Audi Unveils RS3 Competition Limited to Celebrate Five-Cylinder Engine’s Milestone
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Audi is commemorating the 50th anniversary of its iconic five-cylinder engine with the introduction of the RS3 Competition Limited, a special edition model that may signal the engine’s impending retirement.
Retailing at £92,885, the RS3 Competition Limited surpasses even the newly introduced RS5 in price, positioning itself as the most meticulously engineered version of Audi’s celebrated hot hatch. Key enhancements include advanced remote-reservoir dampers and various modifications aimed at amplifying the engine’s emotional resonance with enthusiasts.
However, the future of the five-cylinder unit remains uncertain. In a recent interview with Autocar, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner revealed that discussions about the engine’s viability in light of upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations are ongoing. The five-cylinder powerplant currently does not meet these stricter standards, which would necessitate considerable investment to re-engineer it for compliance. The challenge is exacerbated by the engine’s limited use, found exclusively in the RS3 and the Cupra Formentor VZ5.
“I am not sure if we can justify the investments needed for Euro 7 compliance,” Döllner explained. “These discussions will take place at the board level.”
Despite these challenges, Döllner expressed optimism about the future of the five-cylinder engine, emphasizing its niche appeal. He pointed out that it offers a distinct advantage over competitors like the four-cylinder Mercedes-AMG A45 and the six-cylinder BMW M2.
Until Audi confirms a commitment to preserving the five-cylinder lineage, the RS3 Competition Limited will stand as its ultimate expression.
The Competition Limited introduces several significant modifications, including a thinner bulkhead designed to enhance induction noise within the cabin. The exhaust system has also been revised, featuring active flaps that open earlier in the rev range for a more engaging auditory experience.
While the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine maintains its power output at 394 bhp and 369 lb-ft of torque, the emphasis of the Competition Limited lies in chassis improvements. The model features a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, reinforced rear springs, and adjustable coilover suspension. The suspension employs twin-tube dampers, with the front pair incorporating racing-style fluid reservoirs to improve cooling and ensure consistent handling under high-stress conditions, reminiscent of the setup used successfully in the 2005 Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy.
To further personalize their driving experience, owners will receive a toolkit for adjusting the bump and rebound settings of the dampers. Adjustments to the front dampers can be made through the engine bay, while access to the rears requires the removal of the wheels. The system allows for low-speed bump damping adjustments across 12 settings, high-speed bump damping across 15, and rebound adjustments across 16 settings.
As Audi marks this significant milestone with the RS3 Competition Limited, the automotive community watches closely, anticipating both the future of the five-cylinder engine and the next chapter in the brand’s performance narrative.
Source: Original Source
