Audi's legendary five-cylinder engine hits a milestone worth celebrating, and the Ingolstadt brand isn't holding back. The new RS 3 Competition Limited edition pays homage to five decades of the distinctive warbling soundtrack that's become synonymous with Audi Sport's most accessible performance machines.
You're looking at just 500 examples worldwide of this special RS 3, each one marking 50 years since Audi first dropped a five-pot motor into the original Audi 50 back in 1974. It's been quite the journey from that humble beginning to today's 2.5-litre turbocharged monster.
What Makes It Special
Under the bonnet sits the familiar but upgraded 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder, now pumping out 294 kW and 500 Nm of torque. That's a healthy bump over the standard RS 3's 294 kW output, thanks to revised engine mapping and enhanced cooling systems.
The Competition Limited gets there via quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that fires you from standstill to 100 kph in just 3.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed at 290 kph, which should be plenty for most South African highways.
Visually, you'll spot the Competition Limited by its exclusive Kyalami Green paint scheme, a nod to South Africa's own racing heritage. The exterior package includes carbon fibre mirror caps, a more aggressive front splitter, and 19-inch forged wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber.
Interior Upgrades
Inside, Audi's gone all-out with Nappa leather sport seats featuring green contrast stitching that matches the exterior paint. The dashboard gets carbon fibre inlays, while the steering wheel wears Alcantara with green accent strips.
Each Competition Limited comes with a numbered plaque confirming its exclusivity. The Virtual Cockpit displays a special startup animation celebrating the five-cylinder heritage, complete with engine sound visualisation.
Standard kit includes the RS Sport suspension with adaptive dampers, ceramic brakes, and Audi's Drive Select system with an additional RS Torque Rear mode that sends more power to the rear wheels for a more playful driving experience.
The Five-Cylinder Legacy
That distinctive five-cylinder soundtrack has become Audi's calling card in the performance world. It's not just about the power, it's about that unmistakable off-beat rhythm that no V6 or four-cylinder can replicate.
From the original Quattro rally cars of the 1980s through to today's RS Q3 SUV and TT RS, the five-cylinder has powered some of Audi's most memorable machines. The Competition Limited represents the pinnacle of this engineering philosophy.
South African buyers have always had a soft spot for Audi's five-cylinder cars. The combination of usable performance and that distinctive exhaust note makes perfect sense on our diverse road network, from coastal highways to mountain passes.
Should You Buy It?
The Audi RS 3 Competition Limited is the ultimate expression of five-cylinder performance, making it the best special edition hot hatch under R2 million in South Africa. With only 500 examples worldwide and Audi South Africa likely to receive just a handful, this is as exclusive as mainstream performance cars get.
If you can secure one of the few South African allocations, expect pricing around R1.8 million. That's serious money, but you're buying into 50 years of engineering heritage and exclusivity that'll only appreciate over time. For collectors and enthusiasts who understand the significance of Audi's five-cylinder legacy, this is an absolute yes.
FAQ
Q: How much does the Audi RS 3 Competition Limited cost in South Africa?
The Audi RS 3 Competition Limited is expected to cost around R1.8 million in South Africa, representing a significant premium over the standard RS 3's R1.3 million price tag.
Q: How many Audi RS 3 Competition Limited cars will come to South Africa?
Audi South Africa is likely to receive fewer than 10 units of the 500-unit global production run, making this one of the rarest performance cars available locally.
Q: What's the power output of the RS 3 Competition Limited?
The special edition produces 294 kW and 500 Nm from its 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine, enabling 0-100 kph acceleration in 3.8 seconds.
Q: What makes the five-cylinder engine so special?
Audi's five-cylinder engine produces a distinctive off-beat exhaust note that's instantly recognisable, combined with strong torque delivery and a unique character that sets it apart from conventional four and six-cylinder engines.
Q: When will the RS 3 Competition Limited be available in South Africa?
Local availability is expected in mid-2024, with interested buyers advised to register interest with Audi South Africa dealers immediately due to extremely limited allocation numbers.
