Autoblog

2013 Audi S3

Matt Davis — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, First Drives

Coming Soon To Our Shores With Two More Doors And A Trunk

The Audi S3 is not exactly a sales juggernaut, despite it being a bit of a legend for passionate fans of the small German premium genre. In most markets outside of Europe, people may consider such setups as the S3 three-door tested here, look at the price, and then think maybe they should just get a nice A4 sedan with greater practicality for similar cash. That certainly has been one reason Audi has never officially brought the S3 hatchback to the United States. And the 335-horsepower RS3 Sportback? Forget about it nearly everywhere but in Germanic regions, Switzerland and the UK.

All of which automatically turns the new S3 hatchback into an unattainable object of desire for many fans of the four-ringed brand. The good news, of course, for many markets not on the three-door S3's dance card is that most of us will get a shot at buying the new S3 sedan that will be powered by the same drivetrain tested here. We reported heavily on the sedan version from the recent New York Auto Show and are convinced that there is much for North American shoppers to like.

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2013 Audi S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi S3 Sedan boasts SAE 296 hp, 0-60 in 4.7 seconds

Matt Davis — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Audi

The (technically speaking) 2015 Audi S3 sedan should start at right near $39,000.

The last time Audi gifted the world with a small sport sedan was way back when the A4 wasn't an entry-luxury executive car costing relative gads of dough, so maybe since the mid-1990s. In a company decision reversal, we're now officially getting the new A3 Sportback starting later this year, but that's a five-door hatch and not a big volume attraction for markets like the United States. And there's no guarantee we'll get the S3 Sportback version yet. So, what to do?

An S3 sedan is what. Audi was nice enough to usher us in to a private audience with this hotly awaited model in a westside Manhattan pier warehouse prior to the official unveil at the New York Auto Show tomorrow. Here is just a knee-jerk reaction to lead off... She do look damned fine, kids. (We'll have live images to share soon, so keep an eye on this post later.)

This heartier version of the new smaller notchback sedan from Ingolstadt is set to launch in western Europe as of December this year (after the A3 sedan in September), and US deliveries will begin during summer 2014. Talking with Audi experts at this little get-together and shoving some numbers around, the (technically speaking) 2015 Audi S3 sedan should start at right near $39,000. US S3 sedans come standard with a sunroof, 18-inch wheels, full leather, Sirius satellite radio, the three-spoke sport steering wheel with shift paddles for the also-standard six-speed S-tronic, and fully automated adjustable sport seats. Unfortunately, no six-speed manual shifting will be offered.

Continue reading Audi S3 Sedan boasts SAE 296 hp, 0-60 in 4.7 seconds

Audi S3 Sedan boasts SAE 296 hp, 0-60 in 4.7 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi S3 Cabriolet spotted in the world for the first time

Zach Bowman — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Audi, Luxury

Spy photographers have finally managed to lay a lens on the upcoming Audi S3 Cabriolet. The new convertible stepped out into the light of day for a little winter testing, and from the looks of things, the model will borrow plenty of design cues from the larger A5. Not that we're complaining. Word has it the S3 will put around 300 horsepower to the pavement via a quattro all-wheel drive system. We've also heard the machine will boast a dual-clutch transmission once it bows.

We've long been fans of the S3 Sportback, and the S5 holds a special place in our hearts as well. A smaller, lighter version of the big cabriolet with all of the aggressive proportions of its larger brother should prove to be a welcome addition to the Audi stable. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available, and be sure to check out the full gallery for a closer look.

Audi S3 Cabriolet spotted in the world for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback; R S is begging for seat time

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi

2012 Audi RS3 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the land of Four Rings, anything with an 'A' at the start of its model name means it's a fairly standard model. Should you see an 'S,' get excited, because that means the fun factor has been ratcheted up a notch. However, if the alpahnumeric starts with 'RS,' then it's time to put on your best steel-eyed gaze, because that particular Audi means business. The RS moniker has been used throughout the German automaker's family, and now it is landing on the A3's hatch lid, transforming the mild-mannered five-door into the 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback.

Audi has taken its 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five engine and forced it to work a little harder. Adding more boost (now running over 17 psi, in fact), the mill in the RS3 pumps out 340 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. That power is routed through a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission and out to all four wheels, which helps pull the 2012 Audi RS3 from 0-62 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds. If you feel like 60 mph is too slow for your liking, then hold down the gas and you'll eventually bump against 155 mph.

There's no word yet on whether this juiced-up hot hatch will make its way Stateside, but we won't be holding our breath, as the bog-standard A3 is already plenty expensive for U.S. tastes. Either way, the RS3 goes on sale in Europe sometime during the first half of 2011.

