2023 Audi RS3 Performance Edition revealed, none for Oz

The 2023 Audi RS3 Sportback and sedan, only recently launched in Australia, have been given a light tap with the rennsport division’s wand, gaining a little extra power and a slightly higher top speed – and a limited build of just 300 examples.

Thanks to a 0.1 bar increase in turbo boost pressure and a revised exhaust system, the RS3 Performance Edition sees power sneak up from 294 to 299kW, with torque unchanged at 500Nm – while top speed climbs from 290 to the slightly more magical 300km/h. The latter is thanks to the addition of the RS Plus Dynamic package, usually a $13,000 upgrade in Australia.

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Audi hasn’t announced a 0-100km/h time for the RS3 Performance Edition, but it is likely unchanged. In its standard form, Audi claims a sprint of 3.8 seconds. Wheels Media managed a 3.5-second run in our recent tests, though. (Compared to the A45 S’s 4.0 seconds in the same test, against a 3.9-second claim.)

Other enhancements include new adaptive dampers and exclusive dark matte grey aluminium cast ‘motorsport design’ wheels shod with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R rubber – 265/35 on the front axle, 245/35 at the rear. Behind that hide the RS Dynamic pack’s six-piston ceramic brakes, with discs at the front measuring 380x38mm. (We reckon they’re largely not worth the upgrade over the regular 375mm steel discs.)

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From our recent A45 v A35 S comparison

“And the Audi’s carbon-ceramic brakes are trickier to modulate, too. The pedal is firm and grabs aggressively which undermines any additional stopping power the larger 380m discs provide. Our advice? Save your $13,000 and stick with the regular 375mm steel brakes, which we’ve found to be excellent.”

Other tweaks include a black diffuser at the rear, and black badging all round. Colour options include Daytona Grey, Arrow Grey, Sebring Black, Sebring Black Crystal, and Glacier White.

Inside there’s Dinamica microfibre and Nappa leather trim, matched to Mercato Blue accents. A ‘1 of 300’ badge is fixed to the dash.

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Will the Audi RS3 Performance Edition come to Australia?

Nope. All 300 editions are exclusive to Europe. Of course, you can just option the RS Dynamic pack to get most of these enhancements.