New Audi S3 Revealed

[Toto]

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Dynamism, sportiness and sophistication – the Audi A3 holds an outstanding position in the premium compact class. Now its top-of-the-range version is ready to go, the new Audi S3 boasting 195 kW (265 bhp) and quattro permanent four-wheel drive. With its sparkling performance it pursues the ideal of pure driving pleasure coupled simultaneously with excellent everyday practicality – like all Audi S models.

The S3 redefines the standards of its class – at the level of a sports car. The sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) is accomplished in 5.7 seconds, and acceleration is only halted on reaching 250 km/h (155 mph). Aggressively hard-hitting, free-revving and with a sonorous acoustic profile, the powerful two-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder unit with FSI petrol direct injection proves to be a smooth, high-performance engine.
This power is transmitted by the six-speed gearbox and quattro permanent four-wheel drive to large alloy wheels with an 18-inch diameter. 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.
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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 (258 lbf ft) – 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 just 9.1 litres of fuel over 100 km (25.8 mpg) – further proof of the forward-looking efficiency of TFSI technology developed by Audi.

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 (335 lbs), 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
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The basic price of the 265 bhp Audi S3 in Germany is EUR 35,150 ($45,000).

More here: http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm...di-s3-revealed

[sgfootball2006]

I love the front end!

[Kowalski]

Hatchback with 4WD and 265 Bhp on tap...Oh boy...this is going to be a hoot to drive!

[bjk]

Nice but I would want more for 45 thousand

[mikehamm45]

Am I the only one that doesn't think Audi interiors are the work of God?

[Sparta]

Originally Posted by mikehamm45

Am I the only one that doesn't think Audi interiors are the work of God?

Looks boring to me. And $45k? Lol.

[K-1]

Originally Posted by mikehamm45

Am I the only one that doesn't think Audi interiors are the work of God?

Looks like those pedals were designed with heel-toe shifting in mind.

The lower controls on the center stack seem like a pain in the ass to get to.

[toronado10]

It looks perfect. Until you consider that, for just a little more you could get a CTS-V. However, not everyone is into Cadillacs like GMI members.

[MBHockey13]

$45,000...whew.

I love that white double stitching on the leather shift boot and emergency handle, however!

[DuSpinnst]

I DO NOT like those flat bottom steeting wheels.

It's not an F1 Car, take out the F1 Steering Wheel.

[Hotspur]

Originally Posted by TOTO

In the combined driving cycle the 2.0 TFSI displays another welcome character trait, consuming just 9.1 litres of fuel over 100 km (25.8 mpg) – further proof of the forward-looking efficiency of TFSI technology developed by Audi.

The timing of the S3 launch is fortuitous for Audi. It's high performance in a responsible understated package. It's a sports car without the appearance of a gas hog or a road hog. The Ford Mustang is a similarly placed All-American sports car that's not over the top. Pontiac should have and desperately needs a small and light V6 4-seat RWD sports car. Such a car should be Pontiac's core vehicle.

[rueben44]

Stunning! Simply stunning but the price is just as unbelievable even in regular form. Also as much as I love Audi's the A3 has a lot of cheap looking plastic in the lower console area in real life. For some reason rags don't notice it.

[vncj96]

In the new motor trend the A4 was priced from 32k-66k I thought that was a typo but 45K for a frickin hatchback how is it possible to charge that much for a fancy VW, thats like rebadging a impala as a cts and charging 60k, and no I am not all impressed with the interior

[jzEllis]

$45000 DOLLARS!!! for a hot hatch!!! kiss my A@#- Audi!
what are they smoking! thats a really nice car for 28-33 grand. but $45000!!! they are on crack......butt crack!

[Mrbowtie]

Wow .....only a few thousand dollars more than a base corvette, I think its a great deal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!