Gallery: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback

Continue reading Geneva 2011: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback; R S is begging for seat time

Geneva 2011: 2012 Audi RS3 Sportback; R S is begging for seat time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi RS3 does Austria's Gloßglockner

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

In reaction to news that Audi put up an online petition to bring the TT RS to the U.S., a number of commenters opined that they'd rather have the S3. Well, you're no closer to getting it, but you can see its even hotter brother, the RS3, in spy shots taken in Austria.

Almost all of the work seems to have taken place up front, where the hottest Audi hatch gets new headlights and gaping intakes. Even though there's an S3 badge on the front and standard exhaust outlets in back (not the oval units reserved for Audi's RS models), this isn't your standard S model. The shooter claims the redline on the mule is 6,500 rpm, where as the normal S3's redline is 6,000 rpm. And we'd be remiss not to mention these earlier spy shots of an Audi RS3 testing at the 'Ring, wearing the same S3 badges as well.

Not that it matters - we won't get either of them, although a hotted up A3 sedan could come someday. But that doesn't mean you can't start your own online petition to convince Audi otherwise. Get to work...

[Source: Autoliefhebber (translated)]

Spy Shots: Audi RS3 does Austria's Gloßglockner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi RS3 takes to the 'Ring (with adjustable wing?)

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi RS3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The next generation Audi RS3 is coming, it's just a matter of when. But the bigger question is what's going to power Audi's hottest hatch when it arrives on European shores.

Considering that the A3 on which it's based shares the same platform (PQ35) as the TT RS, there's a good chance that Audi could swap the coupe's turbocharged 2.5-liter FSI inline-five into the engine bay. Unchanged, the five-pot would put out 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque to either a six-speed manual or S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox, and naturally, power will be delivered to all four wheels with a similar 40:60 front-to-rear torque split.

Our recent batch of spy shots show a slightly modified A3, complete with a RS-ified fascia, lower stance and massive brakes front and rear, although the single, twin-tipped exhaust (and grilled-mounted badge) could be mistaken for a standard S3. More interestingly is the rear wing, which remained fixed during part of the RS3's 'Ring run, but was canted upwards around another section. It could be some kind of adaptive air brake or it could've just come undone while whipping around the track.

Regardless, since Audi doesn't offer an S3 in the U.S., there's little chance of the RS3 making it to the States anytime soon.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Audi RS3

Spy Shots: Audi RS3 takes to the 'Ring (with adjustable wing?) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Audi's musically gifted S3

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 04 May 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Audi, Humor

Audi's musically gifted S3 - Click above to watch the video after the break

What is it about music and driving that make the two so inexorably linked? Hard to say, but there's simply no doubting that the right tune can turn a boring and mundane drive home from work into a truly enjoyable experience.

But have you ever actually tried making music using your automobile? It's been done before, but never in quite the same way as you'll see performed in the video after the break, courtesy of our friends at Audi. Sure, you might say that the 265 horses under the S3's hood make more than enough ~~neighs~~ ~~whinnies~~ music all on their own, but there's no use crying over spilled... um, water.

Click past the break to watch the video, and see more funny car commercials at veryfunnyads.com.

[Source: veryfunnyads.com]

Continue reading Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Audi's musically gifted S3

Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Audi's musically gifted S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 May 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Legalize It: Horchaus federalizing non-U.S. Audis for North America

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Europe, Audi, Canada

All your dreams do come true - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're going back and forth on this one. Do we file it under "We'll believe it when we see it" or "Pinch me I'm dreaming"? Either way, we get to sub-tag it, "Thank God for rich friends." That's right y'all, Audi is allowing Horchaus, the Canadian distributor MTM, to federalize some special four-ringers for American consumption. These are the real deal, hopped-up German Audis, straight from the tweaker factory.

As we're sure you all know, Audi keeps a whole bunch of extra spicy models back in Europe. Why? The excuses typically involve some song and dance about Americans not wanting high performance station wagons (as if), though in the case of the RS4 Avant (arguably the most desirable car we can't buy), the U.S. prohibition was because the rear-mounted battery didn't pass DOT certification...

So which cars can we now get via Horchaus? The RS4 Avant, RS4 Convertible, S3, the RS6 sedan and RS6 Avant, Q7 V12 TDI and TT RS. And there's something else to note: Since Euro-tuner MTM is involved in the equation, these cars can be pumped up a bit over stock. One example would be the twin-turbo V10 in the RS6 upped from a paltry 580 horsepower to a more appropriate 735 hp.

