2023 Audi RS3 Sportback performance

The RS3 performance edition, the sportiest compact model from Audi Sport, is fast and a true street artist. Developed for maximum performance, the special edition boasts 299 kW (407 PS) of power and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). In addition to well-known top technologies like the RS torque splitter and ceramic brakes, it has RS bucket seats for optimized lateral support and a whole host of exclusive design elements. With the third generation of the Audi RS3 Sportback and the second generation of the RS3 Sedan, high performance has reached a new level in the compact segment. Now Audi Sport GmbH is adding: the RS3 performance edition is a limited edition of 300 units and is the pinnacle of its series both technically and visually. Available as Sportback and Sedan, the Edition guarantees driving fun and emotion across the board.

Five-cylinder turbo engine with increased performance

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 (184 mph) and thus 10 km/h (6 mph) 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 (407 PS), 100 revolutions later, between 5,700 and 7,000 revolutions per minute 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 revolutions per minute. 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. The RS3 performance edition accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds. The power is complemented by the unmistakable and emotional sound of the five-cylinder engine with its characteristic 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence. The standard RS sports exhaust system with a modified center silencer and glossy black, oval tailpipe trims gives a sporty, robust sound to the outside. The fully variable exhaust flap control, which broadens the sound spectrum, has been adapted slightly for the RS3 performance edition: in Audi drive select's Dynamic, RS Performance, and RS Torque Rear modes, the exhaust flaps open further when the car is stationary, which makes the sound even more present.

Top chassis technologies in series production

Negative wheel camber, stiffer wishbone, RS-specific tube stabilizer with a higher spring rate - all these measures already ensure high driving dynamics and stability in the standard RS3. The Audi RS3 performance edition features RS sports suspension with adaptive damper control as standard equipment. It continuously and individually adjusts each shock absorber to the road conditions, the driving situation, and the mode selected in Audi drive select. Pressure and rebound damping have been increased in comparison with the previous generation RS3, meaning that the shock absorber takes up more of the force that is passed from the chassis. The result is tighter handling. Electromagnetically actuated valves, which regulate the flow of the hydraulic fluid, provide the necessary amount damping power within ten milliseconds of the precise moment the driving situation requires. To do this, sensors measure the vertical acceleration of the body and the movement of the individual wheels relative to it. This information is processed simultaneously in the damper control unit and the modular vehicle dynamics controller, which means that each individual wheel optimally takes the car's performance to the road. This includes supporting the body during fast cornering as well as braking and acceleration, for example with launch control.

Exclusivity and dynamism made visible

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. This is in perfect harmony with the particular finishes on the RS3 performance edition: these include the pearl-effect colors Nogaro Blue, Arrow Gray and Daytona Gray as well as Sebring Black Crystal Effect and Glacier White Metallic. Perfection down to the smallest detail is also visible in the light. 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 (186 mph). 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.