2023 Audi RS3-R ABT Is One Seriously Rare, Seriously Special Machine
Just 200 units of the Audi RS3-R ABT are being built in total, and it’s quite a comprehensive upgrade over the stock version.
The Audi RS3 has been an incredibly popular performance version of the small sedan (as well as the Sportback version) for some time now, and for good reason – it comes packing a serious powertrain in the form of Audi’s turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five cylinder engine, which cranks out 401 horsepower. Coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel-drive, it’s capable of propelling the RS3 to 60 mph in the low three-second range, which is truly impressive. However, a select few can get an even bigger kick in the pants courtesy of the 2023 Audi RS3-R ABT, which was recently featured in a pair of interesting videos.
Whether one chooses the sedan or Sportback, the Audi RS3-R ABT gets a larger intercooler, ABT’s own engine control unit, and a new, free-flowing exhaust system to up the ante in that regard. The result is a cool 500 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, which propels the smaller luxury model from 0-62 mph in 3.3 seconds. The tuner also tweaks the RS3’s speed limiter to raise its top speed from 155 mph to 186 mph, though as we can see in this video from Archie Hamilton Racing, one owner managed to hit 196 mph in their own RS3-R.
Of course, ABT didn’t just give the RS3 more power and call it a day, as the RS3-R also features an array of suspension upgrades to balance it out. Those include new springs and stabilizer bars, while customers can also opt for a fully adjustable suspension if they want to get a little more hardcore or participate in some track day outings. That particular setup is capable of dropping the front and rear of the car by 1.5 inches, a look that’s complemented by a set of 20-inch forged wheels wrapped with Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport R tires.
On the outside, the Audi RS3-R ABT differs from its regular brethren thanks to an aero package complete with a carbon fiber front lip, winglets, a roof spoiler, fender flares, mirror caps, and a rear diffuser. Inside the cabin, the RS3-R features a mixture of Alcantara and carbon fiber added by the tuning outfit.
The result is a truly special and stunning machine, albeit one that won’t be built in any sort of significant number. In fact, ABT plans to produce only 200 units of the RS3-R in total, which means that it will remain a rare sight, as well as a highly-coveted machine in general, for years to come.
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