Audi RS3 Competition Limited, produced in only 750 units

It is called the Audi RS3 Competition Limited and represents the 'swan song' of the five-cylinder engine, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year after its introduction in 1976 on the second generation Audi 100. Produced in only 750 examples, 81 of which are Sportbacks destined for the Italia market, the RS3 Competition Limited has all the characteristics to become a model of future revaluation and coveted by those looking for an RS model without electrification. All this at a starting price of 107,600 euro and first deliveries from June.

Audi RS 3 Sportback competition limited

Compared to the standard version, the RS3 Competition Limited is distinguished by several specific components in matt carbon: at the front, the two-part splitter, the new canard deflectors at the side air intakes and the composite mirror caps stand out. On the sides, there are carbon fibre skirts and 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels in matt neodymium gold, while at the rear, the aesthetic kit includes the upper frame of the extractor and the spoiler in composite fibres. Customisation includes a partially matt rear window finish and burnished Audi Matrix LED headlamps. The dynamic Coming home and Leaving home animations light up in the 1-2-4-5-3 pattern: a reference to the sequence in which the cylinders are fired. Three colours are available: Daytona grey and matt ice white are joined by malachite green paintwork reminiscent of the legendary Audi Sport quattro rally winner of the 1980s.

Powered by the 2.5 Tfsi turbocharged inline-five with direct injection, the RS3 Competition Limited claims a top speed of 290 km/h and a 0-100 km/h sprint covered in 3.8 seconds. The special series adds multi-adjustable shock absorbers, an oversized rear anti-roll bar, carbon-ceramic brakes and an RS sports exhaust. The sound is influenced by the gear programmes selected via Audi drive select, in dynamic, RS Performance and RS Torque Rear modes, for example, the valves open well in advance and the adoption of the RS sports exhaust. Compared to the standard model, the tone is even stronger thanks to the reduced thickness of the sound-absorbing materials at the bonnet, inside which the carbon cover of the five-cylinder engine makes its debut. The handling of the car improves thanks to the enlarged rear anti-roll bar, characterised by a torsional resistance of 85 Newtons per millimetre, making it 6 per cent stiffer than on the standard model. The hardness of the springs, in parallel, reaches 80 N/mm, an increase of 14% over the standard model. Complementing the aerodynamic kit is a specific roof spoiler which, in combination with the dedicated front splitter, guarantees higher downforce values. Like the Audi RS 3, the Competition limited edition can also be fitted with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi slick tyres.

Indoor static photo, interior

Climbing aboard come colour combinations in black, neodymium gold and ginger white. Lighting at the base of the doors projects the inscription 'RS 3 competition limited' onto the floor. The same designation is replicated along the black floor mats and at the headrests of the front seats and the luggage compartment carpet. At the base of the tunnel, a matt-finish numbered plaque shows the serial number of the individual model. The front shell seats, in matt carbon, feature black leather upholstery on the side panels, while the centre sections are in Dinamica microfibre in neodymium gold. The steering wheel flattened in the upper and lower sections has ginger-white lettering at 12 o'clock. Along the crown covered in black Dinamica microfiber are contrast stitching also in ginger-white; the same color finish is extended to the seat belts. The 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus with RS design uses exclusive graphics for the digital instruments: the white background is a tribute to the 1994 Audi RS 2 Avant, the first car in the RS range.