The Audi RS3 is here.

Audi has finally coughed up details on its upcoming RS3 hot hatch, making it the second model this year to wear the RS badge.

The new RS3 follows the current trend set by Ford with their Focus RS of over-endowing their hatchback with muscle car levels of power.  The new RS3 has a turbocharged 2.5 litre five cylinder engine producing 340hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, and is connected to Audi's dual-clutch S-tronic seven-speed transmission.

As with all high performance Audi's the RS3 comes equipped with their Quattro all-wheel drive system and is also able to accelerate from 0-62mph in less than 5 seconds, 4.6 seconds to be exact, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The engine's turbo produces a boost of 1.2 bar (around 17 psi) and also sends the air through an intercooler.  Audi has also equipped the RS3 with an active sports exhaust system.  By pressing the sports button flaps open in the exhaust system promising a 1980s quattro-style exhuast note.

The RS3 is quite a heavy car, though. Tipping the scales at 1575kg means that it will be one of the heaviest hatchbacks on sale.  Audi quotes its average fuel economy  at 9.1 liters per 100 kilometres (25.85 mpg) while emitting 212 grams of CO2 per kilometre.  The RS3 also has an energy regenerative system. 

There will be plenty of RS3 logos in and out of the car, while other exterior features include 19 inch wheels as well as fenders made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

The RS3 is set to go on sale early in 2011 as a 5 door sportback model, with prices set at around 49,900 euros in Germany.

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