ABT Sportsline has a long history of tuning and modifying existing high-performance models from Audi, though thus far the elite tuning outfit has primarily focused on the German marque’s full-size sedans, wagons, and SUVs. This, however, is now changing as the company has just applied its signature treatment to Audi’s RS3, bestowing the compact model with a carbon fiber aero kit and an enormous boost in power.
Known as the ABT RS3-R, this limited edition model is offered on both the sedan and Sportback versions of the RS3. Under the hood, the Audi’s turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five has been bestowed with an ABT intercooler and ECU that unlock an extra 100hp and 73.5ft-lbs of torque, bringing the car’s total output up to 500hp and 442.5ft-lbs — more than 20% more power than the stock RS3. What’s more, the massaging of the engine also allows the RS3-R to clock 0-60mph times of 3.3 seconds — down from the stocker’s 3.8 — and a (limited) top speed of 186mph. The high-performance engine also now ejects spent fumes via a custom exhaust system culminating in a pair of 3.7”-diameter matte black stainless steel double-end pipes.
Alongside the engine, the Audi’s suspension has also been heavily upgraded, now sporting ABT springs, stabilizer bars, and an optional stainless steel V3 height-adjustable system that lowers the car by between 0.78” and 1.57” and allows rebound and damping to be adjusted separately. The RS3-R also boasts an exposed carbon aero kit with a new front lip and splitter, mirror caps, rear diffuser, fender flares, and a roof spoiler (for the Sportback variant). This ABT Sportsline Special Edition model also rides on a set of in-house-designed 20” forged wheels wrapped in GOODYEAR Eagle F1 SuperSport R tires. Additionally, the interior of the car has been heavily reworked and now features RS3-R badges, inscribed door sills, integrated ABT entry lights, ABT floor mats, and a plaque denoting each unit’s production number.
The 2023 Audi ABT RS3-R By ABT Sportsline is available for order now, and while pricing is only being made available upon request, the tuning outfit has confirmed the model will be limited to just 200 units worldwide.
