Calling all Audi followers, there’s a launch subsequent month in your radar, and it comes within the type of the brand new Audi S3. With new options, the Audi S3 is extra than simply an improve, it has elevated output, a torque splitter, and different expertise highlights that provide a sturdy and agile efficiency. It’s compact too, so aesthetically it’s dynamic with an expressive entrance design, a sporty diffuser, and a four-pipe efficiency exhaust system.
Extra efficiency: 2.0 TFSI with 333 PS
With 333 PS and 420 Nm of torque, the S3 is extra highly effective, and as a part of the product improve, the two.0 TFSI receives a rise in output of 23 PS and 20 Nm extra torque. The outcome? Nicely, it’s a assured pulling energy and robust acceleration. The S3 accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds. Most torque is accessible in a large rev vary between 2,100 and 5,500 rpm, and the highest pace is 155 mph. The engine and transmission additionally obtain a sportier tuning: when at a gradual pace and at low to medium acceleration within the part-load vary, the preloaded turbocharger retains at a continuing rpm. Together with the throttle valve, which is opened throughout overrun mode, this improves efficiency. The seven-speed S tronic now permits a extra spontaneous takeoff, because of increased beginning torque. That is achieved by compressing the clutch pack of the respective clutch extra strongly. As well as, the shift time for gearshifts underneath full load has been halved, and engine speeds are elevated underneath partial load when the transmission is ready to D which leads to improved responsiveness.
Extra driving dynamics: Quattro drive system with torque splitter
Following the RS 3, the torque splitter is now additionally accessible within the S3, growing each agility and stability. This expertise permits variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, and the torque splitter makes use of an electronically managed a number of disc clutch on every drive shaft to optimally distribute the torque between the rear wheel on the within and the surface of the curve – relying on the driving state of affairs and the chosen Audi drive choose mode.
Audi drive choose mode dynamic plus
Audi Drive Choose affords six modes for a spread of driving experiences. Plus, there are acquainted profiles (auto, consolation, dynamic, particular person, and effectivity), the mannequin improve for the S3 options the brand new dynamic plus mode, which ensures excessive driving dynamics. To do that, the torque splitter sends as a lot drive torque as potential to the rear axle and to the rear wheel on the surface of the curve, leading to a bent to oversteer. The digital stabilization management (ESC) is mechanically energetic in sport mode. Modest interventions by the ESC system guarantee an elevated emotional driving expertise on surfaces with totally different friction coefficients. The engine and transmission have additionally been tuned particularly for dynamic plus mode. In comparison with the dynamic mode, the idle pace of the two.0 TFSI has elevated by 200 rpm to 1,300 rpm to enhance off-the-line efficiency additional. The throttle response is much more direct. Along with shorter gearshifts, the transmission additionally contributes to elevated dynamics with later upshifts and earlier downshifts.
Extra precision with suspension optimizations
Wishbones with stiffer bearings and new pivot bearings permit extra detrimental wheel camber to make sure improved steering response and elevated lateral management, equalling higher grip and dynamics in corners — and the optimized progressive steering helps the S3 take corners extra exactly.
The S sports activities suspension comes customary within the S3 fashions and lowers the physique by 15 mm in comparison with the A3. The identical applies to the S sport suspension with adaptive dampers, accessible on the S3 Vorsprung, which has been specifically tuned for the torque splitter and the respective Audi drive choose modes.
A brand new era of digital stabilization management can be used. Wheel-selective torque management, which selectively brakes the wheels on the within of the curve barely whereas cornering, has additionally been additional developed, as have the traction and deceleration behaviors. General, the S3-specific tuning of the suspension management programs leads to dynamic turn-in and driving habits. The improved dealing with goes hand in hand with improved stability on the restrict.
Extra deceleration with bigger brake discs
The ramped-up driving dynamics imply elevated demand on the brakes. For that reason, the mannequin improve for the S3 has been geared up with bigger ventilated brake disks on the entrance axle, that are perforated to supply a visible spotlight. The 18-inch metal brake now measures 357 mm in diameter and, at 34 mm, is 4 mm thicker than earlier than.
