Abt creates 186mph RS3

Why make do with a 400hp RS3 when you could have a 500hp one?

There's a lot to enjoy about the current Audi RS3: handling that's less blunt than the 2015 car, the availability of a smart four-door saloon for the first time and, obvious though the statement sounds, outrageous performance.

But what if you could improve all those attributes? That's what Abt has attempted with this, the Power R RS3. Thanks to its own ECU map, an intercooler and a new exhaust system, Abt says this small saloon is toting 500hp. Alongside 420lb ft, Abt claims a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds (which sounds a little pessimistic) and a top speed of 186mph. A hundred and eighty six!

Now, we've had 500hp RS3s already, but Abt goes further with this car and offers dynamic upgrades as well. So in addition to the range of 19- and 20-inch wheels, buyers can also opt for a set of Abt springs in conjunction with KW V3 dampers, as well as Abt's anti-roll bars. Combine that with the big brake kit also offered and the ingredients are there for an absolute monster of an RS3.

Additionally there are cosmetic upgrades - larger pipes, side skirt extensions, front splitter and rear diffuser - though for full Q-car kudos it would surely have to be left standard. And grey, of course.

Quite how you would get Abt upgrades on a UK RS3 isn't clear (nor is what it would cost) but, despite that, it's hard not to be enthused by a small Audi saloon with damn near as much power as a Ferrari 430 Scuderia. Wonder what Abt could create with a bigger turbo, some intake tweaks, maybe a few upgraded internals...