While SA petrolheads patiently wait for the brand-new Audi RS3, ABT has created something quite extraordinary. Meet the Audi RS3-R, powered by ABT.

The Audi RS3-R by ABT takes one quick performance hatchback and turns it into a supercar slayer. Even without the help of ABT, the new-generation Audi RS3 is one potent performer and currently holds the Nurburgring lap record for compact cars.

ABT has added some goodies to the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder petrol turbocharged engine and its now producing big numbers. Thanks to an uprated intercooler, upgraded exhaust and revisions to the engine control unit, outputs of 368 kW and 600 Nm are claimed.

These are significantly higher than the standard car’s engine outputs of 298 kW and 500 Nm. Performance for this model is brisk, with 0-100 kph claimed to be smashed in 3.8 seconds, but the Audi RS3-R shaves off half a second. With a 0-100 kph time of 3.3 seconds, this hatchback is able to rub shoulders with some elite machinery costing more than double.

The upgrades are not just in the engine department either, and ABT has given the Audi RS3-R a suspension upgrade too. There are new springs and stabilizer bars, but ABT is also offering a fully adjustable suspension kit as an option.

The ride height is dropped too, lowering its centre of gravity and improving handling. The carbon brakes are off-the-shelf items from Audi, but these wheels are from ABT and wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport R performance tyres. As a reminder, the standard Audi RS3 is available with trick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres too.

You can spot the Audi RS3-R with its special aero package that includes plenty of carbon fibre goodies. There’s a special front lip, corner winglets, mirrors and roof spoilers. There are subtle ABT badges inside and out.

ABT has said it will be building just 200 units of the wild Audi RS3-R. As a reminder, the South African launch of the Audi RS3 will take place in the 3rd quarter of 2022 and the range will launch with both sedan and Sportback models.

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