Autoblog

300-HP 2013 Audi S3 Sportback unwrapped

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:16:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

Not content to let Volkswagen have all of the fun with its GTI and Golf R, Audi is rebooting its five-door S3 Sportback with rather monstrous power. Headed for an official unveil at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the new S3 rolls out with a 300-horsepower, 280-pound-feet of torque turbocharged 2.0-liter TFSI engine under the hood. The four-cylinder powerplant is strong enough to shove the Sportback to 62 miles per hour in just 5.0 seconds when connected to the optional S-Tronic gearbox, or 5.5 seconds with the traditional manual transmission. Top speed is said to be an electronically governed 155 mph. Almost as impressive as those performance figures are the fuel economy ratings: the S- S3 is said to average 34 miles per gallon.

All S3 Sportback models offer Quattro all-wheel drive, ride on a sport-tuned suspension tuned to a lower ride height (about one inch) versus the standard Audi A3. 18-inch wheels with 225-section tires are standard equipment, and 13.39-inch front brakes should offer serious stopping ability.

Audi has done a lot of work shedding pounds from this latest MQB-architecture S3, as well. The car has a curb weight of roughly 3,186 pounds, or some 154 pounds less than the outgoing model. 11 of those pounds were cut via weight-saving measures in the 2.0-liter engine.

The last generation S3 was never shipped to the US for sale, and Audi has given us no indication thus far that this one will be. We'll expect to pin down a firm answer to that when we see the S3 Sportback roll onto stage at in Geneva.

Continue reading 300-HP 2013 Audi S3 Sportback unwrapped

300-HP 2013 Audi S3 Sportback unwrapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Audi S3 is hot-hatch forbidden fruit par excellence

George Kennedy — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

Alas, of all the not-for-U.S. models we see every year, some sting more than others. While the Volkswagen GTI may define 'hot-hatch' stateside, the 2013 Audi S3 ups the ante, and it looks even tastier and forbidden up close.

The centerpiece of the A3 is the new 2.0-liter TFSI inline-4. The turbocharged mill generates a whopping 300 horsepower and 280 pound feet of torque. Power is sent through either a six-speed manual transmission or optional S-Tronic gearbox to quattro full-time all-wheel drive. With a curb weight that is 132 pounds lower than its predecessor, the S3 is able to get from zero to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds. Fuel economy is listed at 6.9-liters per 100 kilometers, which converts to just over 34 miles per gallon, though the EPA testing cycle differs.

A lot of the luxury and safety tech found in the S3 comes from its larger stablemates. Adaptive cruise control, MMI user interface, navigation, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system all put the 'premium' in 'premium performance compact.'

If you're one of the lucky European hooligans with €38,900 ($50,699) to plunk down, the S3 could be yours. You'll have to wait a few months, though, as it doesn't land in dealerships until early 2013. Audi's PR blast is posted below.

Continue reading 2013 Audi S3 is hot-hatch forbidden fruit par excellence

2013 Audi S3 is hot-hatch forbidden fruit par excellence originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi shows third-gen S3

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EST

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

Just a day after the 2013 Audi A3 Sportback broke cover, the S3 rolls into the frame. It's obvious that Audi would like everyone to pay close attention to what's under the hood, since the first 11 paragraphs of the accompanying press release deal solely with the brand new 2.0-liter TFSI engine. Created with this specific car in mind, it has the same displacement as the previous S3 engine but that's where the commonalities end.

You'll be interested in the output of 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet - all of that torque available from 1,800 rpm - and the bolt from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds with the six-speed S-tronic, 5.4 seconds in the six-speed manual. Other details will please diehard gearheads, like the supplemental use of direct injection on top of the FSI, the lightweight aluminum-silicon alloy cylinder head, twin balance shafts, the new thermal management system and the fact that it weighs 11 pounds less than the previous engine and gets better gas mileage.

Other accoutrements just for the S3 include progressive steering and pushbutton launch control, wrapped in a hot hatch that has lost 132 pounds compared to its antecedent. It will go on sale early next year, with Germans paying €38,900 ($50,699 U.S.) for the privilege of ownership. A press release below has all the details you can handle.

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Audi shows third-gen S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 10:30:00 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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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 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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AC Schnitzer's BMW S3 does diesel right

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 31 May 2007 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Hybrid, Europe, Green, BMW

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]

AC Schnitzer's BMW S3 does diesel right originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2007 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Good things come in threes: 330HP MTM Audi S3

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Hatchback, Audi

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.

Continue reading Good things come in threes: 330HP MTM Audi S3

Good things come in threes: 330HP MTM Audi S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2006 Paris Motor Show Booth Tour - VW / Audi / Lamborghini

John Neff — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Paris Motor Show, Audi, Lamborghini, Volkswagen

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).

VIDEO: 2006 Paris Motor Show Booth Tour - VW / Audi / Lamborghini originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Oct 2006 16:29:00 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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Sneak peek at upcoming Audi S3

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, 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]

Sneak peek at upcoming Audi S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: long awaited Audi S3

John Neff — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, Audi

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]

Spy Shots: long awaited Audi S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jul 2006 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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