|
Rounding out the A3 model line,
the new 3-door Audi S3 is characterised by a potent 188 kW engine, quattro
all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission, all combining to create a
compact luxury sports car with a dynamic personality.
Its sparkling performance and
practical features make the new S3– like all Audi S models – an ideal sports car
for everyday use, according to Audi Australia’s managing director, Joerg
Hofmann.
“The S3 has proven a very
popular vehicle in Australia, with sales of the previous model exceeding our
expectations. Interest in the new model has also been strong from potential
customers via the dealer network. We expect to sell at least 100 units per annum
thanks to the very sporty yet luxurious nature of this new model,” Mr Hofmann
added.
Priced at $65,500, the S3
sprints to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds, up to a governed top speed of 250 km/h.
Aggressively hard-hitting,
free-revving and with a sonorous acoustic profile, the powerful two-litre,
turbocharged four-cylinder unit with FSI petrol direct injection proves to be a
smooth, high-performance engine. Voted Engine of the Year three times in a row
from 2005 to 2007, the 188 kW 2.0 TFSI engines offers handy fuel consumption of
9.2 litres per 100km.
Despite this progressive
engineering, the engine weighs just 152 kg, positively impacting on axle load
distribution and making it ideal for transverse installation.
The engine’s power is
transmitted by a close-ratio manual six-speed gearbox and quattro permanent
four-wheel drive to the large 18-inch alloy wheels. An electronically controlled
multi-plate clutch, positioned at the rear for the benefit of weight balance,
distributes the torque as needed – delivering plenty of grip and maximum driving
safety. All the components in the drive train have been strengthened to cope
with the high level of engine torque
The new S sports suspension
system on the S3 enables an extremely sporty driving style. Responding actively
to steering movements, the S3 exhibits precise and safe handling characteristics
and, thanks to quattro technology, enables maximum acceleration out of bends.
Dynamism is obvious at first
glance. The single-frame grille sports chrome trim, the front skirt has a
spoiler with large air-intakes and the side sills have been restyled. There is a
contrasting platinum grey diffuser built into the rear skirt, along with two
S-style oval chrome tailpipes. Aluminium-look door mirrors and a body-colour
roof spoiler give added impact to the visual statement.
Inside, materials of the highest
quality have been crafted with painstaking care. Dominant elements include
leather sports seats with prominent side sections, also available in a two tone
finish, and the instrument cluster with its racing-style dials and needles. The
red and silver S3 emblem is to be found on the leather sports steering wheel, in
the instrument cluster, on the gear knob and on the door sill trims.
The new Audi S3 is larger than
its predecessor. In comparison, the wheelbase has increased by 59 mm, the
overall length by 55 mm and the width by 2 mm, however height is lowered by 16
mm to create a sportier, coupe-like silhouette.
In terms of handling, the Audi
S3 exhibits all the qualities of a high-performance sports car, responding
instantly to steering movements and achieving high cornering speeds. The
innately sophisticated suspension of the A3 – with subframes front and rear,
triangulated lower wishbones at the front and four-link suspension at the rear –
has been further refined.
Springs and shock absorbers are
stiffer, and the body sits 25 mm lower than an A3 with standard suspension.
Aluminium pivot bearings and wishbones reduce the weight of the front
suspension. Stiffer suspension mounts and a sportier characteristic for the
electro-mechanical steering convey even greater dynamism and precision. A
17-inch brake system with sports brake pads ensures maximum deceleration and the
black painted callipers bear S3 emblems.
Audi Australia expects to sell
more than 100 Audi S3 units per annum.
Click on the
links below to view the completee press kit and specifications for the Audi S3
-
Press
Kit
2.0
TFSI quattro Specifications
|
