2015 Audi RS3 spied flexing its muscles on the ‘Ring

As the hotly anticipated Audi RS3 inches closer to launch, the company has been busy getting it ready and putting the finishing touches to the most powerful RS3 to date.

Caught undergoing testing around the Nordschleife in Germany, the heavily camouflage prototype packs a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder TFSI turbocharged petrol engine that is said to produce around 268kW of power. It drives all four wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system and an already confirmed DSG transmission. A manual transmission is also reportedly under consideration.

While the prototype spied here was a 5-door Sportback, Quattro GmbH Managing Director, Heinz Hollerweger said an RS3 Sedan is also a possibility. The latter was previewed recently by the A3 clubsport quattro concept to gauge customer feedback, particularly from America and China, where sedan is the preferred body style.

Hollerweger has also revealed that the company is mulling on a potent 298kW version but nothing is confirmed as yet.

The Audi RS3 will officially hit the market next year.