Audi unveils the culmination of a 5-cylinder lineage
- Published on 10/03/2026 14:05
- Modified on 10/03/2026 14:10
Audi Sport celebrates the 50th anniversary of its five-cylinder engine with the Audi RS 3 Competition Limited.
This exclusive Audi RS 3 will be produced in 750 units worldwide, including 13 for France. This model is based on the 2.5 TFSI engine, already iconic in the RS 3 lineup, delivering 400 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The characteristic sound of the five-cylinder, enhanced by a valve RS exhaust and a specific firing order (1-2-4-5-3), remains one of the hallmarks of this sporty compact.
What makes this edition truly exceptional is that it likely marks the last 100% thermal iteration of the RS 3. In a context where electrification is rapidly advancing in the Audi lineup, this RS 3 Competition Limited symbolizes the end of a lineage, the last to offer the five-cylinder engine in its traditional format.
Honor the 5 cylinders
The chassis benefits from specific evolutions. The threaded coilover suspension, combined with a new stiffer rear stabilizer bar, allows for sharper handling in turns. The stainless steel and aluminum front and rear dampers have three-way adjustments – high and low-speed compression as well as rebound – providing the possibility to modulate comfort and dynamism according to conditions. The torque splitter and braking torque vectoring optimize traction and stability, while ceramic brakes ensure consistent performance on both road and track.
The aesthetics of the limited edition enhance its exclusivity. Externally, matte carbon elements emphasize sportiness: front splitter, side deflectors, mirror housings, side skirts, and rear spoiler. Three colors are offered: Daytona Gray, Matte Glacier White, and Malachite Green, the latter paying homage to the Audi Sport quattro of the 1980s. The 19-inch matte neodymium rims and darkened Matrix LED headlights complete the customization.
Inside, the exclusive treatment combines black leather and neodymium Dinamica, accented with Ginger White stitching and RS bucket seats. The Virtual Cockpit Plus features white backgrounds, reminiscent of the early RS models, and includes specific performance indicators. Each unit is numbered, highlighting the limited character of this series.
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In France, the RS 3 Competition Limited is priced at €112,820, exclusively in Sportback version. European deliveries will begin in mid-2026. Through its engine, sound, and limited production, this model symbolizes the conclusion of an era for Audi Sport.
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This page is translated from the original post "Audi dévoile l’aboutissement d’une lignée à 5 cylindres" in French.
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