Standard Audi RS3 not quite potent enough? Well, let us introduce you to the new, limited-run RS3 Performance Edition, which gains more power, a higher top speed and a louder exhaust system…

Audi has revealed its new RS3 Performance Edition, which pushes the performance envelope further still. Available in Sportback and Sedan guises, this limited-edition model is more powerful, faster and louder than the standard version.

That’s the good news. Now, the bad news. Audi South Africa says the RS3 Performance Edition “isn’t planned” for a local introduction “at this time”. While that suggests the door isn’t completely closed, we’d be exceedingly surprised to see any examples make their way to South Africa considering just 300 units will be produced worldwide.

So, what are we (potentially) missing out on? Well, the turbocharged 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder engine has had its peak power hiked from the standard 294 kW to 299 kW, thanks largely to an increase in charge pressure. While maximum twisting force is unchanged at 500 Nm, it’s now on offer over a slightly wider band.

Top speed, meanwhile, increases to a heady 300 kph, which represents a 10-unit improvement over the standard model fitted with the optional RS Dynamics Package Plus. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is seemingly unaltered, as is the claimed 3.8-second sprint time from standstill to 100 kph. However, the RS sports exhaust system gains a modified centre silencer, while the fully variable exhaust flap control has been “adapted slightly”, making the RS3 Performance Edition even louder (when stationary, at least).

As standard, the limited-edition model features the RS sports suspension with adaptive damper control and runs on semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres (measuring 265/35 fore and 245/35 aft) wrapped round model-specific dark-grey 19-inch alloy wheels. These 10-cross-spoke wheels frame 6-piston ceramic brakes up front with discs measuring 380 x 38 mm. The rear axle has floating callipers with 310 x 22 mm single-piece steel discs.

Inside, the RS3 Performance Edition gains bucket seats, complete with centre panels featuring contrasting blue honeycomb stitching. The material used here is Dinamica microfibre fabric, which is combined with pearl Nappa leather on the side bolsters.

In addition to the full-surface blue belt straps, the contrast stitching on the centre armrest, the door armrests and the Alcantara steering wheel are also in blue. The same applies to the floor mats and the boot mat in black Velour, which furthermore features RS lettering. The background image on the 10.1-inch touchscreen has a carbon look and shows the 2.5-litre TFSI’s “1-2-4-5-3” firing sequence. Every unit features a carbon decorative inlay showing the build number (“1 of 300”, for instance) on the passenger side.

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