#AudiRs3

Audi‘s finest test drivers got to wring out the new RS3 Sportback in on some powder-strewn Canadian roads this past week, and lucky for us, they were kind enough to film the whole thing. Powered by the same 340 horsepower 5-cylinder in the TT-RS, the cost of the TT-RS will likely stop it from being imported, but at least we can marvel at its capabilities from afar.

[Source: Audi]

Hit the jump to see the video

Having just introduced the new RS3 Sportback model, Audi Exclusive is now offering a sporty Black Optics package. The package enhances the aesthetics of the RS3 sportback by offering a new front grille, grille frame, license plate holder and highly polished back exhaust tips.

With the current A3 model nearing the end of its production cycle, Audi will send the car out with a bang, announcing an all new RS3 model. Putting even the Golf R to shame, the RS3 Sportback produces an incredible 340-hp and 332 ft-lbs of torque from the same turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine found in the TT-RS. Mated to a 7-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission and using Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system the car can blast to 62-mph in just 4.6 seconds.

It was supposed to arrive at the Paris Auto Show, but never did. Still, rumors persist and the latest spy photos certainly seem to indicate that Audi is pushing ahead with plans to deliver an RS-badged high-performance version of the A3 hatch.

According to GermanCarBlog, dealers in the UK have already started taking orders for the car, which will be limited to just 2700 units. That number makes us suspicious of the rumor as its the same allocation of cars BMW is planning for the new 1 Series M Coupe. Then again, the RS3 would be a competitor for the 1M.