Audi Sport’s limited-run specials continue, this time with the 401bhp RS3 Performance Edition -
Sportback and Saloon. Called the RS3 Performance Edition, it might look similar to the standard car, but it packs a bigger punch with small changes to the powertrain and chassis. Audi will only build 300 units globally, split between Sportback and saloon body styles, but unfortunately none will make their way over to the UK.
Audi UK has cited production constraints as the main reason for not offering its RS3 Performance here, yet RS3 has already proven to be such a hit for the brand that its waiting list is already two years.Still, we can’t help but peer across the channel in envy, where we’ll find changes that start under the bonnet. Audi’s given the existing 2.5-litre in-line five cylinder engine the subtlest of upgrades by turning up boost pressure of the turbo by 0.1bar, now peaking at 1.6.
Audi’s also fiddled with the exhaust, fitting a new centre-box to the system that releases slightly more noise under partial or full loads, plus the RS-typical round exhaust outlets are now painted in gloss black.Audi quotes no change to the RS3’s acceleration time at 3.8sec to 62mph, but the top speed is now rated at 184mph which is 6mph up on the standard car when fitted with the optional RS Driver’s Package.
Power’s sent via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to all four wheels, including the RS3’s torque-vectoring rear differential. The diff is able to fully modulate all its available torque left and right, and has different mapping depending on the RS3’s chosen driver mode – whether that be a benign setting in Comfort mode, all the way to purposely over-driving the outside rear wheel in Torque Rear model.
Performance Edition models come as standard with the usually optional adaptive dampers, which operate in three different selectable modes from Comfort, Normal and Sport.
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