Audi Launches RS3 Competition Limited, Celebrates 50 Years of the Company`s Five-Cylinder Engine Fame

The German-based Audi carmaker has recently unveiled a special edition of the brand-new RS3, marking 50 years of the company’s five-cylinder history. This special variant is called the RS3 Competition Limited and will be available in just 750 models worldwide, split between 585 Sportbacks and 165 sedans.

Power output does not change. The 2.5-liter TFSI produces 400 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque, enabling a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. That is also available at an electronically limited speed of 180 mph.

Audi did, however, alter the experience around that engine by removing about 8.8 pounds of sound-deadening material from the firewall area between the engine bay and the cabin, allowing more of the five-cylinder note to reach occupants directly. The RS sport exhaust was recalibrated as well, with the valves opening earlier in Dynamic, RS Performance, and RS Torque Rear modes.

Chassis changes are more substantial than the unchanged output might suggest. That would be the first time Audi has modified a stock model and turned it into a genuine sports car. This means a modified coilover suspension system and adjustable dampers in three ways that cover high-speed compression and low-speed compression.

The Audi RS3 Competition Limited also sits 10 millimeters closer to the tarmac, thanks to a factory road setup. There are also a couple of more important mechanical upgrades that make this stock car a bit more tuned up. They refer to a thicker rear anti-roll bar, carbon-fiber brakes with red calipers up front, as well as the optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires available at extra cost.

Visually, Audi leans hard into the limited-run identity. Matte carbon fiber accents appear on the split front spoiler, bumper flares, side skirts, diffuser, and roof spoiler. The 19-inch forged wheels come in a matte “Neodymium Gold” finish, and buyers can choose from Daytona Gray, a new matte Glacier White, or an exclusive Malachite Green.

Inside, Audi treats the interior with the same respect for details as it did on the exterior. There are RS bucket seats with carbon details, with ginger white for the stitching, while the 12 o`clock marker on the driver`s steering wheel completes the sporty feel.

A numbered plaque in the center console states the number of each of the 750-unit run, while a new digital instrument cluster features white-background gauges, which is a reminder of the 1994 Audi RS2 Avant.

In Germany, the Sportback starts at €100,680 ($117,136 at today’s exchange rate), while the sedan opens at €102,680 ($119,472). That puts the Competition Limited more than €44,000 ($51,195) above a standard RS3, though every example comes fully equipped. As for deliveries, Audi said that the special edition will be available on the market starting this June.

2026 RS3 Competition Limited – Photo Gallery