Audi has revealed a more hardcore special edition RS3 pocket rocket, with a new top speed of 300km/h.
The RS3 performance edition gets a tweaked version of the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine with 299kW of power – up 5kW on the standard mode thanks to turbo tweaks.
Peak torque remains 500Nm but there’s a slightly wider band at which it’s available (2250-5700rpm).
The new segment-leading top speed is up 10km/h over the standard model with the RS Dynamics Package plus fitted, though the 3.8-second 0-100km/h time is unchanged.
The RS3 performance edition also gets a tweaked exhaust system with flaps that open further when stationary in its sportiest modes, to add a little more rumble.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission remains, as does quattro AWD that can direct half the engine torque to the rear axle, and from there can send all this to just the outside rear wheel via its torque splitter.
Other RS3 signatures such as its negative wheel camber, stiffened wishbones over the donor car, higher spring rates, and adaptive dampers linked to myriad drive modes all remain as-is.
The RS 3 performance edition also runs on semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres – 265/35 on the front axle, 245/35 on the rear. Due to their specific rubber compound and asymmetrical tread, these performance hoops increase stability and lateral grip.
They are mounted on cast 19-inch aluminium wheels, behind which sit standard six-piston ceramic brakes: 380mm front and 310mm diameter rear.
Styling elements beyond those motorsport-design wheels include blacked-out badges, and trick segmented digital daytime running lights that display a checkered flag on the passenger side and ‘300’ on the right when opened.
The top-tier Dinamica microfibre and Nappa leather RS3 bucket seats are standard equipment, as is blue honeycomb cabin stitching, blue seatbelts, and a blue 12 o’clock marker on the Alcantara steering wheel with flattened bottom.
The background image on the 10.1-inch touchscreen has a carbon look and shows the characteristic 2.5 TFSI engine’s 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence. The RS monitor also integrates displays of coolant temperature, engine and transmission oil, g-forces, and tyre pressures.
At the same time, the Audi virtual cockpit cluster provides information on performance 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.
Paint options include pearl-effect Nogaro Blue, Arrow Gray and Daytona Gray, as well as Sebring Black Crystal Effect and Glacier White Metallic.
The RS 3 performance edition is limited to 300 units – as illustrated by the carbon decorative inlay on the passenger side. European prices start at €75,000 (A$117,000) as a Sportback hatch and €77,000 (A$120,000) as a sedan.
We’ve reached out to Audi Australia to see if any might sneak into the country.
