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Audi gave up the details on the European-spec A3 earlier this year, but it took until today for it to disclose what changes will carry over to the U.S. model when the 2009 A3 goes on sale later this month.

A cursory inspection of the exterior and specs doesn't reveal much, but dig a little deeper and the revisions become obvious. The fascia has been tweaked with a few cues from the recently revamped A4, including new LED daytime running lamps, and redesigned rollers fill the wheel wells, hiding Audi's optional Magnetic Ride suspension system.

The five-door's powertrain choices remain, with either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four or a 3.2-liter V6, and all-wheel-drive is finally available as an option on the 2.0T model. Previously, Audi's hill-start assist was only available with the S-tronic dual-clutch transmission, but it's now standard on models fitted with the six-speed manual.

Pricing has been set at $26,920 for the front-wheel-drive, six-speed manual model equipped with the 2.0T, while the top of the line 3.2-liter Quattro variant comes in at $36,975.

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro.

Audi has released the first official images of its newest concept before the wraps are taken off at the Lake Wörther Tour in Austria later this month. Think of the Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept as a smaller, racier, more attainable version of the Audi R8 V12 TDI concept shown in Detroit, with power provided by the highest specific output diesel in the world.

Look past the DTM-inspired bodywork and you'll get an aluminum-enhanced glimpse of the oilburning jewel that lies beneath. The 1,968cc turbodiesel produces 221 hp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque available at an oh-so-low 1,750 rpm. Power is sent through a six-speed manual transmission before it reaches the ground through Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi claims that the A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro can reach 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 149 mph. We believe it.

While the body work might be a bit over the top, the tuned A3 sits 26mm lower than stock and rides on 20-inch wheels that fit cleanly into blistered wheel arches, widening the A3's track by 33 mm in front and 46 mm in the rear. Stopping power in the front is provided by six piston calipers clamping 356mm carbon ceramic discs, while standard steel brakes are fitted out back. Inside, it's all business with a bit of show car flare, including a flat-bottom steering wheel, bolstered buckets, aluminum trim, toggle switches and a red starter button to get the party underway. Audi has also fitted the concept with a its Drive Select system, which can change throttle response, exhaust sound, power steering assist, ESP settings and magnetic ride damping on the fly.

Audi isn't saying that the A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro is destined for production, but it would make an excellent runabout for the times when rolling the R8 V12 TDI to the store would be overkill.

Make the jump for the full press release.

Infiniti is gearing up for its entrance into Europe, but something's missing from its lineup: a small car. With BMW's 1-series being a popular choice for badge-obsessed consumers abroad, Infiniti needs something similar to solidify its place in the luxury hierarchy, but what form it will take is unclear.

According to Autocar, Infiniti insiders are planning to unleash something that aims to compete with the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series, but unnamed sources at Infiniti are quick to point out that the shape will be something entirely different than what's currently being offered by its competitors. The two options, according to Autocar, include a smaller crossover that would slot in below the EX35 or a hardtop convertible. Whatever it looks like, expect the new B-class Infiniti to be revealed sometime in 2010.

[Source: Autocar via JustAuto - Sub. Req.]

Click the image above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Audi A3.

For those of you aching to get your hands on the 2009 Audi A3, we have good news: it will go on sale this September and pricing information should be available close to that date. Audi's adapted press release for the U.S. market is available after the jump, but the short and sweet version is we get a choice of either the 200 hp, 2.0-liter TFSI or the 250 hp, 3.2-liter six with Quattro. If you want your power dolled out to all four wheels, but want the turbo'd 2.0-liter, you'll be able to swap cogs with Audi's S-tronic transmission. Hit the jump for all the details.

Click above for a high resolution gallery of the S3 Sportback

Audi has revealed the model updates for the European-spec 2009 A3 and S3. Both are slightly larger than the previous version, and the S3 is now available in the 5-door Sportback version. The front of the A3 receives a freshened look including a more complex design around the grille and more modern headlights with optional bi-xenon units that incorporate LEDs. At the rear there is a modified tailgate and the taillight design uses fiber optic rods to create a pretty cool effect. The interior features new aluminum design trim and new colors and fabrics for the seats, and the controls for the audio system have been given a new look. As for the powertrain, the Euro-only diesel engines have been reworked to include an updated fuel injection system. All engine options are now available with the S tronic transmission, and the 1.6, 1.4 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI engines can be paired with a newly developed seven-speed version.

Follow the jump for the full press release with all the details for the updated A3 and S3, and check out the galleries of each car below.

