Audi RS3 Gets A 500-HP Upgrade

Over the last couple of months, German tuner Manhart's releases have been very much hit or miss. While the performance can't be criticized, Manhart's Range Rover tuning kit hurt our eyes and it also made some questionable aesthetic choices with its take on the BMW X6 M last year. But the tuner seems to be finding its groove with smaller sporty German cars rather than huge SUVs. Manhart's MH2 450 - a modified BMW M240i - actually looked great, and now the tuner has announced another new project that looks equally promising. Introducing the Manhart RS3 500, based on the Audi RS3 sedan and hatchback; only the RS3 sedan is sold in the USA.

Manhart says that the RS3 500 project has just begun, but based on what we can see and know now, it's looking great. The standard RS3 is a perfect starting point as it has just the right amount of retrained aggression. As usual, Manhart has added its gold exterior detailing which works best with black paint. The gold detailing surrounds the grille and front intakes, and is also found on the mirror caps. It sits low on 20-inch Concave One black wheels with a golden rim pinstripe. A lowering spring kit and a new stainless steel exhaust system with valve control are some of the other upgrades. It's a pity that the RS3 hatch isn't sold in the United States as it has an especially sporty look.

Manhart promises that its tuning program for the RS3 twins will deliver spectacular results. The many upgrades includes a MHtronik Powerbox that increases the output from 400 to 500 horsepower. The stock RS3 sedan makes exactly 401 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque from its charismatic 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine, and it takes a mere 3.6 seconds to get from 0-60 mph. With another 100 hp, Manhart's RS3 500 could get much closer to the 3-second mark which would get it close to some exotic machinery. Manhart says that interested customers can get in touch now to build their own RS3 500, but pricing remains unknown at this point.