It seems like the internal combustion engine is breathing its last dying breath. The rise of electric cars and the massive question mark on top of hydrogen fuel cells leave gasoline down on one knee. V-10s are all but gone, as are V-12s, and the beloved but quirky straight-5 is only placed in one new car on the market: the Audi RS3. However, the loony Germans at MANHART are giving the classic Audi five-cylinder a new brain so it can create some more oomph.

Manhary RS3 500 Upgrades

The MANHART RS3 500 is based on the current RS3 sedan and hatchback models. It has the stock RS3's 2.5-liter five-cylinder but with the addition of the MHtronik Powerbox, that bumps peak horsepower to 493.

The Powerbox is essentially a new ECU with different tuning and engine mapping to make the already aggressive powerplant even more feisty. The stock RS3 is capable of 401 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque, and launching from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

MANHART is keeping specific details close to the vest, so the exact torque, 0-60, and price figures are unknown at the time of writing. However, it is almost certain the extra 92 horsepower, and probably several thousands of dollars will drop the already impressive 0-60 even more.

In terms of visuals, the factory RS3 was already quite macho. So, MANHART decided to not change anything, apart from applying some gold accents along the grille, side skirts, and a stripe stretching from the hood to the rear bumper.

In addition, MANHART is including a set of black 20-inch alloy wheels with their signature gold pinstripe along the outer lip, which they call "Concave One." A set of lowering springs can also be installed on both the sedan and the hatchback to improve the stance and handling. Lastly, a stainless steel exhaust fitted with valve control can also be fitted to make sure everyone else knows your RS3 has an extra hundred or so horsepower.

What other projects has MANHART done?

The RS3 500 is not the first car to get a performance package such as this from MANHART, as they have a history of modifying already performance-focused European cars. Some of their past highlights include the CRT 800-a Porsche Cayanne Turbo Coupe fitted with various turbo and engine upgrades that raised the engine's peak output from 541 horsepower and 567 pound-feet of torque to 807 horsepower and 803 pound-feet of torque.

The RQ 800 is an Audi RS Q8 with similar upgrades that boost peak horsepower by over 200. The Alfa Romeo Giulia-based QV 600 was also a welcome shot from left field as Alfas are typically overlooked in the aftermarket tuning scene.

Hopefully, we continue to see MANHART's lunacy continue to shine through in the world of automotive modifications.