Mark your calendars for an upcoming launch: the all-new Audi S3 is poised to make its debut next month, thrilling enthusiasts of the iconic brand. With the introduction of new options, this vehicle now boasts not just improved performance but also a heightened sense of dynamism, courtesy of its elevated output, advanced torque splitter, and cutting-edge technology features that collectively deliver a potent and agile driving experience. Compact yet striking, the vehicle boasts a dynamic exterior profile, accentuated by its distinctive entrance design, a sporty diffuser, and a streamlined four-pipe exhaust system.
Equipped with 333 horsepower and 420 Newton-meters of torque, the S3 boasts exceptional performance capabilities. As part of its refinement package, the 2.0-liter TFSI engine enjoys a 23-horsepower boost and an additional 20 Newton-meter increase in torque. The outcome? With its potent pulling power and rapid acceleration, this performance truly stands out. The S3 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 4.7 seconds. Torque output peaks at a wide engine speed range of 2,100 to 5,500 revolutions per minute, accompanied by a top speed of 155 miles per hour. The engine and transmission receive a sporty recalibration: under steady cruising conditions and during low-to-medium acceleration within the part-throttle range, the pre-loaded turbocharger maintains a consistent RPM. With the throttle valve fully open during overrun mode, overall efficiency is boosted. The seven-speed S tronic now enables an even more spontaneous takeoff, thanks to its increased starting torque. To achieve this, the clutch pack of the relevant clutch is compressed more tightly. The shift time for gearshifts under full load has been significantly reduced, while under partial load, the engine speed increases as the transmission prepares to downshift, thereby enhancing overall responsiveness.
Building on the RS 3’s foundation, the torque splitter’s enhanced availability in the S3 model yields a harmonious blend of agility and stability. This technology enables variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, utilizing an electromagnetically managed multiple-disc clutch on each driveshaft to optimally allocate torque between the inner and outer rear wheels, depending on the driving scenario and selected Audi drive mode.
Offers six distinct modes catering to diverse driving preferences and adventures. Additionally featured are familiar profile settings (automatic, comfort, dynamic, individual, and efficiency) that have been enhanced by the S3’s new dynamic plus mode, elevating its high-performance capabilities to unprecedented levels. When cornering aggressively, the torque splitter distributes as much drive torque as possible to the rear axle and subsequently to the rear wheel, which can induce a tendency to oversteer. The digital stabilization management system exhibits heightened responsiveness and liveliness when operating in sport mode. Subtle adjustments made by the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system ensure a refined emotional driving experience even on surfaces featuring disparate friction coefficients. The engine and transmission have been specifically tuned to deliver optimal performance in dynamic plus mode. Compared to the dynamic mode, the idle speed of the 2.0-liter TFSI engine has been increased by 200 revolutions per minute (RPM) to 1,300 RPM, thereby optimizing off-the-line performance. The engine’s throttle response has been significantly refined, delivering a noticeably more immediate and responsive driving experience. The transmission’s design features shorter gearshifts, which, in combination with later upshifts and earlier downshifts, significantly enhances vehicle dynamics.
By incorporating wishbones with sturdier bearings and advanced pivot bearings, the S3 is empowered to withstand increased wheel camber, thereby enhancing its steering responsiveness and lateral control. This synergy yields elevated grip and dynamic cornering performance, further amplified by the optimized progressive steering system that facilitates precise turns.
The sporty suspension system is a standard feature on S3 models, which lowers the vehicle’s body by 15 millimeters compared to the A3. With its adaptive dampers exclusively available on the S3 Vorsprung, this model boasts a bespoke setup tailored to the torque splitter and Audi’s Drive Select modes, offering an unparalleled driving experience.
A novel digital stabilization solution has been developed for seamless management. Advanced wheel-selective torque management has been refined to precisely brake individual wheels during sharp turns, while also enhancing traction and deceleration dynamics. In terms of S3-specific suspension tuning, the outcome is a harmonious balance between dynamic turn-in and refined driving habits. Improved handling and stability go hand in glove on the same restricted spectrum.
With intensified driving performance comes increased reliance on robust braking capabilities. To enhance its performance capabilities, the mannequin developed for the S3 has been upgraded with larger, ventilated brake discs at the front axle, featuring perforations that create a striking visual effect. The newly standardised 18-inch metal brake boasts a diameter of 357 millimetres, representing a notable increase of 10 millimetres over its predecessor, which measured 33 millimetres in thickness.
