Tuesday 1st March 2011

Audi Reveals 400bhp A3 concept

Geneva concept hints at future A3 - and another RS model?

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This new Audi A3 concept not only gives us a taste of the styling of the future of the next generation A3, (and a forthcoming saloon version), but it also hints at a possible second-generation RS3.

Powered by the same 402bhp turbocharged five-cylinder motor that went into the Quattro concept from last year's Paris show (itself an uprated version of the 335bhp motor found in the TT RS and newly released RS3 hatch), the A3 concept is a tantalising glimpse of a possible future for the RS sub-brand.

The new car is also wider, lower and (almost inevitably, being a four-door saloon) longer than the current A3, telegraphing a sense of sporting intent that should be backed up by the 402bhp powerplant.

As you'd expect from a performance Audi, the A3 concept puts its power to all four wheels, but unlike the Quattro Concept it does so via seven-speed 7-speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox rather than a conventional manual transmission.

 

 

 

[lankybob]

That is absolutely fantastic! I really hope they do this properly like the RS4 rather than the other RS models from recent years.

[RemainAllHoof]

Odd. Why didn't they do an A3 coupe concept instead?

[Mermaid]

lankybob said:

That is absolutely fantastic! I really hope they do this properly like the RS4 rather than the other RS models from recent years.

If they go for this, I suppose plans for the B8 RS4 will be shelved.

Too many RS's though....

[soad]

I like the big engine option, more choice!

[B10]

When is an A3 and A4. When it is an A3 concept.
So an A3 saloon must be nearly an A4 saloon. So therefore the next A4 will grow to become an A6. The next next A6 will grow to become an A8. So I look forward to the new Audi A10 that will look like a large A3, A4...saloon. However what do I know, they manage to sell!
Anyway this A3 concept does look nice especially teh interior and the perfomance is great.

[paulodivichio]

Why do all Audis just look like different sized versions of each other?

Im sure it will be a brilliant car but for me it could do with more flair, is it just me that feels this way about Audis??

[Frimley111R]

More dull Audis. This A3 looks huge too!

[Matt UK]

RemainAllHoof said:

Odd. Why didn't they do an A3 coupe concept instead?

My guess is that the TT is seen as the A3 coupe

[vrooom]

Boring...

[RemainAllHoof]

Matt UK said:

My guess is that the TT is seen as the A3 coupe

Good point. But I would buy an A3 coupe and not a TT; just not a fan of the shape.

[Mermaid]

Frimley111R said:

More dull Audis.

Says a lot about the people who buy them.

Interesting Audis in last 40 years - Quattro, RS2, RS4, R8 - all those account for less than 30k cars.

[edo]

vrooom said:

Boring...

Unlike this I suppose?

[fatboy b]

edo said:

vrooom said:

Boring...

Unlike this I suppose?

[Beefmeister]

This looks really good in the press shots:

[Schermerhorn]

Surely A3 saloon = A4 saloon?

What's the point then? People wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway.

[Mermaid]

Beefmeister said:

This looks really good in the press shots:

Isn't that a better looking A4?

[Munich]

Although it looks like every other Audi, it's still quite good. How big is it though? The same size as the previous generation A4 (or Seat Exeo)?

[Dr G]

It'll doubtless make lots of money for Audi and in turn, me.

Therefore I like it

[britsportscars]

Yawn...

[stuckmojo]

Its proportions remind me of an E46 M3.

I can see this being aimed straight at the 1M