Audi RS 3 Competition Limited: Celebrating 50 Years of Audi’s Five-Cylinder Legacy

[Source: Audi]

Audi Sport is marking the 50th anniversary of its legendary five-cylinder engine with a fitting tribute, the RS 3 competition limited. Limited to just 750 examples, the special edition celebrates five decades of Audi performance heritage with a combination of serious capability and unmistakable character. Its turbocharged inline-five delivers standout performance and that iconic sound, while a coilover suspension and stiffer rear stabilizer sharpen the driving experience. Carbon exterior details and an exclusive interior complete the package, making this RS 3 a deeply emotional, purpose-built celebration of one of Audi’s most important engines.

The RS 3 competition limited gets an even more aggressive visual identity, turning up the sportiness from every angle. A sharper Singleframe grille, enlarged air intakes, and a split front lip make the car look wider and lower, while new matte carbon canards and heritage-colored badges emphasize its exclusivity. Matte carbon details continue along the mirror caps, side skirts, rear spoiler, and diffuser trim, complemented by striking 19-inch Neodymium gold wheels. Unique darkened matrix LED headlights feature a startup animation that mirrors the five-cylinder firing order, while exclusive paint options, including Malachite Green inspired by Audi’s rally legends, tie the design directly to the brand’s performance heritage.

Audi 5-Cylinder

Under the hood you will find a familiar friend. The iconic Audi 5-cylinder engine. It makes the same 394 horsepower as the standard Audi RS 3. Thanks to fully variable flap control, the RS sports exhaust system makes the car sound as good as ever. Reduced insulation around the firewall means the engine sound reaches the occupants even more directly. The valves open earlier in the Audi drive select modes dynamic, RS Performance, and RS Torque Rear, meaning that the car’s throaty sound is even more pronounced.

Audi Sport has pushed the RS 3 competition limited into true track-capable territory with its most advanced chassis setup to date. For the first time on an RS 3, the special edition features a factory-developed coilover suspension paired with a stiffer rear stabilizer, ceramic brakes, and Audi’s torque splitter. The result is a compact performance car engineered for serious driving precision.

Suspension Upgrades

The coilover suspension was developed specifically for this model, using stainless steel front dampers and aluminum rears to improve rigidity and cooling. Larger damper volumes, external reservoirs up front, and thicker piston rods in the rear ensure consistent performance even under sustained high loads. Three-way adjustable dampers allow drivers to fine-tune low-speed compression, high-speed compression, and rebound independently, offering a wide range of setups from daily comfort to aggressive track use. Audi even includes adjustment tools and a setup guide onboard.

Low-speed compression tuning sharpens cornering grip and turn-in, while high-speed compression controls body motion over bumps and rapid inputs. Adjustable rebound further refines how tightly the car stays connected to the road. At the rear, a thicker tubular stabilizer and increased spring rates enhance stability and confidence when powering out of fast corners.

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamic upgrades also play a role, reducing lift at both axles and improving balance. Combined with torque vectoring, optional Pirelli Trofeo R tires, and fade-resistant ceramic brakes, the RS 3 competition limited delivers a rare blend of adjustability, control, and outright performance in the compact segment.

The Audi RS 3 competition limited excitement carries over to the interior. Opening the doors reveals a striking color theme of black, Neodymium gold, and Ginger white, immediately setting this limited-run model apart. Door projectors display “RS 3 competition limited,” while matching branding appears on the floor mats, seatbacks, and trunk carpet. A matte serial number on the center console serves as a constant reminder that this is one of just 750 examples.

Interior Upgrades

Up front, deeply contoured RS bucket seats keep driver and passenger firmly planted, no matter how hard the car is pushed. Black leather bolsters are paired with Neodymium gold Dinamica microfiber centers, accented by Ginger white contrast stitching that highlights the diamond-pattern upholstery. Gold-colored armrests and matte carbon seat backs further reinforce the motorsport-inspired atmosphere. Rear passengers aren’t left out either, with matching materials, stitching, and finishes continuing throughout the cabin.

The driver-focused cockpit delivers both drama and data. A 10.1-inch display provides RS-specific performance readouts, including temperatures for key components, tire data, and drivetrain information. The flat-bottom steering wheel features a Ginger white center marker for precise inputs, while Audi’s virtual cockpit plus adopts a white-dial theme inspired by the original RS2 Avant. Power and torque readouts, G-force displays, lap timing, and launch control lights complete an interior that blends heritage, performance, and modern technology into a truly immersive experience.

Audi Sport has positioned the RS 3 competition limited as a true flagship for the compact performance segment. Pricing starts at €100,680 (about $117,695) for the Sportback and €102,680 (about $120,000) for the Sedan. European deliveries of the RS 3 competition limited commence in the middle of this year.