On its debut in 2021, the Audi RS 3 immediately set a Nürburgring Nordschleife record for vehicles in the compact class. For those who are not yet satisfied, the 400 HP (294 kW) series engine has been further optimised by ABT Sportsline a few months ago. 460 HP (338 kW) is the superior result. However, anyone who believes that the ultimate result in the compact class has already been achieved does not know the world’s largest automotive aftermarket and performance parts specialist for Audi and VW very well. Because with the ABT RS3-R Sportback, strictly limited to 200 units, the family-owned company from Bavaria is raising the bar even higher. The data sheet lists a full 500 HP (368 kW). “However, you shouldn’t put off your rendezvous with our handsome little racing car for too long – because soon all the cars could be sold out,” explains managing partner Hans-Jürgen Abt with a twinkle in his eye. And as with all ABT Sportsline Special Editions, it’s not just the performance that has been tweaked: with its extensive aero package, attractive forged wheels and much more, it represents car love at first sight.
With the ABT Power R* performance upgrade, an ABT intercooler is used in addition to the obligatory ABT Engine Control unit. This combination not only provides the RS3-R with the aforementioned additional 100 HP, but also brings with it a torque increase of the same amount, so that instead of 500, a maximum of 600 Nm is now available. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h improves significantly due to the increase in power: from 3.8 to 3.3 seconds. Moreover, the iconic timbre of the five-cylinder power unit has been given a visually attractive framework by ABT Sportsline. The exhaust system is now joined by two ABT double end pipes with a diameter of 95 millimetres made of matt black stainless steel.
In conjunction with the breath-taking driving performance, ABT suspension springs and sports stabilizer bars ensure that this “hot hatch” also excels in sharp curves. As an option, a complete V3 height adjustable suspension in stainless steel can be installed. The latter is a real highlight that facilitates more than simply a lowering range of 20-40 mm at the front and rear axle. Rebound and bump can be adjusted separately. Of course, this product has been meticulously and exclusively adapted by the in-house experts to the parameters of the RS3-R, so that everyday driving provides just as much fun as the racetrack.
A particularly innovative feature of the RS3-R’s is the possibility to increase the standard limited top speed to 300 km/h with the new myABT app for Apple and Android devices. This option can be booked free of charge. In addition, using the app, the performance characteristics, and thus the charisma of the vehicle, can be adapted to your own needs at any time: The spectrum ranges from ECO to SPORT to RACE. Users also get insights into the performance data of their vehicle – this includes, for example, the currently called-up power or the coolant and intake air temperature. More information on the entire range of functions at: www.abt-sportsline.com/tuning/products/abt-power/myabt-app.
Besides the 500 HP, however, the ABT aero package is certainly the biggest highlight of the RS3-R. It consists almost entirely of visible carbon with a high-gloss finish. The scope includes the front lip, front flics and mirror caps as well as the rear skirt insert and rear spoiler. Added to this are the glossy black fender add-ons. The sporty, noble appearance is underlined by 20-inch forged wheels of the type ABT High Performance HR20, which are fitted with GOODYEAR Eagle F1 SuperSport R tyres in 245/30 R20.
