Audi has released an entire lineup of its freshened 2009 A3 lineup — the 2009 Audi A3, A3 Sportback and the much-more-fun 2009 Audi S3, and S3 Sportback. We're in a bit of information overload here, with a ton of new information and photos on the slightly angrier, slightly more powerful and probably all-around better lineup. What does Audi expect, the new A3/S3 lineup sports eight engines, three transmissions, a new magnetic ride and handling control system, remodeled interiors and restyled exterior styling (most of that restyling budget's gone up front). Take a moment and feast your eyes on the pretty new 2009 Audi S3 with too much booty in the back right there in front of you and hit the jump for the huge data dump and galleries on all the rest of the A3/S3 lineup after the jump.

The Audi A3: Fresh dynamism increasing driving pleasure

• Innovative high-tech concepts in the 2009 model year
• Expressive exterior design, elegantly sporty interior
• S tronic transmission, Audi magnetic ride and efficient engines
• Highlight: S3 now also as Sportback

Ingolstadt - The Audi A3 and A3 Sportback, the premium compact models from Audi, are raising their sporty profile with a raft of improvements and an accentuated design. Innovative technologies such as the S tronic dual-clutch
transmission with seven speeds and Audi magnetic ride, the suspension control system, makes for even greater driving pleasure. Its sharper, more striking design lends even greater expression to the A3 family. Additional
equipment features, such as the Audi parking system at front and rear, the parking assistant and the reversible loadliner, also add to the appeal of these models. The Audi S3 developing 195 kW (265 hp) is now also available as a Sportback version, a new top model that rounds off the range. Shipping will commence in the summer, with prices starting at € 20,350.

The Audi A3 created the entirely new market segment of the premium compact car when the first-generation model made its debut in 1996. The brand with the four rings has been notably successful in that market segment and has since built 1.9 million units of the Audi A3. After four successive record-breaking years, the one millionth specimen of the second-generation A3 - which went into production in 2003 - left the assembly line just a few days ago. Audi is now solidifying its lead.

The exterior: even sportier profile

New visual details for the three-door A3 and A3 Sportback bring its stretched, sporty profile into the foreground. The front lid and fenders are more expressively styled, and the bumper and large single-frame radiator grille have been modified. A curved trim element in the headlamps known as the "wing" accentuates their technical perfection. Daytime running lights are standard features, and the optional bi-xenon headlamps incorporate LEDs. Down the sides, the highlight features are exterior mirrors with integral turn indicators, new door handles and attractive wheels.

At the tail end, the modified bumper and the lights help this car make a grand exit; the A3 Sportback now has innovative fiber optic rods arranged in a flat, continuous strip that creates an impressive optical effect in the dark. The three-door A3 has a modified tailgate with a new light edge. As a result of the design modifications, the A3 has grown by 2.5 centimeters (0.98 in) in length to 4.24 meters (166.93 in), while the sporty proportions of the sportback remain virtually unchanged at 4.29 meters (168.90 in) in length.

The interior: sporty elegance

Inside the car, too, the designers fine-tuned the atmosphere of sporty elegance. Aluminum-look elements on the air vents, light switches and center console accentuate the premium character of the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback. The switches and controls beneath the audio system have been given a new, modern look. The instruments have black dials and red needles to reinforce the impression of precision and advanced technology, and a shift indicator displays the recommended gear in any given circumstances in the driver information system. The driver information system's display and the time, date and distance display - standard with the Ambiente and Ambition equipment lines - shows the information in high-resolution white type. The leather sport steering wheel for the Ambition line has new aluminum trim clips, and Audi can supply a flat-bottomed leather sport steering wheel for the
Ambition as an option.

New inlays for the Attraction and Ambition, new colors and a wide selection of upholstery fabrics enhance the interior through their sportiness, impressive material quality and meticulous crafting. The upholstery range even includes Fine Nappa leather for the sport seats.

The A3's trunk is the roomiest in its class, at 350 to 1,080 liters (12.36 to 38.12 cubic ft.), with an even larger 370 to 1,100 liters (13.06 to 38.83 cubic ft.) on the A3 Sportback. On quattro versions the trunk floor is a few centimeters higher, to accommodate the special rear axle. A particularly ingenious feature is available for the front-wheel-drive versions - a sturdy, reversible loadliner that is a practical, easy-to-clean tray e.g. for carrying wet items, which can be removed from the car as a carrying tray. Audi can also supply the options of roof rails and a panoramic sunroof
for the versatile A3 Sportback.

Powerful drive: the engines

As before, Audi is bringing the A3 and A3 Sportback onto the market with eight different engines - five gasoline and three diesel versions. Six of them are pioneering four-cylinder direct injection units with turbocharging. Their abbreviations TFSI and TDI encapsulate the strengths of Audi's engine technology - performance, high torque, dynamism, refinement and efficiency. The 1.6 unit develops 75 kW (102 hp), the 1.4 TFSI 92 kW (125 hp), the 1.8 TFSI 118 kW (160 hp) and the 2.0 TFSI 147 kW (200 hp), while the 3.2 quattro with its six cylinders musters 184 kW (250 hp). The 1.9 TDI delivers 77 kW (105 hp) and the 2.0 TDI 103 kW (140 hp) or 125 kW (170 hp), depending on specification. Both two-liter diesel engines have been extensively reengineered - a new common rail injection system now assures ultra-refined running.

