To readers of sites like this, ABT Sportsline likely needs no introduction. The brand from Kempten, Germany has been around for a century, has been tuning Audi models for nearly as long as a post-war Audi brand has been in existence, and their North American subsidiary has been healthy and active helping facilitate a generous number of ABT-touched Audi RS 6, RS 7 and RS Q8 special editions over the last few years. Even still, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if you’d never known they also have their own version of the RS 3.
Perhaps it’s the size, or perhaps the cost over and above the transactional price of an RS 3 in the USA, but ABT hasn’t focused on this package in North America. Even still, it’s been around and now it’s been updated to account for the mid-lifecycle refresh of the Audi RS 3 8Y that debuted in Europe late last year and recently arrived in the USA.
Behold, the ABT Sportsline RS 3-R, embodying a limited edition of 125 cars across sedan and Sportback models. As of this writing, ABT North America has not announced plans to offer the RS 3-R. If you think they should, then reach out to them on social and be heard… preferably if you would actually buy one versus 1) you aspire to owning one, 2) you have a foolproof plan to buy one used when it’s cheaper or 3) you just have the same un-satiated curiosity as the rest of us and hope to encounter one at some point… perhaps at cars and coffee.
Enough Chatter, Just the Specs Please.
Here’s what we know. the RS 3-R benefits under the hood from the “ABT Power R” performance upgrade including an enhanced intercooler that’s good for 510 hp (375 kW) and 600 Nm of torque. This motivates the RS 3-R to sprint from 0-62 mph in 3.3 seconds.
A myABT app further enhances the driving experience by providing performance data in real time and access to various driving modes.
Suspension another component of the RS 3-R package This starts with lightweight forged ABT HR20 forged wheels fitted with 245 30 20 tires. ABT springs and sway bars further improve grip and stability.
On the outside, the RS 3-R boasts a raft of aerodynamic upgrades in gloss carbon fiber. These include front spoiler, front flics (or Gurney flaps), mirror caps and rear skirt insert for the Sedan, adding also a rear spoiler for the Sportback.
Inside the car, the RS 3-R gets door sill plates with “1 of 25” script, an ABT start-stop button, ABT branded puddle lights and custom floor mats with the ABT logo.
If you’re in the Euro zone, the ABT RS 3-R is available for order now in both Sedan and Sportback forms. In Europe, the price is €39,900.00 incl. 19% VAT, plus assembly (€5,500.00 incl. VAT) and TÜV approval.
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