Audi preserves its high-performance 5-cylinder legacy.
The Audi RS 3 is a unique example of a small performance machine, brandishing a turbocharged 5-cylinder engine under the hood to develop immense power in a small car that gets sent to all four wheels, delivering enough performance to earn it the title of the fastest compact production car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Preserving the decades-long legacy of Audis powered by turbocharged five-cylinder engines with performance-oriented character.
For the 2025 model year, Audi is continuing to preserve the incredible legacy of five-cylinder Audis, which began with the 1976 Audi 100, and includes legends like the Sport Quattro S2. The 2025 Audi RS 3 is the closest modern car to the Sport Quattro S2, which was also the first Audi race car to use a dual-clutch transmission. With the signature 1-2-4-5-3 firing order, the unique and unmistakable sound of the engine remains, as well, an audible call to a legion of passionate enthusiasts.
With 394 horsepower, the small RS 3 gets from 0-60 in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of up to 180 mph with the Dynamic plus package, as opposed to the limited speed of 155 mph for the standard car. Compared to the previous year, a new torque splitter and a further optimized chassis setup allow for the Audi RS 3 to have even better performance in the corners than before. Visually, 2025 also introduces a new single-frame grille design, larger intakes, a specifically-designed diffuser, and a flattened steering wheel for a performance-oriented look. Holding on to the heritage of five-cylinder performance cars, the new 2025 Audi RS 3 is a compact performance masterpiece.
Image Source: Audi
