Audi RS3’s Five-Cylinder Bows Out — But It Lives On in the 2027 Volkswagen Golf R 25th Anniversary

Audi’s five-cylinder engines have defined the brand’s performance cars for decades, from the legendary Quattro rally cars to the modern RS3. But stricter emissions regulations mean the 2.5-litre TFSI is reaching its end of the road in Audi’s lineup.

The current RS3 8Y already feels like a future classic, with its:

• 400 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
• 0–62 mph in just 3.8 seconds.
• Nürburgring lap record for compact cars (7:33.123)

To mark the engine’s farewell, Audi is preparing a final run-out special RS3, likely with lightweight upgrades and track-focused tuning, giving enthusiasts one last chance to own a factory five-cylinder RS.

The surprise twist is that Volkswagen will carry the five-cylinder flame into 2027 with the Golf R 25th Anniversary Edition.

This will be the most powerful Golf ever produced, swapping its usual 2.0 TSI for Audi’s 2.5-litre five-pot. Expect:

• 394–401 hp (depending on market and tune).
• 480–500 Nm torque.
• 4Motion AWD with torque vectoring.
• Chassis upgrades borrowed from the RS3.

• Final chapter of an icon - The RS3 8Y is the last Audi with a five-cylinder, ending a lineage stretching back to Group B rally cars.
• The Golf R reborn - Volkswagen is keeping the engine alive, ensuring that its distinctive howl won’t be silenced just yet.
• Performance & value - Expect the Golf R 25th to be cheaper than an RS3, while sharing its engine and much of its hardware.
• Collector’s appeal - Both cars will be seen as milestones — the last five-pot Audi, and the most extreme Golf ever built.

We expect this Golf R to include subtle exterior changes as seen from previous generation limited edition models like the Clubsport S. AUTOID will be looking to Zaero design for gloss black styling upgrades to enhance this already aggressive exterior with front splitters, skirts, rear spoilers and diffusers.

The Audi RS3 8Y closes the book on Audi’s legendary five-cylinder engines - but enthusiasts won’t have to say goodbye just yet. To ensure the engine survives beyond the Euro 7 deadline in November 2026, Audi is expected to revise its hardware for reduced NOx emissions. And thanks to Volkswagen, the engine lives on in the 2027 Golf R 25th Anniversary, giving fans one last, legendary taste of five-pot fury before electrification takes over.

For Audi purists, it’s the end of an era. For Golf R fans, it’s the beginning of something special!