The RS 3 performance edition, the sportiest compact model from Audi Sport, is fast and a true street artist. Developed for maximum performance, the special edition boasts 299 kW (407 PS) of power and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). In addition to well-known top technologies like the RS torque splitter and ceramic brakes, it has RS bucket seats for optimized lateral support and a whole host of exclusive design elements.

 
 
The RS 3 performance edition runs on semi-slick Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” tires as standard equipment – 265/35 on the front axle, 245/35 on the rear. Due to their specific rubber compound and asymmetrical tread, these performance tires offer particularly high grip in dry conditions, thus increasing stability and lateral grip. In keeping with their characteristics, the semi-slicks are mounted on cast aluminum wheels in motorsport design. The 19 inch rims in dark gray matte, exclusively available on the special model, have a striking design with ten cross‑spokes and display the RS branding. Behind it, the standard six-piston ceramic brake takes a firm grip. Their discs on the front axle measure 380 x 38 mm (15 x 1.5 in.). The high-performance brake system, with a specially adapted pedal curve on the brake booster, is ten kilograms (22 lbs) lighter and more heat-resistant than the steel brakes. The reduction in unsprung masses brings advantages in highly dynamic applications. The rear axle has a floating caliper with 310 x 22 mm (12.2 x 0.9 in.) single-piece steel discs. The brake calipers are painted blue to match the specific interior.
 

Exclusivity and dynamism made visible

The special model shows its leading position in the RS 3 portfolio with a wide range of new design‑elements and equipment: in addition to the motorsport-design wheels and the RS‑sports exhaust system with black tailpipe trims, the Audi rings and the RS 3 badge on the front and rear are also black. This is in perfect harmony with the particular finishes on the RS 3 performance edition: these include the pearl-effect colors Nogaro Blue, Arrow Gray and Daytona Gray as well as Sebring Black Crystal Effect and Glacier White Metallic.

Perfection down to the smallest detail is also visible in the light. The standard Matrix LED headlights with darkened bezels and the LED taillights feature a dynamic flashing light and RS‑specific staging when unlocking and locking. When the RS 3 performance edition is opened, the digital daytime running light, consisting of 15 LED segments, displays the “checkered flag” on the passenger side and the “3‑0-0” on the driver side – based on the limited number of units and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). Upon closing, “R-S-3” lettering appears in the pixel field below the main headlight instead of the “3-0-0.” While driving, the checkered flag lights up on both sides as a daytime running light. Another distinguishing feature is an entrance LED in the front doors: it projects “#RS performance” onto the ground next to the car.

The special model also shows its exclusivity in the interior. For the first time in the RS 3*, bucket seats are available as standard equipment, ensuring outstanding lateral support during dynamic cornering. Like the outer rear seats, the seat center panel also has contrasting blue honeycomb stitching. The material used for this is Dinamica microfiber fabric, which is combined with pearl Nappa leather on the side bolsters. Below the headrest, the black funnel aperture incorporates large RS lettering and, like the Carbon matte back of the seat back, emphasizes the sporty character of the special model. In addition to the full-surface blue belt straps, the contrast stitching on the center armrest, the door armrests, and the steering wheel are also in blue. The same applies to the floor mats and the trunk mat in black Velour, which also features RS lettering. For better orientation during sporty driving, the Alcantara steering wheel, which is flattened at the bottom, features a 12 o’clock marking – also in blue.

Specifically in the special model, the background image on the 10.1 inch touch display has a carbon look and shows the characteristic 2.5 TFSI 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence. The RS monitor also integrates displays of coolant temperature, engine and transmission oil, g-forces, and tire pressures. At the same time, the Audi virtual cockpit plus provides information on performance-related data, such as lap times, g-forces, and acceleration in seconds from 0‑100 km/h (62 mph), 0‑200 km/h (124 mph), quarter mile, and eighth mile.