The Audi RS3 Competition Limited is a 388 horsepower goodbye to one of the greatest engines ever made

The Audi RS3 Competition Limited arrives as a thrilling tribute to one of the most distinctive engines in automotive history.

Built to celebrate 50 years of Audi’s legendary five-cylinder powerplant, the special edition turns the already ferocious RS3 into something even more exclusive.

Only 750 examples will be produced worldwide, instantly making it a collector’s item.

And with more power, sharper handling, and a striking design, it feels like the perfect farewell celebration for an icon.

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Audi’s five-cylinder engine has gained a cult following over the years

The story of Audi’s five-cylinder engine dates back to the mid-1970s, when it first appeared in the second-generation Audi 100.

It soon became a defining feature of the brand’s performance identity.

Over the decades, the unusual engine configuration gained a cult following thanks to its unmistakable sound and rally-bred performance.

One of the most famous examples was the legendary Audi Sport quattro, which dominated rally stages in the 1980s.

The Audi Sport quattro also cemented the carmaker’s reputation for combining turbocharging with its signature quattro all-wheel drive system.

Since then, the five-cylinder has continued evolving, eventually finding a modern home in the compact but incredibly powerful Audi RS3.

Under the hood of the Audi RS3 Competition Limited sits a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five producing almost 400 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque.

That power allows the car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, while the top speed climbs to a remarkable 180 mph.

But the real highlight isn’t just the numbers, but the engine’s character.

Thanks to its unusual firing order of 1-2-4-5-3, the five-cylinder produces a unique soundtrack that enthusiasts instantly recognize.

Audi even leaned into this heritage with a clever design detail: the LED headlights illuminate in the same sequence when locking or unlocking the car.

Performance upgrades extend well beyond the engine.

For the first time, the RS3 receives a fully adjustable coilover suspension paired with a stiffer rear stabilizer, allowing drivers to fine-tune the handling to suit their driving style.

The car also benefits from ceramic brakes, torque vectoring, and the brand’s advanced all-wheel-drive system to keep everything under control.

Buyers can choose between the Sportback and Sedan body styles

Visually, the Audi RS3 Competition Limited looks every bit as aggressive as its performance suggests.

Matte carbon fiber elements appear across the exterior, including the mirror caps, side skirts, and rear spoiler.

Massive 19-inch wheels finished in Neodymium gold fill the arches, while exclusive colors such as Malachite Green pay tribute to Audi’s rally heritage.

Inside, the cabin is just as special.

RS bucket seats trimmed in Dinamica microfiber and leather hold occupants firmly in place, while contrast stitching and unique displays remind drivers they’re sitting in one of only 750 examples.

Buyers can choose between Sportback and Sedan body styles.

In Germany, the Sportback starts at €108,365 ($125,115), while the Sedan begins at €110,005 ($127,009).

Deliveries across Europe are scheduled to begin in mid-2026.

Audi has already announced that it will be retiring its iconic five-cylinder in 2027, so this is possibly your last chance to get your hands on one of these icons.

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