Autoblog

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]

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]

When the next generation of clean diesels finally make their way into the hands of anxious American consumers, we expect some tuners to welcome them with open arms. After all, vehicles equipped with turbos from the factory are begging to be tweaked, and when it comes to diesels, the results can boost fuel economy, along with performance.

AC Schnitzer is already making inroads with BMW's dual-turbo 3-liter diesel, boosting output of the oilburner from 231 HP to 265 HP through a remapped ECU and a dual exhaust. Their S3 package not only includes tweaks to the engine, but also a fully reworked body kit. Designed for the new 3-series convertible, the kit comes complete with a new front spoiler, rear apron and side skirts, while the suspension gets a strut tower brace and a revised rear stabilizer bar.

An AC Schnitzer makeover wouldn't be complete without some trick rolling stock, so customers can choose between either 19- or 20-inch rims, with the latter sporting 245s up front and 295s in the rear.

While we can espouse the virtues of diesel all day long, what we're really looking forward to from AC Schnitzer is it upcoming tweaks to the twin-turbo three-liter six in the 335i. If the S3 is any indication, good things are on the way.

[Source: InsideLine]

Click the image to access our gallery of pics.

When it comes to vehicles that aren't available here in the U.S., several rides are on our automotive shortlist. The S3 however, isn't one of them. According to some of our friends across the pond, we're weren't missing out on much when Audi decided to make it's hottest of hatches only available in Europe. This is especially true when one considers the amount of sport compacts at our disposal here in the States.

However, our disappointment grows exponentially when we see what some of the tuners abroad have been able to do to the S3. One particular aftermarket haus is Motoren Technik Mayer (MTM), whose experience with everything from V-Dubs to Lamborghinis has produced a series of balanced, thoughtful upgrades for Audi's two-door runabout.

This is what happens when you turn me loose on an auto show with an expensive video camera. It's our first try at this whole video thing so be nice. We learned a lot and plan to put together about four more booth tours from the Paris show for you, so hopefully they'll each improve as we go along. This one features highlights from the Volkswagen, Audi and Lamborghini displays including all the usual suspects: VW IROC Concept, Audi R8, Lamborgini Gallardo Nera, etc. Sit back with some popcorn and enjoy the show, this one's a little long (future ones won't be quite as epic).

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]

Information about the upcoming Audi S3 is sketchy at this point, but a photo of Audi's newest S has found its way onto a Spanish-language buff book. Per usual, speculation is rampant, but a few technical facts have made their way into the webiverse over the past two days.

The S3 will more than likely be fitted with a variant of the two-liter TFSI engine and mated to either a 6-speed manual or Audi's delicious DSG. The turbocharged mill will put out approximately 260 bhp, but whether that power will find its way to all four wheels or just the front two remains to be seen.

Aerodynamic enhancements are limited from this vantage point, but a new front splitter accentuating the Audi family's gaping maw, accompanied by larger air inlets to feed the engine and cool the brakes gives cred to the S3's potential. Side skirts are par for the course.

Beyond that, it is educated guesstimating. One could safely assume that an uprated suspension package will be available, along with 17" or 18" wheels shod in stickier rubber. Brakes will grow, exhausts will be retuned and all will be right with Audi's 'lil hatch. That is until an RS variant finds its way to consumers.

Will we benefit from these developments in the U.S.? Who knows? But you can't fault us for dreaming.

[Source: Autoblog.it]

WorldCarFans has posted shots of the long awaited Audi S3 that will debut later this year. The current A3 has been on the market since 2003 without an S3 iteration.

The site is reporting that the S3 will be motivated by a 2.0 TFSi engine producing 260 horsepower. Volkswagen/Audi currently use this engine in various forms across their model lineups. The Audi A4 S-line Special Edition currently has the most powerful version of the 2.0L TFSi engine that produces 220 horsepower. That engine employs different pistons, a modified turbo and new ECU to achieve the bump, though it's not clear how the S3 will squeeze out an additional 40 horsepower.

The A3 is also offered with the company's 3.2L V6 engine that produces a healthy 250 horsepower, so it seems odd that the S3 would feature a four-cylinder working much harder to make a few more ponies. Perhaps the fuel savings afforded by the four-cylinder are significant enough to warrant its use.

The S3 will also have Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system and is visually distinguished by a different front end, larger alloy wheels and dual exhaust pipes. Clearly the model pictured is meant for European markets, so we'll have to wait for its debut overseas before we learn more about U.S. availability.

[Source: WorldCarFans]