2022 Audi RS3 (8Y)

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.


2F3B6389-4EFE-47A8-874D-48235D4CEAC8.jpeg1781B7B0-FC90-41A9-990E-311BC78F2CC9.jpegADC286BF-F663-474C-B6B7-090F7D88F651.jpegAC274EC8-8ACC-43FA-9D0A-C843CF274F19.jpegEE33BD05-22AC-4EF2-84D8-DB4C4A4036AB.jpeg55039B23-FFB5-4914-B8BA-D400C980C97F.jpeg5A433385-A889-4606-84FE-0CE0BC833CB5.jpeg3C7907C5-61AD-4A95-BD19-D409273B5424.jpeg2AF18324-CD3D-4BA8-8CB8-FE860493F768.jpeg3C820425-5C20-491C-A5F8-FA285BBC8D1C.jpeg
 
Audi reveals 186mph RS3 Performance Edition with more power

Only 300 will be built – with none coming to the UK – each packing 401bhp

Audi describes this limited-edition hot hatch as a “true street artist”, though it won’t be painting a merry picture on British canvas because it’s not bringing its most powerful ever RS3 to the UK.

That’s right, the most powerful production RS3 ever now bears the name ‘Performance Edition’. The familiar – and award-winning – five-cylinder turbo unit up front produces 401bhp (as opposed to the standard car’s not-at-all standard 394bhp), with the same amount of torque (369lb ft). Top speed rises to 186mph as standard too.

The additional seven horsepowers are liberated via an increase in boost pressure of 0.1 bar. (Should you require more, ABT will merrily boost your RS3 to near 500bhp, which will paint perhaps more frightening pictures than this Performance Edition.) It’s fed of course, through a seven-speed dual clutcher to all four wheels. The 1-2-4-5-3 firing order which we’re obliged to continually mention funnels its admittedly good noise through a tweaked version of the standard-fit RS sports exhaust system.


FC4C5E35-37B2-4EFA-B752-9FDDCC1BE1D0.jpeg3C99E6D0-09EA-4393-ABF4-4662FDE04D83.jpeg6FD8B106-7EC6-4634-8C4F-6E3A6D6C497D.jpegEDA5D520-B6DD-46E3-8DC3-8C6BF93238B7.jpeg780744A8-814C-4A94-844C-1AF204DB5B14.jpegFAD08067-8A7F-43F5-ACC5-CC4FBB815678.jpeg3A72FCDC-936C-43FC-B8D8-0A4ECF17E667.jpeg
 
Audi Reveal Limited RS 3 Performance Edition Packing 407 HP (302 kW)

The Audi RS 3 is currently the king of the hot hatches and it seems 300 individuals around the world will be getting an even more potent version with the RS 3 Performance Edition.

The turbocharged 5-cylinder has been tweaked a touch to push output up to 407 horses (302 kW). Audi achieved this by turning up boost a tad as well as fiddling with the exhaust system (also making it louder in the process).

The power delivery occurs slightly later in the rev range and the torque is set across a wider band thanks to a more pressurised turbocharger setting. As before, this power goes through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to all four wheels.

Visually you will find some exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, finished in dark grey matte paint. Additional exterior changes include a black rear diffuser along with black Audi badging. Exterior colour options include Nogaro Blue, Daytona Gray, Arrow Gray, Sebring Black, Sebring Black Crysta, and Glacier White.

 
New Audi RS3 Performance Edition Boasts Extra Power, Pace and Sound

Standard Audi RS3 not quite potent enough? Well, let us introduce you to the new, limited-run RS3 Performance Edition, which gains more power, a higher top speed and a louder exhaust system…

Audi has revealed its new RS3 Performance Edition, which pushes the performance envelope further still. Available in Sportback and Sedan guises, this limited-edition model is more powerful, faster and louder than the standard version.

That’s the good news. Now, the bad news. Audi South Africa says the RS3 Performance Edition “isn’t planned” for a local introduction “at this time”. While that suggests the door isn’t completely closed, we’d be exceedingly surprised to see any examples make their way to South Africa considering just 300 units will be produced worldwide.

So, what are we (potentially) missing out on? Well, the turbocharged 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder engine has had its peak power hiked from the standard 294 kW to 299 kW, thanks largely to an increase in charge pressure. While maximum twisting force is unchanged at 500 Nm, it’s now on offer over a slightly wider band.

Top speed, meanwhile, increases to a heady 300 kph, which represents a 10-unit improvement over the standard model fitted with the optional RS Dynamics Package Plus. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is seemingly unaltered, as is the claimed 3.8-second sprint time from standstill to 100 kph. However, the RS sports exhaust system gains a modified centre silencer, while the fully variable exhaust flap control has been “adapted slightly”, making the RS3 Performance Edition even louder (when stationary, at least).

 
Audi unleashes RS3 Performance edition, with extra power

By combining all the coolest features available and tinkering beneath the bonnet a little, Audi Sport has created the fasted and most dynamic RS3 model to date.

Say hello to the new Audi RS3 Performance Edition. Available in Sedan and Sportback formats, only 300 of the special models will be created and it’s not known whether any will be heading to South Africa.

Under the bonnet, Audi Sport has given its five-cylinder performance model a wee bit more power. The Performance Edition is good for 299kW, which is 5kW more than the regular version offers and the power is delivered 100 revolutions later, between 5700 and 7000rpm.

The torque output remains unchanged, but the maximum of 500Nm is available 100 revolutions longer, between 2250 and 5700rpm. This is achieved through a higher charge pressure, with the turbo generating 1.6 bar, which is an improvement of 0.1 bar.

The 0-100 acceleration time remains the same as before, however, at a claimed 3.8 seconds, but the top speed has increased by 10km/h to 300km/h, providing you ordered the RS Dynamic package. Audi says this is the first vehicle in its class to hit the 300km/h mark.

When creating the edition, Audi raided the options catalogue for some of the cooler content. For instance, the Pirelli P Zero ‘Trofeo R’ semi-slick tyres that are optional on the regular RS3 are standard on this edition, as is a black styling package that brings black treatment for the badging as well as the RS sports exhaust tailpipes.

 
REVIEW: Audi RS3 Sportback is a slick, sublime firecracker of a car

VERDICT

With its truly exciting performance and sublime road holding, the new Audi RS3 is a true firecracker, and yet it’s also refined enough to serve as a relatively comfortable daily car. Priced at R1 215 000 in sportback guise and R1 245 000 in Sedan form, it offers a lot of performance for the money, but it is a bit annoying that so many basic comfort and driver-assist features remain optional extras.

FACTS: Audi RS3 Sportback Quattro

Price: R1 215 000

Engine: 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder, turbopetrol

Gearbox: 7-speed dual-clutch automated

Drive: All-wheel drive

Power: 294kW at 5 600-7 000rpm

Torque: 500Nm from 2 250-5 600rpm

0-100km/h: 3.8 seconds (claimed)

Top Speed: 250km/h / opt 290km/h (claimed)

Fuel use: 9.0 l/100km (claimed)

Fuel tank capacity: 55 litres

Boot volume: 282 litres

Warranty: 1-year/unlimited km

Maintenance plan: 5-year/100 000km

 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X