Audi has reaffirmed its engineering heritage by continuing production of its renowned 2.5-liter five-cylinder TFSI engine in the 2026 RS3, preserving one of the most distinctive powertrains in the performance car segment.

With the discontinuation of the Audi TT RS, the RS3 now stands as the sole production model powered by Audi's iconic five-cylinder engine, which traces its roots back to the company's rally-dominating era.

2.5-Liter Turbo Engine Delivers 394 HP

The 2026 Audi RS3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder gasoline engine that produces:

394 horsepower
Approximately 500 Nm of torque
157.6 horsepower per liter
Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
quattro all-wheel-drive system

The engine retains its signature 1-2-4-5-3 firing order, creating the unmistakable exhaust note that has become synonymous with Audi's high-performance five-cylinder models.

Performance Approaching Supercar Territory

Despite its compact dimensions, the RS3 offers exceptional acceleration and handling.

Key performance figures include:

0–100 km/h in approximately 3.6 seconds
Top speed of up to 290 km/h, depending on specification
Permanent quattro all-wheel drive
RS Torque Splitter for optimized rear torque distribution

Chassis Upgrades Enhance Driving Dynamics

Audi has refined the RS3's chassis to improve agility and stability on both public roads and race circuits.

Enhancements include:

Reinforced body structure
Revised suspension tuning
Sharper steering response
Improved torque-vectoring system
Better cornering performance

Aggressive RS Styling

The exterior maintains Audi Sport's signature design language with several performance-inspired elements, including:

Large RS-specific front grille
Advanced LED lighting
Enlarged air intakes
Sport alloy wheels
Distinctive dual exhaust outlets

Driver-Focused Interior

Inside, the RS3 blends premium materials with modern technology, offering:

Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster
Central infotainment touchscreen
Sport seats
Premium interior trim materials
Advanced connectivity features
Comprehensive driver-assistance technologies

Pricing

The 2026 Audi RS3 starts at approximately $66,000 in global markets, positioning it below several rival performance models while offering one of the most powerful production five-cylinder engines available.

Meanwhile, used 2017 RS3 models can typically be found in international markets for between $31,000 and $41,000, depending on condition, mileage, and equipment.