The 2-piston calipers on the entrance are new too. They additional enhance braking efficiency, as do the bigger pads and bigger friction floor of the discs, which have a considerably increased thermal and so, the next load capability.
Progressive design
This Audi S3 has a good sportier look cueing the hexagonal, frameless Singleframe includes a new construction that’s flatter and wider. L-shaped design components intensify the voluminous grille, together with the angular facet air intakes. A placing entrance spoiler, with two vertical struts impressed by motorsport, connects the 2 and additional lowers the S3 visually.
A brand new bumper additionally makes the rear look extra dynamic than ever. The construction of the Singleframe with its distinctive L-wings is mirrored within the shiny black rear apron above the diffuser. It’s divided into two components for an S-specific design that appears notably sporty when mixed with the vertical facet reflectors which can be a design characteristic of RS fashions. The dynamic look is rounded out by 4 tailpipes, one other attribute S-model characteristic. The elective efficiency exhaust system, which delivers a extra voluminous sound, includes a titanium silencer.
The car’s progressive design sees new metallic finishes equivalent to District Inexperienced, Ascari Blue, and Progressive Purple, and for the primary time, Daytona Gray is accessible in a matte end.
Extra lighting choices
Just like the redesigned Singleframe, the lighting design is considerably flatter, emphasizing the width of the Audi S3. The 24-pixel components that make up the digital daytime operating lights within the LED and Matrix LED headlights are actually organized in three rows on the higher fringe of the housing. For the primary time in A3 sequence fashions, it’s potential to pick out and change between as much as 4 digital daytime operating gentle signatures within the MMI. The hind lights additionally characteristic a brand new rear gentle design and new staging of the approaching dwelling/leaving dwelling perform.
“This affords our prospects the next diploma of personalization. They will change the expression of their mannequin at any time. The signatures interpret self-confidence and agility in several methods. That is additionally true for the approaching dwelling/leaving dwelling situations, designed individually for every signature,” says Cesar Muntada, Head of Design Mild Expertise at AUDI AG.
Sharp inside
To match the placing exterior, the inside has additionally been sharpened, cue the shifter design and air vents, the ornamental material inlays, and new lighting. The usual ambient gentle bundle plus within the S3 provides accents within the storage compartment in entrance of the shifter, on the doorways, and within the footwell. With the mannequin improve, the middle console and cup holder additionally characteristic contour lighting — one new design factor is the material panel within the entrance doorways that’s laser-cut 300 instances. Its 5 segments are backlit by a lightweight supply within the door panel. The totally different sizes of the weather create a dynamic circulation of sunshine, which can be obvious when locking and unlocking the car. This makes the illuminated material panel a novel design expertise.
Inside count on darkish colors with silver accents, such because the black roof lining, chrome steel pedals, illuminated door sills with aluminium inserts, and aluminium-style inside trim for a sporty really feel. Synthetic leather-based armrests and three-zone consolation air-con come customary. Flattened on the backside, the three‑spoke sports activities contour leather-based steering wheel options multifunction buttons and new chrome-plated steering wheel paddles. Sports activities seats with built-in headrests and pronounced facet bolsters present enhanced lateral help. Along with Dinamica microfibre, a brand new technical textured material is accessible for the ornamental inlays, as is carbon fiber, which is accessible on the S3 Vorsprung.
Elevated performance with the combination of apps
The S3 is digital and linked, because of quite a few join providers, features on demand, and a retailer for apps. Along with DAB+ digital radio and the ten.1-inch contact show, the Audi digital cockpit plus, and an inductive smartphone charger all come as customary. Along with the 2 entrance USB-C charging ports within the heart console, there are two extra ports within the rear as customary.
Different elective options embody MMI navigation plus, together with the join portfolio and entry to the shop for apps, permitting the driving force to make use of a spread of apps on the car show. The chosen apps are put in within the S3’s infotainment system with out taking a detour by way of the consumer’s smartphone. Customers can even work together with their apps by way of voice instructions.
The Audi S3, accessible as a Sportback and Saloon, goes on sale subsequent month.
