Audi reveals new S3 quattro

Quicker and more sporty but will it handle?

Audi has unveiled the performance edition of the A3 -- the new 261bhp S3 with permanent four-wheel drive.

Audi describes the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder powerplant as "aggressively hard-hitting, free-revving and with a sonorous acoustic profile". It hits 62mph in 5.7 seconds, and Vmax is electronically limited to 155mph. This power is transmitted by the six-speed gearbox and quattro drive to 18-inch alloy wheels.

According to Audi's breathless blurb, "the new S sports suspension system on the S3 enables a 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."

Engine and transmission

The 2.0 TFSI combines direct injection and turbocharger technology and at 2,500 rpm it raises 258lb-ft of torque, remaining constant up to 5,000 rpm. In the combined driving cycle, the 2.0 TFSI returns a combined economy figure of 25.7mpg -- a result of its direct petrol injection technology, according to Audi.

Compared with the A3, this engine has undergone fundamental changes. The new turbocharger with its enlarged turbine and compressor rotor generates 1.2 bar of boost pressure, and a modified intercooler lowers the compressed air's temperature, increasing the air mass available for combustion.

Pistons with stronger pins and strengthened connecting rods with new bearings transmit the forces to the crankshaft. The cylinder block has been stiffened 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.

The turbo weighs 152Kg -- less than comparable power plants from direct competitors according to Audi -- which has a positive effect on 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.

The new S3 has a six-speed, close-ratio manual gearbox with reduced gearshift travel. 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 additional torque.

Handling

The Audi S3 "responds immediately to steering movements and achieves high cornering speeds", said Audi, due to "the innately sophisticated suspension of the A3 – with subframes front and rear, triangulated lower wishbones at the front and four-link suspension at the rear."

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. It gets stiffer suspension mounts and faster electro-mechanical steering, along with 18-inch alloys and 225/40 tyres.

Style goes with purpose in Audi's case, a single-frame grille sports chrome trim, front skirt with spoiler and large air-intakes, plus restyled side sills. 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 are cosmetic additions.

Interior

According to Audi, the interior is about sportiness and uses high quality materials. It gets sports seats with prominent side sections, black headlining -- also available in silver -- and an instrument cluster with special dials and needles.

The 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.

Extras include a leather steering wheel with flat-bottomed rim and – in the quattro GmbH range – folding bucket seats. For sounds, Audi's premium package includes universal interfaces for mobile phone and iPod, plus a sound system from Bose. Standard equipment includes deluxe automatic air conditioning, a driver information system with a new lap-timer function, and an anti-theft alarm. "Front fog lights and xenon plus headlights with daytime running lights underline the impressive price/performance ratio", it says here...

The basic price of the S3 in Germany is €35,150 -- about £24,000 -- although the UK price is likely to be closer to £27,000. expect it in the showrooms next January

And when we get our hands on one, be sure that we'll check it out to see if it really can handle itself on Britain's pock-marked road system.

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r988

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