As ABT Sportsline continues its 130th anniversary celebrations, the company has turned its attention to one of Audi’s most celebrated modern engines. Following the RS6-LE 800, the German tuner has unveiled the ABT RS3 630, a limited-production special edition that extracts approximately 630 PS (463 kW) from Audi’s turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder while hinting that the legendary powerplant’s days are numbered.
Limited to just 30 examples worldwide, the RS3 630 serves as both a showcase of ABT’s engineering capabilities and a sendoff for the EA855 five-cylinder engine, which Hans-Jürgen Abt acknowledges will eventually leave production. The model is the second of three exclusive anniversary editions planned for 2026.
At the heart of the package is the new ABT POWER R performance upgrade, increasing output to approximately 630 PS and 700 Nm. The hardware package includes a larger turbocharger, upgraded intercooler and revised engine calibration, but the headline technology is ABT’s new Indirect Water/Ethanol Injection (IWI) system.
Unlike traditional water injection systems, IWI sprays a controlled mixture of water and ethanol ahead of the throttle body. A dedicated electronic control unit continuously adjusts the mixture based on engine speed and load, reducing intake temperatures and allowing the engine to sustain peak performance for longer periods without the electronic safeguards that normally reduce power under prolonged high-load conditions.
ABT has also embraced digital integration by allowing drivers to activate the IWI system through the myABTsmartphone app, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and can be controlled directly through the vehicle’s infotainment display. With the full system engaged, the RS3 630 reaches a claimed top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).
The anniversary model receives more than additional power. A gloss carbon-fiber aerodynamic package adds a front spoiler, blades and rear diffuser insert, each carrying exclusive RS3 630 badging. At the rear, matte black 95 mm quad exhaust outlets distinguish the car from the standard RS 3 while reinforcing its more aggressive appearance.
Supporting the added performance is a fully adjustable ABT coilover suspension with separate compression and rebound damping adjustment, paired with upgraded anti-roll bars front and rear. The package is intended to improve body control and steering precision while maintaining the everyday usability that has become a hallmark of ABT’s road cars.
Perhaps the most visually distinctive feature is the set of 20-inch ABT HR20 forged wheels finished in satin gold, a color chosen to reflect the company’s anniversary celebrations. The wheels are fitted with 245/30 R20 tires.
Inside, each car receives bespoke upholstery, embroidered floor mats, illuminated entry lighting and exclusive RS3 630 branding throughout the cabin. A dashboard plaque identifies every example as “1 of 30,” reinforcing the model’s exclusivity.
“The five-cylinder engine is an absolutely exceptional powerplant with a unique sound and unmistakable character,” said Hans-Jürgen Abt. “Since this engine will no longer be produced in the future, we wanted to pay it a fitting tribute with the RS3 630 and unlock its full potential.”
The timing makes the RS3 630 particularly significant for Audi enthusiasts. As emissions regulations continue to reshape performance car development, Audi’s charismatic turbocharged inline-five has become increasingly rare within the industry. Whether this truly marks one of the engine’s final high-performance celebrations remains to be seen, but ABT has ensured its anniversary tribute is a memorable one.
The complete RS3 630 conversion is priced at €58,000 including German VAT, with installation, TÜV certification and fitting adding another €9,500. Sales begin this month, with production limited to 30 cars worldwide.
PHOTO GALLERY
