynamic, RS Performance and RS Torque Rear, the exhaust flaps open more when the car is stationary, making the sound even more audible and recognizable.

The best chassis technology in serial production

Negative camber angle, stiffer rocker arms, the RS-specific tubular stabilizer bar with higher spring rates – all of these solutions already provide high driving dynamics and stability as standard on the RS 3. The RS 3 Performance Edition comes standard with an RS sports suspension with adaptive damping control. It continuously and individually adjusts each damper according to the road conditions, the driving situation and the mode selected in Audi drive select. Pressure and rebound damping have been increased over the previous generation RS 3, meaning the damper absorbs most of the force transmitted from the chassis.

The result is more compact processing. Solenoid operated hydraulic flow valves provide the required damping force within ten milliseconds in a precisely defined driving situation - low on undulating surfaces, high on uneven surfaces. To do this, sensors measure the vertical acceleration of the body and the movement of the individual wheels in relation to it. This information is processed simultaneously in the damper control unit and the modular vehicle dynamics control system, so that each individual wheel optimally transfers the vehicle's power to the road. This also includes supporting the body when cornering at high speeds, as well as when braking and accelerating, for example with the help of the launch control system.

The torque splitter used in this high-performance version of the RS 3 RS is a technical solution that on the one hand increases stability, for example on wet roads, and on the other hand increases agility and reduces understeer during dynamic driving. . This is possible thanks to two electronically controlled multi-plate clutches that actively and completely smoothly distribute the drive torque between the rear wheels. The maximum 50% of torque is sent to the rear axle, and in RS Torque Rear mode, all the torque from the rear is periodically transferred to the wheel on the outside of the turn. Gives you the opportunity for excellent drifting - of course, on closed tracks.

Combined with RS Performance mode, the torque divider distributes torque between the rear wheels in such a way that almost neutral handling is achieved with slight understeer and oversteer for optimal performance on the racetrack. This allows you to exit the turn faster and complete the circle faster.

The Audi RS 3 performance edition is equipped as standard with Pirelli P Zero "Trofeo R" semi-slicks: 265/35 on the front axle, 245/35 on the rear axle. With a special rubber compound and asymmetric tread pattern, these high-performance tires provide exceptionally high dry traction for improved stability and lateral grip. In accordance with their characteristics, the semi-slicks are mounted on cast aluminum wheels with a sporty design. The 19" brushed titanium anthracite wheels are exclusive to this special limited edition, featuring a striking ten-cross-spoke design and featuring the RS logo.

Standard six-piston ceramic brakes complete the distinctive look of the wheels. Their discs on the front axle are 380 x 38 mm. The high-performance braking system with a specially adapted brake boost curve is ten kilograms lighter and more resistant to heat than steel brakes. Reducing unsprung mass is beneficial in highly dynamic applications. The rear axle has floating calipers with solid steel discs measuring 310 x 22 mm. The brake calipers are painted blue to match the specific model's interior.

Exclusivity and dynamics in sight

With a wide range of new design and equipment features, the RS 3 Performance Edition is the absolute leader in the RS 3 range. In addition to sporty rims and an RS sports exhaust system with black tailpipes, Audi rings and the RS 3 badge front and rear. This pairs perfectly with the unique paint colors of the RS 3 Performance Edition: Nogaro Blue, Arrow Gray and Daytona Gray pearl effect colors, as well as Sebring Black Crystal Effect and Glacier White Metallic.

Perfection down to the smallest detail is also evident in the lighting of this vehicle. Standard matrix LED headlights with tinted surround and LED taillights feature dynamic turn indicators and RS-specific stance when unlocking and locking the doors. With the opening of the RS 3 Performance Edition, the 15-segment digital daytime running lights display a "checkered flag" on the passenger side and a "3-0-0" on the driver's side, a reference to a limited number. models of this series and a maximum speed of 300 km/h. However, when it is closed, the word “RS-3” appears in the pixel field under the main reflector instead of “3-0-0”. While driving, the checkered flag lights up on both sides like a daytime running light. Another distinguishing feature is an LED in the front door that displays "#RS performance" on the ground next to the vehicle.

The limited edition also emphasizes its exclusivity in the interior of the car. For the first time on the RS 3, bucket seats are standard, providing excellent lateral support during dynamic cornering. The front center fascia and outer rear seat cushions feature contrasting blue honeycomb stitching. The material they are made from is Dinamica microfiber combined with pearl Nappa leather on the side bolsters.

Under the headrest, there is a black funnel-shaped opening with large RS lettering, which, like the matt carbon backrest, emphasizes the sporty character of the model. In addition to all blue seat belts, the center armrest, door armrests and steering wheel also feature blue contrast stitching. The same applies to the black velor floor mats and boot mats with RS lettering. For better orientation in sporty driving, the flattened Alcantara steering wheel features a twelve o'clock position, also in blue.

Another distinguishing and unique element of the car's interior: the background image on the 10.1-inch touchscreen is carbon-look and shows a typical 2.5 TFSI 1-2-4-5-3 engine start sequence. The RS monitor also shows coolant, engine and transmission oil temperatures, g-forces and tire pressures. At the same time, the Audi virtual cockpit plus provides performance data such as lap times, G-forces and acceleration in seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, 0-200 km/h, quarter mile and eighth mile.

The Audi RS 3 Performance Edition is a short series produced in a limited edition of 300 pieces. This is indicated by a carbon trim strip on the passenger side with a "1 in 300" badge.

The model will go on sale in early 2023.

Photo: Audi Sport