Abt Sportsline's 310-horsepower Audi S3
Click image for gallery
The latest Deutsch treat from Abt Sportsline is a tuned Audi S3. As you're all well aware, there is no S3 here in the US, nor is there a plan to sell one. The US doesn't even get the 3-door A3 that the S is based on, anyway. European drivers will be able to hand their cars over to Abt Sportsline, which will juice up the potent 2.0 TFSI to an impressive 310 horses and 309 lb-ft of torque. Abt also upgrades the suspension and fits a sport exhaust and handsome 19-inch wheels. Understated looks, legit power, and deft handling are what Abt stirs into the pot with this S3, and that combo's usually a recipe for fun. Unfortunately, it's one Americans can't taste-test. Too bad, as the car's 5.4 second 0-62 time and 160 mph top end sound delicious.
[Source: Abt Sportsline]
Gallery: Abt S3
PRESS RELEASE:
Abt S3 – compact in his fastest form
Purely dynamic is the fastest member of the A3 family. The performance data of the serial model already convinces. But when Abt Sportsline modifies the S3, it results in a premium sports car which is suited perfectly for the daily use but also shows distinctive racing genes.
After the power treatment by the famous specialist for vehicles of the Volkswagen group, the 2.0 TFSI engine in the Abt S3 achieves 310 hp (228 kW) and overpowers his colleague from Ingolstadt by 45 hp (33kW). The quick Abt is distinctively more dynamic: 420 Newton meters of torque (the series model has 350 Newton meters) are pushing the driver deeply into the seat. The Abt S3 accelerates in 5.4 seconds from zero to 100 km/h and reaches a maximum speed from 258 km/h. For the sportive ambition of the driver the 45 additional horses are an inexpensive but worthwhile purchase.
Moreover the Abt suspension being adjusted by DTM race driver Christian Abt provides a perfect handling of the compact sports car. The Abt exhaust system gives the rear of the S3 a powerful and impressive look – and is responsible for the typical sound, which you demand from an Abt sports car. The icing on the cake for the complete appearance of the power package are the Abt AR wheels in 19 inch.
The Abt S3 has the power to become top of the class – he is simply better. Anybody looking for a car providing sportiness and driving pleasure combined in a compact size is getting the maximum with the Abt S3.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
paul 6:25PM (8/16/2007)
thats one hot pocket rocket....now why in the world dont they bring this here
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Don 4:56PM (8/17/2007)
Yeah, it's decent...but it's still a tarted up GTI.
BartMack 6:43PM (8/16/2007)
Not having a small 2 (or 3) door coupe has stopped me from being able to shop Audi seriously. Yes I have considered the new TT, and it is hot, but when I specced one it was $50k+ in a blink- I don't want the small engine and don't want FWD, so the (3.2?) Quattro was the lowest spec I'd be content with, and of course I want the sport package stuff too...
I will say the A3 I saw at a car show had *THE MOST* impeccable interior I can remember laying eyes on, but as noted, only the 5 door comes to the US, and really the current shape is not as sexy as it should be. I still like Audi very much tho- maybe one of the upcoming variants will hit the spot.
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Nick 7:29PM (8/16/2007)
God, tuning an Audi must be like asking for things to break.
Why don't they do some of that work on a reliable car? I love Audi and VW offerings, and I would buy one but for their shoddy reliability.
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hashiryu 7:33PM (8/16/2007)
Talk about Hot Hatch!!!
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Noz 10:16PM (8/16/2007)
As awe-inspiring this hot hatch is, isn't a 5.4 0-60 a tick slow for 310 horsepower in a vehicle this size? Don't get me wrong, I love the Audi (i drive an A3 3.2Q), but a stock sti\evo could still outrun the abt off the line. Though i guess one could argue that the interior in the S3 is miles ahead of the rally racers in terms of refinement
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Grant 10:33PM (8/16/2007)
I totally want one....here's hoping to getting stationed in Germany......
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ArchAngel 3:34AM (8/17/2007)
You guys should import one from Canada or something.
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Daneeeh 9:07AM (8/17/2007)
WANT
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David Gevert 11:47AM (8/17/2007)
Noz:
I say this as a Subaru fanboy and a WRX owner...neither the STi nor the Evo are anywhere near as sexy as the Audi S3 3-door hatchback. The S3 is on my top 5 list of cars I only wish were sold in the states and I would even consider trading in my precious '04 WRX for one.
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