There were many reasons to love the Audi RS3, and now there are even more. Six are more specific, in the form of a new RS3 Performance Edition with a 407-horsepower (302-kilowatt) turbocharged inline-5 engine. That’s up from 401 hp (299 kW), and the special model also offers a few other upgrades. Unfortunately, only 300 will be made worldwide, and none will come to North America.
Let’s focus on power for a moment. Audi added a bit more boost to the turbocharger, complemented by exhaust tweaks for power and sound. Peak power increases, but the changes also stretch the peak torque band to 100 rpm, with 369 pound-feet (500 Newton-meters) available from 2,250 to 5,700 rpm. Power still hits the ground via a seven-speed Stronic dual-clutch transmission, with the RS3 Performance Edition hitting 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.8 seconds.
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However, keep your feet on the ground and the speedometer will spin up to 186 mph (300 km/h). It’s faster than the standard RS3, and according to Audi, it’s the fastest vehicle in its class. However, you will need to add the RS Plus Dynamic Plan option to reach those speeds.
Audi left the suspension tuning alone, as it was capable enough but an adaptive chassis was a standard issue for the RS3 Performance Edition. Ceramic brakes are also standard, and the car uses 19-inch wheels in an exclusive package with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires. Additional exterior changes include a black rear diffuser along with a black Audi logo. Exterior color options include Nogaro Blue, Daytona Grey, Arrow Grey, Sebring Black, Sebring Black Crysta, and Glacier White.
Inside, the Performance Edition gets standard bucket seats with Dinamica microfiber and Nappa leather. Mercato Blue offers a contrast to the dark interior, found in everything from seat belts to door panels and stitching. The 10.1-inch touchscreen features a carbon display background, and a special “1 in 300” badge is prominently mounted on the passenger side of the carbon-cut dashboard.
If available, the price of the Audi RS3 Performance Edition 2023 starts at €87,000. It will reach customers from early 2023.
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