High five! Audi unleashes stove-hot RS3

These are the first images of Audi's steroidal new RS3 Sportback, which packs the TT RS's turbo five-pot engine within its relatively sedate hatchback proportions.

The numbers alone make for tantalising reading, as the 2.5-litre turbo five belts out a robust 250kW and 450Nm (on tap from 1600 to 5300rpm), easily giving it bragging rights among the five-door hatch brigade.

Audi quotes a 0-100km/h split of 4.6sec and top whack of 250km/h, and these stats put it in exalted company that includes the likes of the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG. Needless to say, it blows into the weeds its lesser S3 sibling.

Drive from the warbling five-cylinder engine is relayed to all four wheels by a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi's trademark quattro AWD system -- a viscous-coupled Haldex affair.

The RS3 tips the scales at 1575kg (about 60kg more than the four-cylinder turbo S3), and its none-too-portly girth is partly thanks to weight-saving measures such as carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) front wings and the use of "light vermicular graphite" for the engine block.

Efficiency tweaks include a delivery-on-demand oil pump and a regenerative system that recovers energy as the car decelerates.

Offsetting its extra oomph is a chassis that lowers the RS3 Sportback by 25mm compared with the standard A3, while balance and composure are boosted by a widened 1564mm track

The RS3 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels (available in machine-polished titanium look or a black finish with red rim inserts) shod with 235/35 series tyres at the front and 225/35 at the rear.

Electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering provides a suitably direct gear ratio of 16.2:1 for keen turn-in, while internally ventilated discs (370mm at the front and 310mm at the rear) boost stopping power.

Befitting its high-po orientation, the electronic stability programme (ESP) features a Sport mode that activates later intervention of the braking and acceleration retardation functions for added fun factor, and it can be switched off entirely for circuit use.

There's also aural rewards to be had as a sound flap in the exhaust branch intensifies the five-pot's intoxicating note when the driver presses the Sport button, which also varies throttle response.

Visual clues to the RS3's identity are in the form of a deeper front apron with enlarged air intakes, an anthracite coloured single-frame grille with diamond-patterned styling and xenon plus headlamps.

The side view is dominated by flared guards, 19-inch alloy wheels, prominent sill panels, mirror casings in matt aluminium look and a large roof spoiler. A high-gloss black diffuser insert and two elliptical exhaust tailpipes differentiate the rear.

Interior upgrades include a tactile flat-bottomed RS steering wheel, Fine Nappa leather sports seats with silver contrasting stitching, and inlays finished in Piano black or the new Aluminium Race look.

There's also a revised instrument panel and S tronic selector lever, along with a specially configured Driver's Information System that displays boost pressure and oil temperature and doubles as a lap timer.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site