Audi RS 3 Competition Limited Unveiled to celebrate 50 Years of Five Cylinders

Audi has unveiled a special edition model, the Audi RS 3 Competition Limited, to celebrate 50 years of its iconic five-cylinder engine.

Production will be limited to 750 units globally, making the model one of the most exclusive versions of the RS 3 ever built.

The limited-run model combined Audi’s legendary 2.5-ltre TFSI five-cylinder engine, enhanced driving dynamics, distinctive carbon styling, and an interior with a unique finish.

Celebrating the Legendary Engine

Audi’s five-cylinder story began in 1976 with the second-gen Audi 100. Over the decades, the unusual engine layout of Audi performance models has been a feature, especially during the brand’s rallying dominance in the 1980s.

Today, the 2.5-litre turbocharged inline-five in the RS 3 produces 394 hp and 500 Nm of torque.

Performance Figures

• 0-100 km/h: 3.8 seconds
• Top speed: 290 km/h

The engine’s unique 1-2-4-5-3 firing order produces the glorious soundtrack Audi enthusiasts love.

The car also comes with an RS sports exhaust with fully variable flap control, which enhances the sound further, especially in Dynamic, RS Performance, and RS Torque Rear modes.

Design Elements with Carbon Details

Visually, the RS 3 Competition Limited stands apart with several new aerodynamic and styling elements.

Key exterior highlights include:

• Matte carbon canards (winglets) on the front bumper
• Split front lip spoiler
• Carbon mirror caps, side skirts, and rear spoiler
• Large rear diffuser with carbon trim

The car rides on 19-inch wheels finished in matte Neodymium gold, giving the special edition a distinct look.

Buyers can choose from three colours:

• Daytona Grey Pearl Effect
• Glacier White Matte
• Malachite Green, an exclusive shade inspired by the legendary Audi Sport quattro rally car.

 The dark-shaded Matrix LED headlights also feature a unique lighting sequence. When the car locks or unlocks, the segments illuminate in a 1-2-4-5-2 pattern, as a reference to the engine’s firing order.

New Suspension for Better Dynamics

The RS 3 Competition debuts a fully adjustable coilover suspension system.

Audi has also fitted a stiffer rear stabiliser and increased rear spring rates to improve stability and agility.

Combined with the torque splitter, brake torque vectoring, and standard ceramic brakes, the limited edition promises sharper handling and improved corner exit performance.

Buyers can also opt for Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres for maximum track capability. Other cars that use similar tyres include the Lamborghini Aventador and the McLaren 720S.

Exclusive Interior with Gold Accents

Inside, the RS 3 Competition Limited features a unique colour scheme combining black, Neodymium gold, and ginger white.

Highlights include:

• RS bucket seats with Neodymium gold Dinamica microfiber
• Ginger white contrast stitching
• Carbon seat backs
• Numbered plaque on the centre console

The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus features a special white-background display inspired by the gauges of the 1994 Audi RS 2 Avant.

The car also shows detailed performance data, including power output, torque, G-forces, and lap timing.

Motorsport Heritage

Audi’s five-cylinder legacy is also tied to rallying history. In the early 1980s, Michèle Mouton drove the legendary Audi Quattro in the World Rally Championship, becoming the first woman to win a WRC rally at the 1981 Sanremo Rally.

For India

For India, the special edition remains largely aspirational. The Audi RS 3 is not currently part of Audi India’s lineup, though performance models like the Audi RS 5 and Audi RS Q8 have been sold here.

 With only 750 units planned globally, the RS 3 Competition Limited is unlikely to launch officially in India.