The 270kW hatchback Wayde van Niekerk 'can't wait to drive'

Cape Town - In the early hours of Monday morning (August 15), groggy South Africans were glued to their screens as Wayde van Niekerk romped to a world record 400m title in emphatic fashion at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.  

The 24-year-old's exploits garnered South Africa's first gold medal at the Games, and our fifth overall, so far.

Sport24 reported that Van Niekerk stopped the clock in 43.03, breaking American legend Michael Johnson's 17-year old record.

Fast car for one of the world's quickest athletes?

Audi South Africa named Van Niekerk and Anaso Jobodwanam as its Audi Sport Ambassadors ahead of the Games earlier in August. 

The duo join South African Olympic Swimmer and current Audi Ambassador, Cameron van der Burgh, to form a trio of athletes representing the newly launched Audi Sport sub-brand in South Africa.

WATCH: Wayde van Niekerk's 400m gold medal - and WR - run

Audi has 12 different models in its local line-up but which car did the fastest man over 400m want to drive? Van Niekerk drives a car that can match his blistering pace - The 270kW RS3.  

Van Niekerk tweeted earlier in August: "Can't wait to drive this beast" 

The RS3, the most powerful hatchback in the Audi stable, is powered by a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine capable of reaching 100km/h in 4.3 seconds.

Van Niekerk's reaction time in the 400m final was 0.181 seconds. Reaction time is defined as the interval of time between the onset of a stimulus, and the initiation of a response according to FreelapUSA. 

On his return to Mzansi, it's safe to say Van Niekerk will be eager to enjoy his new ride. He definitely deserves it. 

RS3 #LeagueofPerformance can't wait to drive this beast. @audisouthafrica pic.twitter.com/NC1Elk8Mpn

— Wayde van Niekerk (@WaydeDreamer) August 5, 2016