The two-piston calipers at the entry point have been newly upgraded as well. The upgraded brake system significantly improves braking performance, thanks to the larger brake pads and expanded friction surfaces on the discs, which offer enhanced thermal resistance and a substantial increase in load-carrying capacity.
The Audi S3 boasts a striking sporty aesthetic, its hexagonal Singleframe grille featuring a fresh design with a flat and wide configuration. A bold and angular front fascia is created by L-shaped design components that amplify the prominence of the voluminous grille, harmoniously paired with sharply defined air intakes. A sleek entrance spoiler, bolstered by two vertical struts that pay homage to motorsport’s rich heritage, seamlessly integrates the front and rear of the S3, subtly lowering its visual profile.
A newly designed bumper significantly enhances the rear’s visual appeal, giving it a more dynamic appearance than before. The Singleframe’s signature L-wing design is reflected in the glossy black rear apron, situated above the diffuser. The sleek design is comprised of two distinct elements, yielding a sporty aesthetic that’s amplified by its integration with vertical aspect reflectors – a characteristic often seen in high-performance RS-inspired designs. The sleek design is further enhanced by four distinctive tailpipes, a hallmark feature of the S-model’s advanced performance capabilities. The non-obligatory high-efficiency exhaust system produces a more resonant sound and features a lightweight titanium silencer.
The car’s progressive design now features a range of new metallic finishes, including District Green, Ascari Blue, and Progressive Red, with Daytona Gray available for the first time in a sleek matte finish.
The newly conceived single-frame grille is mirrored in the refined lighting design, which presents a noticeably more horizontal emphasis, effectively broadening the visual presence of the Audi S3. The 24-pixel elements comprising the digital daytime running lights within current LED and matrix LED headlight designs are arranged in a single row along the upper edge of the housing, rather than being grouped into three distinct rows. For the first time in an A3 series configuration, it’s now possible to choose from up to four different digital daytime running light designs via the MMI. The updated hind lights also feature a sleek new rear lighting design, as well as an enhanced staging sequence for the coming home/leaving home function.
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The interior now harmonizes with the exterior’s refined aesthetic, as evidenced by the updated shift knob, air vents, and intricate material inlays, all of which are complemented by new ambient lighting. Within the S3’s interior, the ambient mild bundle subtly adds warm tones to the storage compartment in front of the shift lever, door panels, and floor console, creating a welcoming ambiance. The updated interior features a refined mannequin, boasting a newly designed middle console with integrated cup holder, as well as a novel contour lighting element. The cutting-edge aesthetic continues with a striking laser-cut metal panel adorning the front doors, boasting an impressive 300 intricate cuts. The five segments are subtly illuminated from behind by a slim power source discreetly integrated into the door panel. Varying weather patterns generate a kinetic energy of sunlight that becomes apparent when opening or closing the car door. The illuminated material panel showcases its design excellence as a standalone expertise.
Within, the cabin relies heavily on dark colours with silver accents, boasting a sleek aesthetic that includes features like a black roof lining, chromed steel pedals, illuminated door sills featuring aluminium inserts, and metallic-finish interior trim that exudes a sporty vibe. Equipped with synthetic leather-based armrests and a standard three-zone climate control air conditioning system, providing optimal comfort for all passengers. Elevating the driving experience, the three-spoke sports-inspired leather-wrapped steering wheel offers a commanding stance, replete with multifunction controls and sleek chrome-finished paddle shifters for seamless gear changes. Sporting activities seats feature integrated headrests and prominent side bolster designs that collectively deliver heightened lateral support. The innovative Dinamica microfibre and a cutting-edge technical textile are now available for decorative inlays, while carbon fibre can be found on the high-performance S3 Vorsprung model.
The AWS S3 is a digitally linked platform, facilitated by numerous integration partners, on-demand capabilities, and an app store for seamless access. With the Audi digital cockpit plus, a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, and an inductive smartphone charging pad, this feature-packed cabin comes standard. DAB+ digital radio is also included. The tablet features two entrance USB-C charging ports conveniently located within the middle console, complemented by an additional pair of standard ports situated at the rear.
A range of optional features includes MMI Navigation Plus, complemented by the Join Portfolio and access to the app store, enabling the driver to utilize a diverse array of apps on the vehicle display. The selected apps seamlessly integrate within the S3’s intuitive infotainment system, bypassing the need to access them through a personal smartphone. With our innovative technology, customers can seamlessly interact with their applications using voice commands.
The all-new Audi S3, available in both Sportback and Saloon models, is set to hit the market next month.
