Jalopnik
Ladies and gents, the number is 265. That's the horsepower Audi's wrung from the 2.0-liter TFSI four that graces its new S3. As for torque, the number is 258 ft.-lbs. All that comes by way of cam tweaking and turbocharging, while retaining low engine weight — 335 lbs. Of course it's got the Quattro business as well as lowered suspension profile, 18" alloys and other toys, for a European-converted $44,851. No power-to-weight figure yet, but we'll bring that as soon as Audi spills it.
Press Release:
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 is accomplished in 5.7 seconds, and acceleration is only halted on reaching 250 km/h. 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 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 just 9.1 litres of fuel over 100 km - 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, 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 17-inch brake system with sports brake pads ensure maximum deceleration; the black painted callipers bear S3 emblems.
The extras 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 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. The basic price of the 265 bhp Audi S3 in Germany is EUR 35,150.
Related:
More on the Audi S3 [internal]
Comments
Audi needs to call Subaru and ask how to graft a FAT WING and GOLD WHEELS on this bitch.
No, but perhaps they'll paint the calipers red and slap some willwood or brembo stickers on 'em.
This is a car that I may actually be able to afford once my TT lease is up. I love the A3s styling, but can't convince myself to pay the price for what's basically a 4WD golf (oh, I mean "Rabbit").
This however, is something different entirely. And amazingly, they did not resort to their "iconic models gone by" file to trot out a retromodern!
As an Audi fanboy, I'm less than impressed. This "badass" model has only 70 more ponies than my 6 year old A4 2.8 along with added girth. Granted, the power numbers are very impressive for the engine size and the technology in use, but for 45k I can get a WHOLE LOT of car elsewhere. The Legacy GT would walk away from this thing for 15k less. We won't even go into EVO and STi territory.
I understand that this is slated on a lower rung than the S4, but maybe I was looking more for slating it under the RS4.
Cool and bad ass in a very Teutonic way, but fundamentally speaking, I agree with wohho. Forty-five grand is a lot of dough considering what other cars occupy the same area of performance, styling notwithstanding.
To add insult to injury, why buy this over a 3.2? I mean, ok 15 more (peak) HP, two fewer cylinders, and probably less (day to day) torque. And for that priviledge, you get to pay $2.5k MORE than a loaded 3.2?
Audi is definitely heading the wrong direction with the S on this car. Perhaps I'm wrong, and a drive of the new S3 will erase all doubts. Maybe this is a wonderful car with superior dynamics (wouldn't be too hard the 3.2 is a cow to drive), but I doubt it. And even so, Audi will have their marketing cut out for them. Not many folks in the U.S. are going to buy the above (with our "more" or "bigger" is better taste, that is).
I dunno...I'd get it.
Here's why...the power will undoubtedly be easily upped thanks to the good folks at GIAC and/or MTM.
As for "you might as well get an STi or Evo", well perhaps some of us don't want to drive the same car as a enthusiast teen with wealthy parents. (And I was one of these teens!) Even in the "discreet" spec versions, I probably wouldn't own one. As for the Legacy GT...I likes everything but think that Subaru still hasn't figured out good brake pedal feel (still too mushy).
Not enough HP. Not enough LB/Ft. Too much $$.
What happened to the DSG? I thought Audi was supposed to be cramming that thing into everything it sells starting in 2007.
The correct question to be asking is what advantage this provides over the forthcoming MkV R32/36. If the power and dynamics are the same, and the Vee Dub is 8 grand cheaper, what would YOU do?
It's all about the weight. The 3.2 is a great engine, it is also a big lump of mass hung over the front end. This little 2.0 is going to out handle the 3.2 by a large order of magnitude. And to you guys who always complain about value and try to price compare it to the fine products of Subaru, Mitsubishi et. al. it isn't meant to compete with them. I know I'm wasting my breath here, but they will sell every one of these they build, if you don't understand what these cars represent, don't get one.
The thing I don't understand is how they could not offer it with the S-tronic transmission or in the sportback body?
Anybody else notice that it's a 3-Door, not a 5-Door?
I saw a non-S version of this on the road a few days back, called Davey, and via voicemail the two of us scratched our heads.
Not quite as visually charming as the 5-Door
See that's just it Bakafish (no offense but that's a really weird tag (hey pot, you're black. signed, kettle)). Everyone by and large really likes the A3, it's a great package, but pretty well everything about it has a "yeah but" attached to it because it's overpriced and underspec'd.
