Under the hood of the new Typ 8V Audi RS3 Sportback is, what’s claimed to be, the company’s most powerful production 5-cylinder engine.
With a 2.5-litre turbocharged 5-cylinder engine developing 270kW (367hp) and 465Nm (343 lb-ft), the RS3 Sportback can race from 0 to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 280km/h, after it’s been partially derestricted.
Power is sent to the ground via a permanent all-wheel drive system driven through a 7-speed dual-clutch (S-tronic) transmission. According to Audi, the system has been setup to allow controlled drifts.
Fuel economy, if you care, is claimed to be 8.1L/100km (29mpg), while CO2 output is rated at 189g/km.
Compared to a regular Audi A3 Sportback 5-door hatch, the RS3 sits 25mm (1-inch) closer to the ground. It also has specially developed RS suspension settings, 18-inch alloy wheels and optional carbon fibre-ceramic disc brakes.
The RS3 hit showrooms from the third quarter of 2015.