The 1.6-liter gasoline engine can also be supplied in conjunction with manual transmission for low-cost running on ethanol E 85 fuel. The diesel with an output of 77 kW (105 hp) is the power unit of the extremely efficient 1.9 TDI e version which, thanks to special fine-tuning measures, clocks up 100 kilometers on a mere 4.5 liters of diesel (52.27 mpg). Most of the other engines likewise slash fuel consumption by as much as 15 percent. The 1.8 TFSI and the technically closely related 2.0 TFSI have been frictionally optimized and have new cylinder bores, pistons and oil pumps.

High tech from Audi: the new transmissions

The range of transmissions has been extended and become even more appealing. Almost all engine versions are supplied as standard with six-speed manual transmission. The 1.6 and 1.9 TDI are outfitted with five-speed manual transmission, and the 3.2 is available exclusively with the S tronic dual-clutch transmission, now also available optionally for all engine versions. The high-tech S tronic changes gears with extreme speed and smoothness. The driver can set it to operate in a fully automatic mode or change gears manually - either at the selector lever or with the standard shift paddles on the leather sport steering wheel (from 103 kW/140 hp).

The S tronic on the six-cylinder engine, the 2.0 TFSI and the diesel versions has six speeds, whereas the 1.6, the 1.4 TFSI and the 1.8 TFSI feature a newly developed seven-speed S tronic. Both its clutches are dry-running - an innovative approach. This means that they do not need a separate oil supply, further adding to their already impressive efficiency. The seven gears are closely spaced for a sporty response, though the top gear is sufficiently high-geared to reduce the engine speed, cutting fuel consumption as a result.

The quattro versions, which put the A3 in a different league to the other players in the premium compact class, likewise have even more to offer. The all-wheel-drive system is available for five engine versions - for the 1.8 TFSI, the 2.0 TFSI, the 3.2 (as standard) and the two 2.0 TDI versions. In its latest technical form the central hydraulic multi-plate clutch responds even faster when the engine's power needs to be redistributed between the front and rear wheels. This increases stability, traction and driving pleasure for the driver.

The standard-fit dynamic suspension, too, provides safety, dynamic handling and comfort all rolled into one. The captivating precision with which the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback handle and their well-balanced character owe a great deal to elaborate concepts such as the four-link rear suspension and the efficient electromechanical power steering. There is optional sport suspension that supports the body 15 millimeters (0.59 in) lower; it is standard on the Ambition, in conjunction with 17-inch alloys. The option of acoustic glass for the windshield (standard on Ambiente) enhances occupant comfort and improves the car's acoustic behavior.

Way ahead of the competition: Audi magnetic ride

There is another new feature that puts the A3 and A3 Sportback streets ahead of their challengers: The adaptive-action shock absorber control system by the name of Audi magnetic ride. This system overcomes the age-old conflict between dynamic behavior and ride comfort. The driver can choose between "Normal" and "Sport" programs by flipping a switch. A magneto-rheological fluid circulating in the shock absorbers changes its flow properties within milliseconds when a voltage is applied; this affects the damping characteristic, which can be varied from comfortably supple to crisply firm. Audi can supply the electronic damping control system as an option for the gasoline versions from 118 kW (160 hp) upwards, as well as for both two-liter TDI versions.

The equipment range for the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback has also been greatly extended. As before, there are three lines to choose from. Attraction is the version with compelling character; the dynamic-looking Ambition for instance includes sport seats, sport suspension and 17-inch wheels, and the luxurious Ambiente equipment line features such items as cruise control, a light and rain sensor, an interior lighting package and the new addition of a windshield with acoustic glass.

For an even more customized specification there are the S line, comprising an exterior package and a sport package, the deluxe Audi exclusive line, and the choice items available within the Audi exclusive range. On all equipment lines and engine versions for the German market, the chorus radio system with four speakers is now standard. There are also modern infotainment systems available, including the Bose Sound System; the Audi exclusive range includes a connection socket for an iPod.

The array of other new options demonstrates the high technological standard of the A3 car line. These include deluxe automatic air conditioning, adaptive light - the dynamic cornering light system - and the Audi parking system for front and rear, displaying the distance from an obstruction via the frequency of the signal emitted. Then there is the new parking assistant. Its pioneering ultrasound sensors scan the parking spaces by the roadside as the car is driven slowly past; the driver is informed in the instrument cluster if one of them is sufficiently large to back into. If the reverse gear is engaged and the accelerator pressed, the system manipulates the electromechanical steering to guide the car automatically into the space. All the driver need do is attend to the accelerator, clutch and brakes.

