Back in July, when Audi unveiled the third-generation RS3, it claimed that it could accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds.
If this is correct, the new car would be three tenths of a second faster than the previous model, despite the fact that the previous model was capable of consistently producing much faster sprint times.
That the new 395bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder mega-hatch will easily outperform its claimed acceleration figures will not come as a surprise to you, then.
TG can attest to this after participating in a single launch in less than ideal conditions - a dusty, cold (but crucially closed) road, and winter tyres - in one of the approximately 100 Launch Editions built to UK specifications. You will benefit from proper consumer testing. How long did it take us to go from a standstill to 62mph? It took only 3.6 seconds, and there's no way that was due to the driver's efforts.
Consider what this thing could accomplish under ideal circumstances. Also keep in mind that Mercedes claims 3.9 seconds for the 409bhp AMG A45S. Hatches have truly reached supersonic speeds.
To read the rest of our RS3 review, simply click on these blue words.