The Audi RS3 has always been one of the most entertaining cars in the performance compact segment, combining everyday usability with the unmistakable character of Audi’s legendary 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. But ABT Sportsline believes this icon deserves something far more exclusive — and significantly more powerful.
As part of its 130th anniversary celebrations, the German tuning specialist has revealed the second model in its three-part limited-edition series: the ABT RS3 630. Limited to just 30 examples worldwide, this heavily modified Audi Sport machine transforms the already impressive RS3 into a 630-horsepower tribute to one of the automotive world’s most charismatic engines.
Following the launch of the spectacular ABT Sportsline RS6-LE 800 based on the Audi RS6 Avant, the RS3 630 represents the smaller — but no less exciting — member of ABT’s anniversary trilogy.
More Power From Audi’s Five-Cylinder Legend
Under the hood remains Audi’s celebrated 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, but ABT engineers have extracted a significant amount of additional performance through a combination of software calibration and hardware upgrades.
The result is a massive jump from the factory RS3’s already healthy 400 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque to an astonishing:
- 630 horsepower
- 700 Nm of torque
That represents an increase of 230 hp and 200 Nm, turning Audi’s compact performance hatchback into a machine capable of challenging cars from much higher segments.
The engine’s unique five-cylinder soundtrack remains the centerpiece of the experience. With its uneven firing order and distinctive growl, the 2.5 TFSI has become one of the most recognizable performance engines in modern automotive history — and ABT’s creation serves as a celebration of what may soon become a disappearing breed.
More Than 300 km/h in a Compact Audi
ABT has not officially revealed the RS3 630’s 0–100 km/h acceleration time, although the standard Audi RS3 already completes the sprint in a rapid 3.8 seconds.
Instead, the company highlights the car’s extraordinary top speed capability: the ABT RS3 630 can exceed 300 km/h, placing it in territory normally reserved for much larger sports cars.
The additional performance can be activated or adjusted through the myABT smartphone application, allowing owners to control the upgraded engine calibration directly through the vehicle’s infotainment system.
A More Aggressive Look With Track-Inspired Hardware
The RS3 630 is not simply a software upgrade. ABT has redesigned the car’s appearance and chassis to match its increased performance.
The special edition rides on 20-inch ABT High Performance HR20 wheels finished in gold, wrapped in performance tires measuring 245/30 R20. The combination gives the compact Audi a much more aggressive stance while improving grip and handling capability.
Aerodynamic upgrades include several carbon-fiber exterior components, designed not only to enhance the visual appeal but also to improve stability at higher speeds.
To handle the additional power, ABT equips the RS3 with a specially tuned suspension system featuring adjustable settings and modified stabilizers on both axles. The result should be a sharper, more controlled driving experience while maintaining the RS3’s everyday usability.
A Collector’s Edition With a Farewell Message
Inside, every ABT RS3 630 receives the expected anniversary treatment, including a special “1 of 30” plaque that confirms its exclusivity.
The price for this limited-production performance compact starts at €67,500, excluding the cost of the donor Audi RS3 itself. That means the final price will place the ABT creation well above the standard model, but collectors are unlikely to view it as just another modified hatchback.
According to ABT CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt, the RS3 630 is more than a celebration of the company’s 130-year history. It is also a farewell tribute to Audi’s iconic five-cylinder engine, a powerplant whose future in Europe is becoming increasingly uncertain as manufacturers move toward electrification and stricter emissions regulations.
The End of an Era
The Audi five-cylinder has survived decades of automotive change, from rally legends to modern performance cars. The RS3 has arguably become its final and most refined expression.
With 630 horsepower, a production run of only 30 units, and a mission to preserve the character of an engine that may soon disappear, the ABT RS3 630 is not just a tuned Audi.
It is a rolling farewell letter to one of the most distinctive engines of the modern era — a compact performance car built for enthusiasts who still believe character matters as much as numbers.
Source: ABT Sportsline