Abt Sportsline has unveiled the second model in its 130th anniversary collection, transforming the Audi RS3 into a 630hp limited edition that serves as a farewell to one of the most celebrated engines in modern performance motoring.
With production of Audi’s charismatic 2.5-litre five-cylinder drawing to a close, the German tuning specialist has chosen to honour its long-standing relationship with the brand by extracting more performance than ever before.
Although Abt was founded in 1896, its automotive heritage stretches back to 1920 through partnerships with Horch and Audi. The anniversary celebrations began earlier this year with the RS6-LE 800, and the new Abt RS3 630 continues that theme with just 30 examples set to be produced.
Rather than relying solely on software tuning, Abt has carried out extensive mechanical upgrades to unlock an impressive 630hp – an increase of 230hp over the standard RS3.
A larger turbocharger, high-performance intercooler and the firm’s innovative indirect water-ethanol injection (IWI) system all play a key role in delivering the extra performance.
The technology injects a water and ethanol mixture ahead of the throttle valves, lowering intake temperatures and allowing the engine to maintain peak power under sustained heavy loads without triggering protective power reductions. Drivers can also manage the system through the myABT smartphone app.
Hans-Jürgen Abt described the five-cylinder unit as one of the industry’s most distinctive engines, praising its unmistakable soundtrack and character. With its production nearing an end, he said the RS3 630 was designed to showcase the powerplant at the very height of its capabilities while paying tribute to its legacy.
Supporting the extra performance is a revised chassis featuring manually adjustable coilover suspension, upgraded anti-roll bars and lightweight 20-inch satin gold forged alloy wheels wrapped in 245-section tyres.
Abt says the combination improves body control and steering precision without sacrificing the everyday usability expected from the RS3.
The exterior receives the tuner’s signature gloss carbon fibre treatment, including a front spoiler, aerodynamic blades and rear diffuser, complemented by twin 95mm matte black exhaust tips. Inside, bespoke upholstery, anniversary branding and a dashboard plaque confirming each car as “1 of 30” reinforce its exclusivity.
Exclusivity comes at a significant cost. The conversion is priced at €58,000 including 19 per cent VAT, while installation adds a further €9,500.
That effectively more than doubles the price of a new Audi RS3, which starts at around £62,000 in the UK.
Even so, with only 30 examples planned and the legendary five-cylinder nearing retirement, Abt is unlikely to struggle to find buyers eager to own one of the engine’s most extreme final celebrations.
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