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).
Standard Audi RS3 not potent enough? Meet the RS3 Performance Edition, which gains more power, a higher top speed and a louder exhaust...
www.cars.co.za