Pure performance: the new S3 Sportback

The dynamic range-topping member of the A3 family sports new features, too. There is now a second top model on the market, with the S3 Sportback joining the three-door Audi S3. Both versions are equipped with the same engine, the reengineered 2.0 TFSI with an output of 195 kW (265 hp). With 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft)of torque available constantly from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm, the direct-injection, two-liter turbo catapults the three-door model from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.7 seconds (Sportback: 5.8 seconds); the top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Yet the S3's fuel consumption is astonishingly low, at an average of 8.5 liters per 100 km (27.67 mpg).

A six-speed manual transmission handles the business of getting the power from the engine to the standard quattro driveline; 18-inch wheels provide a firm grip with the road. The sport suspension holds the body 25 millimeters (0.98 in) lower and integrates lightweight aluminum components. Black brake calipers act on 17-inch disk brakes. Audi's compact premium sports model offers the reflexes of a top athlete. It reacts spontaneously to steering movements and its handling remains stable, precise and almost neutral right up to its physical limits. When coming out of a bend it veritably seems to dig its claws into the tarmac, enabling the driver to start accelerating again at the earliest possible moment.

Like the A3, the S3 has been optically modified and is clearly distinguished by a number of striking lines, for example on the radiator grille, on the bumpers and on the roof spoiler, as well as by the aluminum-look exterior mirrors. Inside, the driver and front passenger are greeted by sport seats with cloth, Alcantara/leather or all-leather upholstery; Audi exclusive bucket seats are available as an option. Aluminum pedals, three different styles of inlay and a black or silver headlining create an exclusively sporty look. Deluxe automatic air conditioning, an anti-theft alarm and xenon plus headlamps with LED daytime running light extend the range of standard features.

The further optimized Audi A3, A3 Sportback and the two S3 versions are about to go on the market; shipping of the new models will begin in the summer. In conclusion, the comprehensively improved A3 comes with an extended range of standard equipment, including the chorus radio system - all at a starting price of € 20,350.

This is one of those rare occasions where the most appropriate reaction to an engine transplant is to stand from your chair, and begin a slow clap of awe-inspired appreciation. It takes a certain kind of bonkers maniac to wrest the 2.2 liter 4-cylinder Lotus engine and Citroen gearbox from an otherwise impeccable example of a 1981 Lotus Esprit and install a monster German V8 of aluminum und schteel. Follow along in forum format as our hero goes about the heart transplant, and wonder in awe as he custom machines parts for the beast. We want to be like him when we grow up. [Motorgeek]

Though not the next generation of the Audi A3 line which winked at us from the cover of Autobild, this shot of what appears to be the new Audi S3 Sportback sure does look good in a shrunken, well-powered wagon sort of way. Snapped somewhere in Germany behind the oppressive bars of what we're assuming to be some sort of Audi facility, the upgraded four-door hatch gets a set of 18 inch wheels and some aggressive body work. We're told to expect an engine to match that aggressive-looking exterior — specifically, a 265 HP 2.0-liter turbo four with a six speed manual or a flappy paddle shifter. We're happy to see the more powerful version is just around the corner, as one of the biggest complaints of the A3 is its relative lack of motivation for the price — though we suspect all that motivation will motivate Audi to command a meaty premium over the standard A3. [Audiblog via Carscoop]

Ol' JC spins a tale of finding himself stuck somewhere eight miles high in Canada at an abandoned weather station with a guy named Halli, an uncultured Icelandic type who, from the sound of Clarkson's fabulous hyperbole, undoubtedly rebuild a drawbridge with nothing but a found crate of Doublemint foil wrappers, the soldering flux he invariably carries in his pocket and a fake Zippo bought at Keflavik International. Jezza also goes on about the Audi S3, which he doesn't much care for. He also says the RS 3 is two years away. What, praytell, will power that wee beastie? – Davey G. Johnson

Audi S3 [Times, UK]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Audi RS4 - He Said Supercar, He Said 'Meh' Edition - Part 1 [Internal]

As you saw in our earlier post, Audi doesn't want to show you any more than a couple of high-res photos until Paris. Well, that didn't quite sit right with us, so we've decided to do some crop work for you and build a little photo gallery of the Audi strutting its stuff...and at a resolution where it'll actually be meaningful for you. That said, here's the love.

Related:
Hearty Hatch: Audi Reveals 2007 S3 [internal]

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]

It's official, says the blog of cars that are German. Audi will launch the new S-series version of its A3, the (wait for it) S3, in the fall of 2006. That means we'll likely get our first look at the Paris show in late September. V-dub watchers wonder how the $40,000 hatch will stack up against the upcoming, similarly powered VW Golf R36 (reportedly), which will likely cost a few grand less in the States. Maybe Audi will just bypass the US altogether, as it did with the previous version. Maybe that's for the best.

Audi S3: Officially confirmed, will already arrive in autumn 2006! [The German Car Blog]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 Audi S3 [internal]