Fifty years is a long time for any engine to survive in the automotive world. Audi’s five-cylinder petrol unit first appeared in the 1976 Audi 100, displacing 2.1 litres and producing a modest 136hp. Today, that same lineage powers the Audi RS3 Competition Limited — punching out 400hp — and it does so as a farewell. Only 750 units exist worldwide. This isn’t just a special edition. It’s a eulogy with a turbocharger.
Highlights:
- 750 units only — 585 hatchbacks, 165 sedans
- 400hp, 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo-petrol with coilover suspension upgrade
- Priced from €1,00,680 (approx. Rs 1.07 crore) for the hatchback
Audi RS3 Competition Limited: Mechanically Different?
Don’t mistake this for a sticker pack with a badge. Audi made real changes under the skin. The standard suspension gets replaced with manually adjustable coilover shocks and a stiffer anti-roll bar — a setup far more focused than even the optional dynamic dampers. The rear torque splitter runs a more aggressive calibration too, sharpening corner response noticeably. And then there’s the carbon-ceramic front brake setup, which moves from the options list to standard fitment here. Serious hardware, not showroom theatre.
Audi RS3 Competition Limited: Tyres and Aerodynamics
Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres come fitted as standard — the same rubber that’s a costly option on the regular RS3. Too hardcore for daily commuting? Audi lets you swap them for comfort tyres, which is a sensible concession. Two small aero additions round things off — canards flanking the front bumper and a horizontal slat on the roof spoiler to keep aerodynamic balance in check. Small touches, but functional ones.
Audi RS3 Competition Limited: Design and Colours
Three signature colours define this edition. Daytona Grey and Glacier White Matte are sharp choices, but Malachite Green is the one that’ll stop traffic. It’s a direct nod to the legendary Ur Quattro of the 1980s — the rally-bred monster that made Audi famous. All three pair with 19-inch Neodyne Gold wheels in a muted champagne matte finish that somehow works beautifully across every shade. Heritage RS rhombus badges arrive in white, red and grey, while commemorative lettering sits etched into the C-pillar. The DRLs even animate in the engine’s firing order — 1-2-4-5-3 — on startup.
Audi RS3 Competition Limited — Unique Interiors
The Neodyne Gold theme carries inside through Dinamica suede upholstery on the seats, door cards and armrests, offset by white contrast stitching. Standard bucket seats are included here without the options price tag. The central tachometer gets a white background in the digital display — a retro detail that feels intentional rather than gimmicky. Matte carbon trim runs throughout the cabin. Most uniquely, every car carries an individual sequential number from 1 to 750, etched just below the gear selector. Your car isn’t just limited edition — it’s specifically yours.
Audi RS3 Competition Limited: Engine with 400hp
The 2.5-litre five-cylinder produces 400hp and 500Nm — identical to the standard RS3. No power bump for this occasion, which feels like a missed opportunity if you’re being honest. All four wheels receive drive through a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and 0-100kph arrives in 3.8 seconds. Top speed is unlocked to 290kph as standard here.
But here’s the real story — Euro 7 emissions regulations arriving in 2027 will almost certainly kill this engine for good. It powers just one car globally. An upgrade makes no business sense. So whether you buy the Competition Limited or the standard RS3, you’re buying a piece of history either way.
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