That said, Horchaus's pricing announcement is leading us back to the "We'll believe it when we see it" category. Using nothing but a straight Euros-to-dollars conversion rate, the RS6 would cost you about $150,000. However, Horchaus is saying it can be yours for just $107,600. Here's where it gets hinky. Supposedly Horchaus can sell you a R8 V10 5.2 FSI for $98,000, which is mucho less expensive than Audi USA sells them for (the last one we drove cost $172,250). We don't believe this last bit. Still, will us Americanos be able to get two of the hottest wagons in the world? Si senor, si.

UPDATE: After collaborating with a few colleagues who've spoken with people at both Audi Canada and Audi of America, along with Audi AG, we're a little unsure how a few of the vehicles listed could make it to the States and be legalized. The RS4 and S4 Avants shouldn't be a problem, as both have had their engines federalized and the S4 Avant has been crash-tested for the U.S. requirements. The RS6 Avant and its V10 engine have not, so importation of that beast is hardly cut and dry. We'll continue poking around and update this post as necessary.

Gallery: Audi RS6

[Source: IEDEI ]

Legalize It: Horchaus federalizing non-U.S. Audis for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 MTM Audi A3 Sportback is a singular sport (with) utility

Chris Paukert — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, New Car Reviews

2009 MTM Audi A3 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the automotive world, price is increasingly a function of degrees. How's that? Dial in a faster windscreen angle, aggressively rake the rear glass and - voilà! - you've just padded your margins to the tune of a few thousand bucks. Take a plain-jane sedan, hire some stylists to turn it into a "four-door coupe" with a racy greenhouse, and you can use the same mechanicals and still charge a mint. The same goes for crossovers - just steepen the backlight and you're in the ducats. Not convinced? See the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW X6 for field notes.

MTM is planning on selling only 15 of these in the U.S.

We note all of this because we're sure you're going to look at the upright profile of this MTM Audi A3 Sportback and dismissively turn up your nose when you learn its pricetag is around $55,000. But if we lopped off a couple of doors or gave it a less formal roofline, we'd be willing to bet that its price would suddenly look a lot more palatable. All of which is understandable, really, as $55k is a lot of coin to be shelling out - especially considering that at a few shekels over $27k, a base A3 starts at roughly half the money.

But shelve your bodystyle prejudices and bear with us for a moment. If you're like us, you've looked longingly at a lot of what the Four-Ringed Wunder has been kicking out on its home continent - models like the RS6 Avant, TT-RS and S3. And unless you've got some seriously deep pockets, an inside man on the gray market and a relative who owes you a favor at the local DMV, you haven't got a prayer of landing any such tasty treats here in the U.S. So while the folks at Motoren-Technik-Mayer (MTM) can't source you an assembly-line-fresh S3 for your middle-American driveway, they can build you a road-legal doppelganger, and as it turns out, that ain't half bad.

We've talked up the Audi A3's virtues and vices before, so we'll spare you the gab about how much we enjoy its well-resolved interior, grippy Quattro all-wheel drive, planted handling and surprising utility. We've also not been shy in mentioning how its price tag can get disastrously dear with just a brief once-over of Audi's options list - and that's before handing it over to a tuner like MTM. But enough with the apologies - ride along with us past the jump to see if this hot hatch is full of excuses... or full of win.

Gallery: Review: 2009 MTM Audi A3 Sportback

Continue reading Review: 2009 MTM Audi A3 Sportback is a singular sport (with) utility

Review: 2009 MTM Audi A3 Sportback is a singular sport (with) utility originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi to unveil RS3 in Frankfurt?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Hatchback, Audi

Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Frankfurt Motor Show is fast approaching with a slew of exciting debuts. And you can bet Audi will use the semi-annual home-turf show to debut some savory pieces of machinery, but just what those will be is still a matter of speculation. Earlier reports suggested the new A8 could bow in Frankfurt, along with ruminations of drop-top or even electric variants of the R8 supercar. But the latest reports indicate that Ingolstadt is secretly preparing the RS3 hot hatch for its close up.

Based on the A3 premium hatch, the RS3 would firmly upstage the existing S3 with the TT RS powerplant, only reportedly tuned up to as much as 400 horsepower. That's a lot of horses, but you can bet Audi's signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system would be up to the task. Frankfurt debut or not, this is one four-ringed circus we're looking forward to, whenever it's ready.

