The Official Audi Press Release on The New Audi S3

[g7jhp]

The new Audi S3

Aug 1, 2006

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 265PS 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.

• New A3 range performance flagship expected to open for UK ordering in early September – first UK customer deliveries scheduled for January 2007

• UK OTR price confirmed at £26,995

• Specially developed 2.0 Turbo FSI engine features alloy head, new turbo charger with enlarged turbine and compressor rotor and modified intercooler. 265PS@6,000rpm, 350Nm from 2,500rpm to 5,000rpm

• 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, top speed limited to 155mph, combined mpg 25.7

• Six-speed manual gearbox with reduced shift travel, quattro four-wheel-drive

• Sports suspension incorporating greater aluminium content and revised spring and damper settings, power steering settings modified for optimum feel and response

• Exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels and S quattro body styling with trademark aluminium-look door mirror surrounds, enhanced sports interior

The S3 redefines the standards of its class – at the level of a sports car. The sprint to 62mph is accomplished in 5.7 seconds, and acceleration is only halted on reaching 155mph. 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.

The 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: Sporty atmosphere

The interior conveys an atmosphere of sportiness, with materials of the highest quality and painstaking craftsmanship. The elements that dominate the styling 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.

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.

TFSI in its most powerful form

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 265PS 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, its FSI direct petrol injection technology contributing to an impressive combined economy figure of 25.7mpg.

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

Handling: Lightning-fast reactions

In terms of handling, the Audi S3 exhibits all the qualities of a high-performance sports car; it responds immediately to steering movements and achieves high cornering speeds. 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 – 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 high performance brake system with sports brake pads ensures maximum deceleration; the black painted callipers bear S3 emblems.

Optional extras will also include a leather steering wheel with flat-bottomed rim and – in the quattro GmbH range – folding bucket seats. In the infotainment area, Audi is presenting a new generation of audio systems. The premium package is rounded off by universal interfaces for mobile phone and iPod, plus an optional sound system upgrade 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.

[david7m]

5.7 secs to 60mph, sweet! Thats the same as a chipped S3 now (same BHP I suppose!).

Dave

[david7m]

g7jhp, you getting one?

Dave

[ashleyadam]

Sounds good loads of extras as well

[g7jhp]

g7jhp, you getting one?

Dave

Well I loved the speed, build and reliability of my old 225bhp S3, but really wanted something quicker and was hoping Audi would announce an RS3.

Glad Audi stuck with a turbo, rather than going down the naturally aspired route like the S4. The motoring press seem to favour the 200bhp 2L turbo in the new TT over the 250bhp 3.2 N/A as it revs more and is lighter.

So a 265bhp 2L turbo in the S3 should be pretty quick and if it's anything like the latest Audi's (RS4) it should have a little more feel too.

I'll certainly be paying my local Audi dealer a visit. Whether they get a deposit or not I haven't decided

[david7m]

Think you need to add another £12k for the RS3 .... if they make one!

Dave

[g7jhp]

Think you need to add another £12k for the RS3 .... if they make one!

Dave

Yes I'd guess the RS3 would be priced around £38k if Audi made one, which would pitch it slightly below the current M3. All hypothetical of course.

But we can hope

[DuncS3]

Not seen the weight of the car anywhere yet (except for 152 kilo turbo!) - thats going to be key. Also 1.2 bar is pretty high in comparison to the older S3s (as it says in the blurb)

Dunc

[DuncS3]

Blimey just seen its got a lap timer function! I'm fingers crossed Audi have made it more driver focussed rather than just being a luxury hatchback - not that I'm in the market for one as I really need a 4 door car next time around.

Dunc

[ZeroK66]

Damn, chipped one a them be able to keep with a chipped S4 - not good

Also with the 335i coming soon with 300BHP standard our "fast" cars are becoming slow compared to the new generation of hotties

[DavidT]

I reckon a standard new S3 will be similar to a standard B5 S4 through the gears as well Leon, which is very good.

[kam100]

even im getting tempted by this!!

[jedi-knight83]

quattro permanent four-wheel drive

no more haldex then?

[ZeroK66]

Surely it will be haldex? I think that is just a general description rather that it genuinely being Torsen Quattro. maybe it will be haldex with a slightly different setup?

[DuncS3]

It is Haldex - I've got the official PDF for the S3 but the site doesnt appear to allow them as attachments