Audi Unveils RS 3 Competition Limited
Audi Sport is celebrating 50 years of its legendary five‑cylinder engine with the launch of an exclusive special-edition model: the Audi RS 3 Competition Limited. With just 750 units set for global production—and a mere 11 allocated to the UK—this rare variant marks a significant milestone in the brand’s half‑century heritage of distinctive performance and unmistakable sound.
Born from a legacy that began in 1976 with the second‑generation Audi 100, the new RS 3 Competition Limited builds on decades of engineering innovation. Audi Sport has enhanced the model with a series of upgrades designed to appeal to collectors and driving enthusiasts alike, reinforcing the RS 3’s reputation as a standout in the high‑performance compact segment.
Sharper Exterior and Carbon Accents
The RS 3 Competition Limited gains a more aggressive front end, further refining the familiar Singleframe grille and prominent intake design. Heritage‑inspired badges at the front and rear underline its commemorative nature.
A suite of matte carbon elements heightens the car’s visual impact. New dual-stacked carbon canards, a split front lip, carbon mirror caps, side skirts, rear spoiler, and trim above the diffuser all contribute to a wider, more assertive stance. Distinctive 19-inch Neodymium gold matte wheels complete the look, reinforcing the model’s technical and exclusive appeal.
Unique to this edition, the darkened matrix LED headlights illuminate in a 1‑2‑4‑5‑3 sequence, mirroring the firing order of the five‑cylinder engine. All UK-bound models will be finished in Malachite Green, paying homage to the Audi Sport quattro that dominated rallying’s golden era.
Five-Cylinder Performance and Signature Sound
The celebrated turbocharged 2.5‑litre five‑cylinder engine delivers 294 kW (400 PS) and 500 Nm of torque—figures that push the RS 3 Competition Limited from 0–62 mph in 3.8 seconds, on to a top speed of 180 mph.
The engine’s distinctive warble remains a major part of the experience. With fully variable flap control and reduced insulation at the firewall, the exhaust note reaches the cabin with even greater clarity. In dynamic driving modes—Dynamic, RS Performance, and RS Torque Rear—the valves open earlier for a more pronounced, engaging soundtrack.
Enhanced Driving Dynamics
For the first time, the RS 3 gains a coilover suspension system with a newly developed rear stabiliser, optimising precision and cornering agility. The twin‑tube dampers, made from stainless steel at the front and aluminium at the rear, offer improved cooling for consistent performance under load. External reservoirs on the front dampers further enhance heat management.
Drivers can tailor the handling through adjustable low- and high-speed compression (12 and 15 steps respectively) as well as 16‑step rebound adjustment. These changes influence tyre grip, steering response, ride comfort, and body control, enabling everything from maximum cornering stability to smoother everyday driving.
Complementing the chassis upgrades, a stiffer rear stabiliser and increased rear spring rates deliver improved stability and sharper dynamics. Aerodynamic enhancements—including a redesigned roof spoiler—help reduce lift at both axles.
The torque splitter and ceramic brakes with red calipers further elevate handling, distributing torque variably across the rear wheels and resisting thermal fade during high‑performance driving.
Exclusive Interior and Digital Displays
Inside, the RS 3 Competition Limited continues its special-edition theme with a colour palette of black, Neodymium gold, and Ginger white. Door lighting projects the model name, which also appears on floor mats, seatbacks, and the luggage compartment. A brushed, matte serial number plate on the centre console reinforces its limited-run status.
The RS bucket seats feature black leather bolsters and Neodymium gold Dinamica centres, with Ginger white contrast stitching highlighting their sculpted design. Rear passengers enjoy matching materials and finishes, while carbon‑backed front seats add a motorsport-inspired touch.
The driver-focused cabin includes a 10.1-inch central display showing RS-specific performance data—coolant, brakes, torque splitter temperatures, tyre pressure and temperature, and more. The flat‑topped steering wheel features a Ginger white top marker for improved steering precision. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus adopts white instrument graphics, referencing the iconic 1994 Audi RS2 Avant.
Price and Availability
In the UK, the Audi RS 3 Sportback Competition Limited is priced from £92,855 OTR. Deliveries are expected to begin in Q4 2026.
With its blend of exclusive styling, heritage-driven details, enhanced dynamics, and limited availability, the RS 3 Competition Limited represents a fitting tribute to Audi’s five-decade commitment to its iconic five-cylinder engine.