Want an Audi RS3 with a *little* more power? Here’s ABT’s 454bhp version

Audi makes a car called the RS3, and it is powerful. So powerful, it produces 394bhp from an iteration of an award-winning 2.5-litre five-pot turbo. ABT, a tuner of Audis, makes a similar car called the RS3-R, and it is very powerful. So powerful, it produces 493bhp.

But what if you want… medium powerful? Quite literally, somewhere betwixt those two ends of the Fast Audi spectrum? Today, we learn ABT has released its RS3-S package, which increases the five-pot RS3’s power up to 454bhp. Consider it the Goldilocks RS3.

Or, Still Very Powerful, seeing as it boasts exactly the same power as a BMW M2. As expected, the bulk of the grunt comes via an additional ‘AEC’ control unit, which leaves the standard ECU untouched. The upgrade shoots the RS3-S from 0-62mph in 3.6s, with an optional increase in top speed to 186mph.

Suddenly hit by power envy? ABT will – “on request” – liberate a further 20-odd horsies through unspecified means, giving the RS3-S 478bhp. Elsewhere, the five-pot’s rather delectable noise is amplified via a stainless steel exhaust measuring 95mm in diameter and sprouting four pipes at the back.

The springs have been lowered by 30mm. There are 20in alloys. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport tyres. A carbon fibre bodykit. Interior accoutrements including a start-stop switch flap.

All this could be yours with prices starting from €17,900 plus assembly and MOT for the hatchback, or €16,600 for the saloon (without the donor car, obvs). And each upgrade will also come with a five-year warranty, too.