Rounding out the A3 model line, the new 3-door Audi S3 is characterised by a potent 188 kW engine, quattro all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission, all combining to create a compact luxury sports car with a dynamic personality.
The S3 sprints to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds, up to a governed top speed of 250 km/h.
Its sparkling performance and practical features make the new S3– like all Audi S models – an ideal sports car for everyday use, according to Audi Australia’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann.
“The S3 has proven a very popular vehicle in Australia, with sales of the previous model exceeding our expectations. Interest in the new model has also been strong from potential customers via the dealer network. We expect to sell at least 100 units per annum thanks to the very sporty yet luxurious nature of this new model,” Mr Hofmann added.
The S3 sprints to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds, up to a governed top speed of 250 km/h.
The main styling elements are the restyled front spoiler with large air-intakes, the side skirts and the rear spoiler integrated with the diffuser. Chrome trims add visual impact to the car.
From the official Press Release:
Exterior Design
Audi S3 front end detailThe dynamic potential of this three-door sports car is obvious at first glance. The single-frame grille sports chrome trim, the front skirt has a spoiler with large air-intakes and the side sills have been restyled.
There is a contrasting platinum grey diffuser built into the rear skirt, along with two S-style oval chrome tailpipes. Aluminium-look door mirrors and a body-colour roof spoiler give added impact to the visual statement.
Interior
The elements that dominate the styling of the interiors are the sports seats with prominent side sections, the black headlining, also available in silver, and the instrument cluster with its special dials and needles.
Audi S3 interiorsThe pedals, gear knob and air vents are in aluminium look, the inlays are in Piano finish black, or alternatively Aluminium or Fine grain birch wood grey.
The red and silver S3 emblem is to be found on the leather sports steering wheel, in the instrument cluster, on the gear knob and on the door sill trims.
The seats are upholstered in a combination of cloth and leather or, as an option, in Alcantara/leather or completely in leather. The two-tone leather seats are decorated with stitching in the same colour as their centre section.
Engine
The power plant of the S3 delivers all that is expected of a powerful sports engine, and does it supremely well. The 2.0 TFSI, which combines direct injection and turbocharger technology, delivers 195 kW (265 bhp) at 6,000 rpm.
And at just 2,500 rpm it already musters up an impressive 350 Nm of torque – this pulling power remains constant up to 5,000 rpm. In the combined driving cycle the 2.0 TFSI displays another welcome character trait, consuming 9.1 litres of fuel over 100 km.
Compared with the A3, this engine is an advanced version which has undergone fundamental changes. The new turbocharger with its enlarged turbine and compressor rotor generates 1.2 bar of boost pressure – an unusually high figure. A modified intercooler significantly lowers the temperature of the compressed air, thus increasing the air mass necessary for combustion.
Pistons with stronger pins and strengthened connecting rods with new bearings transmit the powerful forces to the crankshaft. The cylinder block has been stiffened up and the head is made of a new, highly heat-resistant alloy.
The exhaust camshaft timing has been adjusted to accommodate the increased power output. High-pressure injectors with an enlarged cross-section squirt the fuel straight into the combustion chamber.
Despite all this progressive engineering, the high-performance turbo weighs in at just 152 kilos, which is less than comparable power plants from direct competitors, and this has a positive effect on the axle load distribution. The compact dimensions of the 2.0 TFSI make it suitable for transverse installation, which brings benefits in terms of the S3’s interior space and luggage capacity.
To go with its sporty nature and firm handling, the new Audi S3 has a six-speed, close-ratio manual gearbox. Gearshift travel has been reduced for the S3, enabling even sportier and more precise gear changes. As is the case for all Audi S models, the new S3 drives all four wheels by means of quattro permanent four-wheel drive. An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, positioned at the rear for the benefit of weight balance, distributes the torque as needed – delivering plenty of grip and maximum driving safety. All the components in the drive train have been strengthened to cope with the high level of engine torque
Chassis
The new S sports suspension system on the S3 enables an extremely sporty driving style combined with the ultimate in comfort. This sporty compact model responds actively to steering movements, exhibits precise and safe handling characteristics and, thanks to quattro technology, enables maximum acceleration out of bends.
The Audi S3 responds immediately to steering movements and achieves high cornering speeds. The sophisticated suspension – with subframes front and rear, triangulated lower wishbones at the front and four-link suspension at the rear – has been further refined.
Springs and shock absorbers are stiffer, and the body sits 25 mm lower than an A3 with standard suspension. Aluminium pivot bearings and wishbones reduce the weight of the front suspension. Stiffer suspension mounts and a sportier characteristic for the electro-mechanical steering convey even greater dynamism and precision. 18-inch alloy wheels and 225/40 tyres ensure firm adhesion to the road surface. A 17-inch brake system with sports brake pads ensure maximum deceleration; the black painted callipers bear S3 emblems.
(Source: Audi)
