If you read us often, you'll have noticed that we're big fans of the current Audi RS 3. That certainly hasn't changed with the latest facelift. Quite the opposite, as can be seen in our test of the current compact sports car with the charismatic five-cylinder engine. If you still want something more in all directions, you can now once again trust in the hands of Abt.
The RS3-R from the world's biggest Audi tuner isn't quite as iconic as the RS6-R or RSQ8-R, but that may change with the latest iteration of the RS 3. Anyone who's ever driven a powerful beast with a 2,5-liter TFSI engine has certainly not complained about the lack of power. Even with the standard 400 hp and 500 Nm, the all-wheel drive car drives like a pig. A damn angry pig. Nevertheless, Abt has increased the power by a good quarter and, thanks to its own powerful kit, including a new intercooler, has coaxed 510 hp and 600 Nm from the five-cylinder engine, which has been showered with numerous awards.
Abt promises a 0-100 km/h time of 3,3 seconds. It is well known among RS 3 enthusiasts that the current generation can already go faster than the declared 3,8 seconds ex works. It is therefore possible that the RS3-R will approach the three-second mark.
The exterior of the car will also match this. The modified version of the RS 3 is still more aggressive than the pre-facelift version. Abt has added additional spoilers and front skirts to the front. The mirror caps and a rather massive insert at the rear are also new. The Sportback also got a larger roof spoiler.
The Allgäu tuner lowered the suspension with sports springs and new sports stabilizers. In addition, the RS3-R is equipped with 20-inch forged wheels with 245/30 tires. These are said to be lighter than the original 19-inch wheels (Abt claims that at least the unsprung mass has been reduced).
The interior features “high-quality seat upholstery with the ABT and RS3-R signature.” Also available are new door sill plates with the “1 of 125” emblem, the now distinctive start-stop switch cap, special front door lighting, and Abt floor mats.
The new RS3-R can now be ordered as a sedan or sportback. Including installation (5.500 euros), the package price is 45.400 euros. To this must be added the lowest price of 66.000 euros for the RS 3 Sportback and 68.000 euros for the RS 3 sedan.