[Source: Audi]

The Audi Club of North America puts out a publication aptly titled the Quattro Quarterly that gives Audi owners the inside skinny on everything from future products to how to swap bigger brakes into their B5 S4. One of our intrepid readers, Kevin, sent us a few scans of the QQ's latest issue, where it outlines Audi's product plans for the next five years. While some of it has already been confirmed, other interesting factoids, including the future of the R8, RS-TT and the development of an R4, have long been rumored on these very pages. Follow the jump for the full breakdown on what Audi has in store, but be aware that we're handing out grains of salt below the fold.

click above image for high-res gallery of the Audi A3 Cabriolet

Ahead of next week's Bologna Motor Show, Audi has unveiled the A3 Cabriolet for all to see at its Györ, Hungary plant. . Based on what we can glean from the released info, the A3 Cabriolet is a Euro-only machine. As such, there are two TDI powerplants available at launch -- a 105-hp 1.9L and a 140-hp 2.0L. Both offer combined-cycle fuel economy better than 44 mpg. There are also a pair of gasoline engines on offer. The 1.8 TFSI makes 160 hp while the 2.0TFSI we're all familiar with produces another 40 on top of that. The 2.0 TDI and both TFSI engines can be had with optional S Tronic dual-clutch gearboxes instead of their standard manual units. All A3 Cabriolets are front-wheel-drive.

Appearance-wise, it looks pretty much how you'd expect an Audi to look. The shield grille dominates the front end and makes it instantly recognizable.The compact four-seater has a typically well-executed Audi interior, which can be dressed up beyond its standard "Ambition" and "Attraction" trims with S-Line and Audi exclusive packages. The four-seater's soft top is power-operated and can be had as either a semi-automatic or fully-automatic unit. The latter receives an extra layer of sound insulation in its construction to make for a quieter closed-roof ride. When folded, it impacts trunkspace minimally, according to Audi, and can also be operated while the car's moving at speeds up to 30 km/h. Speaking of the trunk, it's available room can be expanded by flipping down the back seats regardless of the roof position.

Sales begin in Europe in early 2008, and like we said, there's no mention made of a US version. That doesn't mean we won't eventually get something in the same vein, however. Remember that Audi showed off the Cross Cabriolet quattro concept in L.A. earlier this month, which looks similar but has AWD and a more powerful engine, so Audi still has the U.S. on its radar screen for a new convertible.

[Source: Audi]

4Car sat down with Michael Dick, a member of Audi's board who heads up the product engineering side of things, and came away with new insights on the MINI-fighting A1, the future of Bentley and what products are waiting in the wings.

Starting small, Audi's new A1 will not share the all-aluminum construction of the less-than-popular A2, instead using the steel PQ24 platform that underpins the VW Polo and Skoda Fabia. It will be distinctly Audi in its design, albeit in a small package, and will feature a number of technologies – specifically the MMI setup – that's found in the quad-ring's luxury offerings. Don't expect Quattro in the beginning, nor will a three-door body be offered at first, but Dick confirmed that there would be a concept debuting in Tokyo next month that hints at the A1's styling.

Audi is also developing a new alloy structure for the A8 that will underpin the next generation of Bentleys, and will likely reduce the overall weight of both models by over 300 pounds. Also, the reworked A3 is coming next year, along with a convertible version, while the Q5 will arrive in 2008 complete with either a hybrid drivetrain or a diesel engine – both slated for sales in the U.S.

[Source: 4Car]

It's no secret that Audi is attempting to be all things to all people, and with its sights set on becoming the preeminent automaker in Deutschland, that means bringing more product to the market in quick order. So say "Hello" to the A3 convertible.

Caught while undergoing testing, the cabrio version of Audi's two-door hatch sports a revised taillight arrangement, along with a new MINIscule boot that looks like it would have a hard time fitting much more than a duffle and a few bags of groceries. The rear-seat passengers apparently will get rollover protection in the form of two hoops behind their heads, and while retractable hardtops are all the rage, previous reports, and these new shots, reveal that Audi will be sticking with a soft-top. No surprise, considering the A3's diminutive footprint and price point.

Follow the 'Read' link below for more, and expect the A3 cabriolet to debut in Geneva next year.

[Source: Auto Titre via the German Car Blog]

When Audi gets done with their corporate spiel at next year's Geneva Motor Show, it's likely that they'll pull back the curtain and unveil their newest attempt to steal market share from the MINIs and 1-series of the world.

The A3 cabrio has been confirmed as the next drop top to come from the quad-ringed company, sporting four seats and an electrically controlled foldable canvas roof. According to AutoExpress, Audi has no intention of offering a hard top 'vert on its models anytime soon.

Power will come from the usual suspects, including the 3.2 V6, all the way down to the 1.6-liter FSI and diesels. At the low end, European customers can expect to pay around £18,500, while those heavy with the pen in the check boxes will top the A3 convertible out around £28k. Sales are expected to begin in 2008.

[Source: AutoExpress]