Audi Unveils Limited RS3 Competition with Enhanced Features and Unique Styling

Audi celebrates 50 years of its five-cylinder engine by giving its final remaining five-cylinder vehicle a host of new parts. The RS3 Competition Limited will be just that, with only 750 units made for global markets. Here in the US, if Audi elects to bring the model here, we'll likely have to fight over the 165 sedans that'll be made for the US and other markets, as the bulk will be RS3 Sportback models (Audi-speak for hatchback).

The new Competition Limited model promises to bring a much sharper RS3 to the table by way of a few changes, none of which are made to the powertrain. The unique turbocharged 2.5-liter engine still produces 400 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Changes are focused on reducing weight, for one. That means 8.8 pounds less sound-deadening material between the engine bay and the cabin, which should mean quite a lot more engine noise. Speaking of noise, the exhaust was also recalibrated. In three of the car's drive modes, Dynamic, RS Performance, and RS Torque Rear, the exhaust valves will open sooner, letting out more five-cylinder noise.

The big news, though, is pictured above. Audi developed a new coilover setup for the RS3's suspension system, which is entirely model-specific. The dampers offer serious adjustability for the track rats out there, with three-way adjustment: high- and low-speed compression and rebound. The new suspension has reduced ride height by 0.4 inches, and each will come with a pre-done road-specific setup you can tweak yourself, if you dare, thanks to the included tool kit and setup instructions. Handling is further improved by way of a larger rear anti-roll bar and higher rear spring rates. You can also order the optional high-performance Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires for even more stick.

Of course, styling updates will also help the RS3 Competition Limited stand out. The model's bodywork is now accented with matte carbon fiber used for the front splitter, canards, diffuser, and roof spoiler. Also present are model-exclusive forged wheels in a golden matte finish. Paint colors include Daytona Gray, a new matte Glacier White, and the throwback Malachite Green found on the original five-cylinder Audi: 1983's Sport Quattro.

Aesthetic updates extend inside with carbon-backed bucket seats trimmed in gold accents, and the requisite numbered plaque paired with white-background gauges as a throwback to the RS2 Avant from 1994. The money? We're not sure how much it'll cost here if the RS3 Competition Limited comes here, but German units are sold at the equivalent of $119,472. As emissions regulations tighten overseas, this may just be the last five-cylinder Audi we see, and it's quite a send-off.