Gallery: Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept

[Source: Auto Motor & Sport (Swedish edition) via World Car Fans]

Audi to unveil RS3 in Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi S3 and S3 Sportback get S tronic dual-clutch trannies

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Budget, Technology, Hatchback, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi S3 Sportback

Audi's five-door S3 and its Sportback sibling will now be able to benefit from the S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Mated to the 2.0-liter TSFI, you'll seamlessly shift from first all the way to sixth, with 265 hp on tap and 258 lb-ft. available from just 2,500 rpm. You'll also get even better gas mileage, with both cars registering 28 mpg, not to mention hitting sixty two-tenths of a second faster than would with a manual: 5.5 or 5.6 seconds depending on whether you're piloting the three- or five-door. The DCT is available now, and for better gas mileage, quicker shifts, and a quicker car... why wouldn't you?

Gallery: 2009 Audi S3 Sportback

Continue reading Audi S3 and S3 Sportback get S tronic dual-clutch trannies

Audi S3 and S3 Sportback get S tronic dual-clutch trannies originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi S3 gets 7-speed DSG

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Wagon, Europe, Hatchback, Audi

Click above for a high resolution gallery of the S3 Sportback

Audi made a bit of a splash earlier this year with the announcement that the new-for-'09 S3 would be available in either the three-door style or the more practical Sportback five-door hatch. Equipped with a high-pressure 2.0-liter turbo engine with 265-horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the S3 can scoot to sixty in just 5.5 seconds, all while getting nearly 30 miles per gallon. Making the most of that power is the firm's new seven-speed twin-clutch S-Tronic gearbox, which we've had nothing but good things to say about in its past six-speed incarnation. That gearbox will command a £1,450 premium over the standard manual transmission for our European friends. That price will also include twin steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, another first for the S3. Total cost for the three-door stands at £28,920, while £29,420 will get you an S3 with Sportback. Of course, Quattro all-wheel drive comes standard on both. Sadly, the whole S3 package is available only in Europe.

Gallery: 2009 Audi S3 Sportback

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi S3 gets 7-speed DSG

Audi S3 gets 7-speed DSG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi unveils updated A3

Drew Phillips — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:02:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Hatchback, Audi

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.

Gallery: 2009 Audi S3 Sportback

Gallery: 2009 Audi A3

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi unveils updated A3

Audi unveils updated A3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Abt Sportsline's 310-horsepower Audi S3

Alex Nunez — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Audi

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

Continue reading Abt Sportsline's 310-horsepower Audi S3

Abt Sportsline's 310-horsepower Audi S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Motor Show: Audi S3

Erin Mays — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Audi

Fans everywhere of the sporty A3 hatchback have even more reason to drool -- its wicked twin, the Audi S3, just launched in Paris, and we've got pictures to prove it, thanks to Autoblog's Eric Bryant.

With 265 turbocharged horses pumped out by one of Audi's new TFSI engines, this is one hot hatch to watch. A six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox puts the power to the road through Audi's signature quattro all-wheel drive system, and a beefed-up suspension system takes care of the handling. Sport seats characterize the interior, with aluminum accents and panel inlay options of piano finish black, more aluminum or birch wood grain. Upholstery is cloth/leather combo unless upgraded to all leather, and the orange is SWEET in this Autoblogger's humble opinion.

Styling is another notch above the A3, where an extended front fascia and 18-inch wheels make their mark. The only complaint we have is the rear end, which the vehicle shares with the A3 -- the tail lights lack the kind of inspiration seen in the Q7 and other siblings.

The benefits of owning an S3 don't come cheap -- the vehicle starts out at 35,150 euro, or $44,650.

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Audi S3

Paris Motor Show: Audi S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi hatches the new S3

Alex Nunez — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 12:24:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Audi

In our recent Sibling Rivalry series, the Audi A3 demonstrated that it is an extremely competent and fun little car, though dynamically it's oriented more towards luxury than pure street carving. This is not a bad thing at all. Audi is, after all, a luxury brand. When they decide to create a sports model, they start over again, badging the car with their "S" moniker and giving it an identity all its own.

Such is the case with the new S3, introduced today for the European market. Based on the three-door A3 that's not available in North America, this latest hot hatch from Audi brings the goods. Underhood, the 2.0 TFSI's new turbo plumbing and related engine tweaks bring power and torque up to 265 hp and 258 lb ft, significant increases over its A3 sibling (200 hp/207 lb ft). A shorter-throw six-speed manual sends that power to the ground via Audi's Quattro AWD system, while a lower, stiffer suspension gives the car handling characteristics in line with its "S" designation.

(Additional info, photos after the jump)

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi hatches the new S3

Audi hatches the new S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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