Skip advert
Advertisement

MTM builds 186mph Audi RS3

Engine upgrade boosts RS3 performance – but 200mph may not be far off

German Audi tuning specialist MTM has released its latest package for Audi’s brawny five-cylinder hot hatchback, the RS3.

Already one of the most powerful hatchbacks on the market, with 362bhp and once de-restricted, a 174mph top speed, MTM has released further potential from the 2.5-litre unit.

MTM’s tuning package tweaks the RS3’s electronic brain to liberate 429bhp between 5800-6800rpm and 446lb ft of torque from 1925-5750rpm, as well as disabling the 155mph speed limiter.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s abetted further by a freer-flowing cat-back stainless steel exhaust system, finished with a pair of oval chrome tailpipes. The modifications enable the RS3 to hit 186mph – tyre choice permitting, reaching 62mph in 3.9 seconds (down from 4.3sec) and 124mph in 14.1 seconds, with Audi’s seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission.

MTM’s demonstrator vehicle has subtle styling, but gives a nod to its extra performance with a set of 8.5x19in MTM Nardo alloy wheels, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. These shroud a set of 380mm MTM brake discs.

There’s also a subtle front spoiler in carbonfibre, a rear diffuser and wing mirror caps (also carbonfibre) and a carbonfibre engine cover will also soon be available. MTM performance suspensions subtly lowers the car.

The cost of all these changes isn’t cheap, adding 22,344 Euros (around £15,700) to the base price of an RS3 (currently £40,795). That does look better value however when comparing its performance to that of the new turbocharged Porsche 911 Carerra S, which pairs a 3.7-second 0-62mph time and 190mph top speed – each marginal improvements – for £85,857.

Few will cross-shop the two of course, but it’s illustrative of the levels of performance now available in the hot hatch sector. And it may not stop there – MTM CEO Roland Mayer says the company is developing versions with ‘further power and torque gains’.

That car is expected to make 500bhp or more – which could make MTM’s Audi RS3 a 200mph car.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Used Honda Civic Type R (FK2, 2015 - 2017) review – the forgotten hardcore Focus RS rival
Honda Civic Type R (FK2)
In-depth reviews

Used Honda Civic Type R (FK2, 2015 - 2017) review – the forgotten hardcore Focus RS rival

Honda’s first turbo Type R was hardcore and uncompromising, but deeply satisfying when the stars aligned
18 Feb 2025
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR (2019) review – Mk7’s soft sendoff beats any Mk8
Golf GTI TCR
Reviews

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR (2019) review – Mk7’s soft sendoff beats any Mk8

Quick and composed on road or track, the Golf GTI has talents we miss, even if it didn’t sparkle when new
13 Feb 2025
Renault Sport Clio V6 (2001 - 2005) review: the mid-engined hatchback with a supercar spirit
Renault Clio V6
In-depth reviews

Renault Sport Clio V6 (2001 - 2005) review: the mid-engined hatchback with a supercar spirit

A quarter of a century on, the Clio V6 still seems gloriously bonkers. We discover the truth about its troubled birth – and remind ourselves what it w…
13 Feb 2025
Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992 - 1996) – history, review and specs of Ford's rally star
Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Reviews

Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992 - 1996) – history, review and specs of Ford's rally star

It was a poster car for a generation and the ‘Cossie’ now has a cult following
12 Feb 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman 2.0 four-cylinder – the car world's greatest misses
Porsche 718 four cylinder
Features

Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman 2.0 four-cylinder – the car world's greatest misses

Downsizing the engine of Porsche’s entry-level sports car was an embarrassing flat-four fiasco
18 Feb 2025
Used Porsche 911 (991, 2011 - 2018) review – should you buy the unloved 911?
Porsche 991 Carrera rear
In-depth reviews

Used Porsche 911 (991, 2011 - 2018) review – should you buy the unloved 911?

For better or worse, the 991 was a huge moment of change for the Porsche 911, as it passed the half-century mark. We look back at the black sheep of t…
17 Feb 2025
Used car deals of the week
Main used car deals
Advice

Used car deals of the week

In this week’s used car deals, we’ve sourced everything from a Hyundai i30 N to a four-cylinder Porsche 718 Cayman
19 Feb 2025