Abt announces 510hp ‘curve virtuoso’ RS3-R

No surprises in the spec of this latest Abt Audi RS3 for those with any knowledge of the ‘-R’ cars. The power figure is higher, the ride height is lower, the carbon count increased. Still, if it ain’t broke and all that; Abt never makes very many -Rs, whether they be RS3, 4s, 6s or 7s, and seemingly they keep finding homes. So for as long as there are engines to modify in RS Audis, Abt is going to go right on ahead and make them faster. 

510hp is the headline figure for this RS3-R, achieved through nothing more than ABT Performance R software and an intercooler. Little wonder the 2.5 turbo provides the basis for so many wild projects when another 25 per cent from the factory output can be grabbed so easily. There’s no mention of an exhaust change, though it’s worth noting that there are four pipes on show here rather than the standard pair. And hopefully just a bit more racket. Abt reckons its upgrades mean 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds for either saloon or hatch, which can be recorded and shown to all your online friends thanks to the performance data function of the myAbt app. 

These days, nobody is going to be mistaking an RS3 for a standard A3, as may once have been the case. Back then it was a lot easier for 500hp Abt to stand out – in 2025, with the standard car boasting a central rear foglight like it’s a race car, super spangly wheels and its basking shark grill, it needs to try a little harder. So there are forged 20-inch rims, lighter than standard and promising ‘razor-sharp handling and maximum control in every driving situation’; the RS3-R is further assisted in that endeavour by Abt’s own springs and anti-roll bars.

So that’s stance sorted, but this wouldn’t be an Abt Audi without some carbon: check out the front spoiler and flics, mirrors and rear diffuser. It says a lot about the OTT-ness from the factory that this still doesn’t look very different to standard. And for those thinking that both four- and five-door look quite smart, know you aren’t alone. If you’re going to RS3, might as well really RS3. 

Inside, the Abt models get a few trinkets rather than any meaningful changes: plaques, badges, logos, emblems – you know the drill. The assertion that the interior has been transformed ‘into an authentic cockpit for the RS3-R pilot’ feels a bit of a stretch. And if ever there actually was a contemporary Audi cabin to jazz up, it’s the RS3. 

Anyway, this is still ticking all the boxes for an Abt -R full house. As with many others, just 125 RS3s will be converted to 510hp spec, for which Abt will ask for €40k (£33,800) – plus another €5k for fitting. A big investment, then, especially with RS3s more expensive than ever, but official Abt cars are coveted; this RS6-R is five years old, one of the earliest C8s, yet still commands £120k. Start with anything but a base RS3 and sending a new car to Abt would mean a £100,000 spend, amazingly enough. And they remain too new for any significant secondhand savings. One for the very dedicated RS3 fan, then, but then there do seem to be plenty around. And what a car for a trip to Germany this summer.