The S3 had the opportunity to remedy those ills, for a cost of course, but there you have a great car now. Instead, it's somewhat underpowered for an 'S' car, and lacks a sequential gearbox.
On it's own, I am very impressed with this engine. The power and torque delivered at those engine rpm's is amazing. In a regular edition TT it would be spectacular, but for a sport model of a heavier car, it's just not that impressive.
Vs. the 3.2...
I thikn the 3.2 is normally aspirated, right? Which mean that chip-tuning has less of an impact. However, with these blown variants, a little extra boost can add up to a lot more wheeeeee.
I just disagree with the overpriced moniker. You may not like what they allocated funds and engineering towards, but calling this over priced is just as misguided as the people who complain about STI's and EVO's being cheap and unpolished. This is designed to fill a product niche that has plenty of takers. Audi is not adding an additional 10% of margin to paint the calipers black and s/A3/S3/g, you are getting what you pay for.
Oh, and Bakafish are always blue, never black... your piscine friend.
Hot Damn! Love that front fascia.
Audi's still don't hold their value, correct? So wait two years, and get one for 15k less.
I'm just glad I can tell future generations that I was alive at a time when a hatchback cost a mere $45K. And gas was only $3 a gallon. And there wasn't a robot in the white house.
LOL DocM...and the media keeps telling us there is no inflation.
Why do people keep comparing this to the STi and Evo? We all know that the S3 is not targeted at the same market, not to mention that either one of those contenders would have a couple of S3s for breakfast and go out hunting for a S4 for lunch. The S3 will have to compete against the likes of the 350z, G35, and its younger (less refined?) brother, the R32. The upcoming 335ci will have 305 HP and a price tag of around $42K. You do the math.
Hmm, I think that folks who think that a chipped S3 is likely to end up at or near 300 HP are being a little too optimistic. In many cases, as the OEM ups the power of a given power-plant, the amount of (cost-effective) head room for chip tuning get's reduced. It's quite probable that this 2.0 turbo FSI doesn't have a whole lot of head room for inexpensive tuning. That's without even begining to consider the "tricky" nature of tuning a turbo FSI engine.
I think we should reserve judgement on what will/will not own this lil' pony until we get some weight measurements. Who knows this may end up being far lighter than most of us think? I'd expect the price to be cheaper when it comes stateside as well. If you recall the A3s (2.0s at least) were supposed to cost more than they did.
Damn It! Where is the RS3 with the 350 Hp V6 Twin Turbo that they promised us last year?
Regardless of you apologists, I still fart in its general direction.
I'll take an RS4 without all the boy racer body work, thanks.
How about a hpa motorsports variant? Of course, those transplants don't come cheap...they even have the balls to quote prices in USD and not Canadian!
BTW, so brilliant that the Brabus post above gets no love. I guess we know Jalopniks demos from this alone. Who needs surveymonkey?
I think we all kind of missed the biggest nail in the coffin for this stinker. You can get an S4 with another 40 Hp, arguably better chassis dynamics, two more doors, AND a tiptronic transmission for another $4K.
game, set, match.
Yes wohho, but then you'd have the added dorkiness of the rear doors (and tailgate if you get the vagon).
I'm with Bakafish and Al Navarro on this one.
wohho, enjoy your S4. The S4 is a fantastic machine. Let the rest of us enjoy our lighter, better balanced S3s.
Sure, i wish the S3 was $30k, but since it's more refined than any other car up to $45k, that's why Audi is charging top dollar.
MER: you can't be serious. go back to your SEMA/JC Whitney show.
Fans of the 3.2l VR6 engine (including me): sorry, the S3's 2.0T has more power, more torque, less weight, and smaller size. It's actually got quite a bit of updated internals compared to the 200hp 2.0T engine used by VW the A3. An updated 3.2 belongs in the S4 and upcoming A5, where the longitudinal engine layout won't cause as big of a handling drawback.
The S3 is more nimble than a Legacy GT or a heavier, less powerful A4. While it doesn't offer the power of the WRX sti or EVO, it has a superior interior, build quality, and balance.
The reason that the S-tronic transmission isn't yet available in the S3 is that Audi is busy improving it to handle more horsepower. I'd rather have the manual transmission anyway.
Call me crazy, but the S3 is a sleeper hatchback that will easily outrun any domestic "muscle car". I can't wait to place an order.
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