Some engines are simply mechanical components. Others become legends. Audi’s distinctive five-cylinder belongs firmly in the latter camp. First appearing half a century ago, the charismatic powerplant has powered everything from rally icons to modern RS performance cars.
To mark 50 years of the five-cylinder engine, Audi Sport has unveiled a special edition that honours this remarkable legacy: the RS 3 competition limited. Production will be capped at just 750 cars worldwide, and a mere 11 examples will make their way to the UK.
In typical Audi Sport fashion, this isn’t just a badge-and-paint exercise. The RS 3 competition limited receives substantial upgrades to its styling, chassis and interior, all while retaining the explosive turbocharged engine that gives the RS 3 its unmistakable personality.
A tribute to a five-cylinder legacy
The story of Audi’s five-cylinder engine stretches back to 1976, when the second-generation Audi 100 introduced the unusual layout. It soon became a defining feature of the brand’s performance identity.
By the early 1980s, the configuration was already cementing its reputation in motorsport. The legendary rally-bred machines of that era demonstrated just how potent the engine could be. Today, the RS 3 continues that heritage with the latest evolution of Audi’s turbocharged inline five.
The RS 3 competition limited serves as a celebration of this lineage; a collector’s piece designed to commemorate five decades of engineering distinctiveness.
Sharper styling with carbon fibre attitude
The standard RS 3 already has a purposeful stance, but this limited edition turns the aggression up another notch. Carbon fibre plays a starring role across the exterior. New front canards sit prominently at each corner of the bumper, while a split carbon front lip visually widens the car. Together with the sculpted air intakes and signature Singleframe grille, the front end appears even more assertive.
Further down the sides, matte carbon mirror caps, side skirts and trim pieces reinforce the car’s technical aesthetic. At the rear, a carbon roof spoiler and diffuser surround add drama while also improving aerodynamic performance.
The stance is completed by 19-inch Neodymium gold alloy wheels, whose ten cross-spoke design fills the arches beautifully. They provide a striking contrast against the body colour.
UK buyers will have a particularly special specification. All 11 British-market cars will be finished in Malachite Green, a colour closely associated with the iconic rally machines of Audi’s golden motorsport era.
Even the headlights carry a hidden reference to the five-cylinder engine. When the car locks or unlocks, the LED segments illuminate in the sequence 1-2-4-5-3 – the firing order of the engine.
The five-cylinder heart
At the core of the RS 3 competition limited sits one of the most characterful engines on sale today. The 2.5-litre turbocharged inline five produces 400PS and 500Nm, sending power through Audi’s quattro system. Performance is appropriately fierce for a compact performance hatch:
- 0-62mph: 3.8 seconds
- Top speed: 180mph
Those numbers are impressive enough, but the real magic lies in the soundtrack. The uneven firing order produces a distinctive off-beat rhythm that enthusiasts instantly recognise.
Audi has further amplified the experience here. A variable-valve RS sports exhaust broadens the range of tones, while reduced sound insulation allows more of the engine’s character to reach the cabin. Select Dynamic, RS Performance or RS Torque Rear modes and the valves open sooner, giving the five-cylinder its loudest and most theatrical voice.
A cabin built for the occasion
Open the door and the exclusivity continues inside. The interior blends black, Neodymium gold and Ginger white accents throughout the cabin. Door projectors illuminate the words ‘RS 3 competition limited’ onto the ground, while the same branding appears on floor mats and headrests.
Each car receives a numbered plaque on the centre console, highlighting its place within the 750-car production run.
The RS bucket seats feature leather bolsters and Dinamica microfibre centres finished in Neodymium gold. Matching stitching in Ginger white adds contrast and emphasises the diamond-pattern upholstery.
Digital instrumentation adds another nostalgic touch. Inspired by the original RS models of the 1990s, the virtual cockpit adopts white instrument dials, a deliberate throwback to early Audi RS cars.
Drivers can also monitor detailed performance data including:
- Engine and gearbox temperatures
- Brake temperatures
- Torque splitter activity
- Tyre pressure and temperature
- G-forces and lap timing
Launch control even displays starting lights to signal the perfect moment to unleash the five-cylinder’s full thrust.
FAQs
What makes the Audi RS 3 competition limited special?
It commemorates 50 years of Audi’s five-cylinder engine. The model features unique styling, adjustable coilover suspension, carbon detailing, and a limited production run of just 750 units worldwide.
How many Audi RS 3 competition limited cars will come to the UK?
Only 11 examples have been allocated for the UK market, making it extremely rare.
What engine does the RS 3 competition limited use?
It is powered by Audi’s 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine, producing 400PS and 500Nm.
How fast is the RS 3 competition limited?
The car accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180mph.
What colour will UK cars be available in?
All UK-bound examples will be finished in Malachite Green, a colour inspired by Audi’s historic rally cars.
When will deliveries begin?
Customer deliveries in the UK are expected to start in Q4 2026.
