by To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its famous five-cylinder engine, Audi is releasing a special version of the RS3 called the Competition Limited. The car is offered in Sportback and Sedan body styles, has received a number of visual and chassis improvements, and will be produced in a limited series of 750 units worldwide.
Exterior and Design
Visually, the Competition Limited stands out thanks to its canards and split front spoiler, as well as a slightly updated spoiler for the Sportback version. The aerodynamic elements are made of matte carbon fiber, and the 19-inch wheels have a matte neodymium gold coating that contrasts with the red brake calipers.
The color palette includes three shades: exclusive malachite green, new matte Glacier White, and the familiar Daytona Gray. Furthermore, the Competition has received a new interesting feature. When approaching the car or unlocking it with the key fob, the darkened matrix LED headlights perform a startup sequence that replicates the engine firing order “1-2-4-5-3”.
Interior Trim
The interior is finished in black and Ginter White leather, combined with Alcantara inserts and neodymium gold accents. Standard equipment includes RS bucket seats with carbon fiber backs, as well as special graphics for the Audi virtual cockpit plus digital instrument cluster, which has a white background inspired by the RS2 Avant model.
To mark the anniversary, each car has a matte serial number on the center console. Owners also receive a projection of the “RS 3 Competition Limited” inscription from special door puddle lights, as well as branding on the black floor and trunk mats.
Enhanced Chassis Sharpness
The main feature of the Competition Limited is chassis updates aimed at making the car faster and more composed in corners. The model has received a new three-way adjustable suspension with coilover shock absorbers, paired with a stiffer rear stabilizer bar.
Stainless steel front dampers and aluminum rear dampers use external reservoirs for better temperature control during intensive use. Drivers can manually adjust compression at low and high speeds, as well as rebound. Audi includes a special toolkit and a setup guide with each car.
Standard ceramic brakes with red calipers and optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires further emphasize the Competition Limited’s track-oriented focus.
The Same Engine, But Louder
Despite earlier reports of a possible power increase, the Competition Limited retains the standard turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder unit under the hood.
The engine develops 395 hp (294 kW) and 500 Nm of torque, sending power to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. Performance figures remain unchanged: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.8 seconds, and the top speed is 290 km/h.
For now, the output data remains unchanged, but the five-cylinder engine should sound a bit louder thanks to the standard RS sport exhaust system with an adjustable valve that opens earlier in certain driving modes.
Audi has also reduced sound insulation around the firewall, allowing more of the engine’s characteristic sound to enter the cabin.
Price and Availability
The Audi RS3 Competition Limited will be produced in 750 units worldwide. Availability in the North American market has not yet been announced, although deliveries in Europe are planned for mid-2026. In Germany, the Sportback starts at 108,365 euros, while the Sedan costs from 110,005 euros.
The current generation RS3 was introduced in 2021 and received a facelift in 2024.
The Competition Limited series is not just a commemorative version, but a serious claim to the status of the sharpest and most driver-focused RS3 version in history. The emphasis on suspension adjustability and reduced sound insulation point to a clear focus on driving pleasure, making this model particularly interesting for enthusiasts seeking a more “mechanical” experience from a modern hot hatch. The production of only 750 cars guarantees their exclusivity, and the price, which exceeds that of a regular RS3, reflects both the unique equipment and the collectible value of the anniversary model.
