The fourth generation Audi RS3 arrived in 2021 and shortly after became the fastest compact car around Nurburgring. While it offers significant updates over the model it replaces, the RS3 can still be improved. Abt Sportline's latest RS3-R proves just that: there is room for a lot more under the hood of the tiny sedan. This tuned Audi RS3 has 500 horses under the hood and is strictly limited to 200 units.

ABT's RS3-R Upgrade for the RS3 Sportback

The fourth-generation Audi RS3 is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that produces 400 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It is no doubt a lot more than the S3 that only delivers 310 horsepower and double the amount of power the A3 delivers - 201 horsepower. For those of you not satisfied with these numbers, ABT Sportsline announced a first tuning kit a few months ago that took the output to an even more impressive 460 horsepower. Now, the tuner has taken things to an entirely new level.

While with the last package ABT only did some ECU upgrades, this time its the Power R performance upgrade and an extra ABT intercooler. Combined, the two upgrades took the engine's output up to a total of 500 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. A new exhaust system is also part of the upgrade. It ends with two ABT double 95-millimeter end pipes made from matt black stainless steel.

Thanks to the extra power, the sprint from 0 to 60 mph goes from 3.8 to 3.3 seconds, while top speed is increased to 186 mph.

ABT Does Aerodynamics and Interior Too

ABT Sportsline is also offering an aero package entirely made from carbon fiber and finished in high-gloss paint. The upgrade will include a new front lip, new front flics, and mirror caps, while in the rear there are new skirt inserts and a new spoiler. The car rides on a new set of 20-inch forged High-Performance HR20 wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport R tires sized 245/30 R20. As an option, the RS3 can be further upgraded with a V3 height-adjustable suspension in stainless steel that will lower the car's ride by 20 millimeters on the front axle and 40 millimeters in the rear.

While not many, there are a few interior upgrades too. The cabin offers refined seats with ABT and RS3-R logo, ABT integrated entry lights with the ABT logo, the floor mats with the RS3-R logo and the ABT start-stop-switch- cap. A special badge with the inscription "ABT RS3-R 1/200" reminds you that you sit in a special edition RS3.