TO celebrate the 50-year anniversary of its legendary five-cylinder engine, Audi Sport is unveiling an exclusive special-edition model in the RS 3 competition limited.

With 750 examples to be built, and only 11 earmarked for the UK, it stands for a five-decade-long success story from the brand with four rings.

Its inline five makes the compact performance car unique in its segment, combining ability with an unmistakable sound.

When driven, the RS 3 competition limited lives up to its sporting pedigree thanks to coilover suspension and a stiffer rear stabiliser.

In the UK, all 11 examples will be finished in Malachite green. This iconic colour is reminiscent of the Audi Sport quattro that provided the basis for a golden age of rallying with five-cylinder power.

Back in 1983, the Audi Sport quattro developed 306ps and 350 Nm from 2.1 litres of displacement. Today, the inline five-cylinder engine of the Audi RS comes with 2.5 litres of displacement and boasts 400ps and 500 Nm.

The RS 3 competition limited accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180mph.

For the first time, the Audi RS 3 features a coilover suspension including a new rear stabiliser.

The coilover suspension was specially developed and tuned for the RS 3 competition limited.

In the UK, the RS 3 Sportback competition limited is priced from £92,855 and deliveries of the are expected before the end of the year.