Audi RS3 launch treat

We thought we’d share a few pictures from this week’s UK launch of the new Audi RS3 Sportback…

Earlier this week I headed up to the Cotswolds for a unique introduction to Audi’s new RS3 5-door hatchback – now capable of 0-62mph in a blistering 4.3 seconds.

I’ll post me full review here next week, but in the meantime here are some pictures to whet your appetite…

In the blue corner.. here we are at beautiful Calcot Manor in Gloucestershire. The cars (there were red, white and grey ones too!) are all ready for our drive up through the Costwolds…

The RS3’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine develops an almighty 362bhp and is capable of 174mph.

Our drive up the Cotswolds took us to the historic Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in Worcestershire – the oldest motorsport venue in the world which still uses the original course. Audi brought along some examples of their sporty heritage fleet – a 1985 Audi Sport Quattro, 1995 Audi Avant RS2, 2000 Audi RS4 Quattro and a 2004 Audi RS6 Plus Avant.

The 1985 Sport Quattro is worth around £300,000!

After a little tuition we were let loose on Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in the RS3s.

This is me doing my stuff…

And here’s a white RS3 going for it. The pros in their specially adapted racers have been known to hit 150 mph.

Back soon with a review of the New Audi RS3.