Audi S3 official pics Update!!

[Poverty]

Audi will launch the sports version of the A3 in autumn this year. It will be equipped with a 2.0 TFSi engine, which is said to deliver 260 HP.

The new S3 has all wheel drive and can be distinguished from the A3 by its different and sportier front end, large alloy wheels and double exhaust pipes.

The photos are showing a prototype without any disguise.

I dont think those are the final alloys though, as theyre very un-audi and too small. I think theyre off the 3.2 those alloys.

 

[El Jarretto]

It says it is distinguished from the A3 by multiple things, but one of them is "Dual exhaust" My mom's A3 has dual exhaust, it's just one tip on each side instead of a cluster. I like this more though, hatchbacks should rule the world.

 

[Jim Prower]

2.0 Turbo, 260HP, AWD.

uhm, does anyone else see what i'm seeing. A Rally-capable car?

 

[Poverty]

Yes a very capable car indeed. It could very well have 270hp, as it will recieve the new 2.0T FSI with audi's new valvetronic, we already now that its capable of 300hp as we saw so in a concept audi car.

They have stock s-line badges on this car as a feeble attempt to trick people into thinking that its not a S3.

 

[Jim Prower]

that 300HP motor could be the launching point for a WRC Effort.

 

[harrytuttle]

Yes a very capable car indeed. It could very well have 270hp, as it will recieve the new 2.0T FSI with audi's new valvetronic, we already now that its capable of 300hp as we saw so in a concept audi car.

They have stock s-line badges on this car as a feeble attempt to trick people into thinking that its not a S3.

"It's capable in a concept" and "it's capable in a daily-driven road car" are two different things. But it's Audi, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

 

[YSSMAN]

I like the idea, especially with the bumped output of the 2.0T FSI. But I'd still take a GTI or R32 over it, but thats just me.

 

[Poverty]

"It's capable in a concept" and "it's capable in a daily-driven road car" are two different things. But it's Audi, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

well I reckon a remap and maybe a sports exhaust system would pump the engine up to 300hp. A remap on a golf gti will bump its power up to 240-250hp.

Impreza owners will be runnign scared as this audi will win it at between 1200-1300, with S-tronic (DSG).

 

[Danny]

that 300HP motor could be the launching point for a WRC Effort.

Audi don't go rallying any more in case their Quattro system is shown up.

 

[harrytuttle]

Impreza owners will be runnign scared as this audi will win it at between 1200-1300, with S-tronic (DSG).

What does that even mean?

As for Impreza owners being scared, I highly doubt it. The average Impreza owner usually buys and RS/TS, and really doesn't care about other cars. They're too busy reading Proust. The average kid in an RS won't see which way an R32 went, then go out and buy a cheapo exhaust that adds about 20dB. But anything WRX and above will only have VW in the rearview mirror. Try STI vs. Audi S4 (V8). I've "had" to demonstrate that some factory econoboxes, gaudy WRC memorabilia or not, can actually beat some of Stuttgart's finest.

I do, however, fail to see the point of competing with an Audi RS-anything. Losing gives me hives.

 

[YSSMAN]

Unless Audi is planning to sell the S3 on the cheap, there isn't much of a chance of American shoppers cross-shopping the S3 on price. The MKIV R32 sold for more than the STi and Evolution, but despite it's slower performance, it sold well.

Launch control could help in those heads-up dragraces against the Subie STi, but with a 20-30 BHP advantage added to the presumably lower weight of the STi, the Audi wouldn't stand much of a chance.

But hey, they surprised a lot of folks with the RS4, and they could do it again with the S3...

 

[JCE]

God that is one sexy car. Too bad America hasn't fully caught on to hot hatches. America is still way too focused on stupid SUVs. Estates and hot hatches are the way to go...and this one is dead sexy. 1 thing however irks me...that back window has almost ZERO visibility. I mean if you want to see the people who you're beating in a race how can you see their car through that tiny window.

 

[harrytuttle]

Unless Audi is planning to sell the S3 on the cheap, there isn't much of a chance of American shoppers cross-shopping the S3 on price. The MKIV R32 sold for more than the STi and Evolution, but despite it's slower performance, it sold well.

It sold well because it finally brought some cojones back to the Golf. And a lot of fun. That car is probably the most fun VW in 20 years.

Launch control could help in those heads-up dragraces against the Subie STi, but with a 20-30 BHP advantage added to the presumably lower weight of the STi, the Audi wouldn't stand much of a chance.

It's also the gearing. Provided you're at least partially on boost, the STI never feels out of breath. There's a catch to this, though. Between that and the grabby clutch (coming across as horrible driveline shunt) it's not exactly a freindly car in traffic. "Truculent" describes it well. Not surprisingly, I've yet to find a current VW that has this issue.

 

[iceburns288]

I don't see the point of arguing this against the STi... I think someone looking for an STi is looking for something fast and cheap, while this car is pretty fast, but not as fast, with a much, MUCH classier interior. I can't even begin to describe the differences in the interiors between the A3 and the STi, let alone the S3.

 

[Poverty]

The STI weighs around 1500kg, and has 280bhp in the UK. (americans get the more powerful version right?)

The S3 will weigh in at around 1200-1300kg with DSG and pack about 270bhp.

Therefore Id put my money on the S3 just pipping the latest gen STI, and beating the previous gen UK spec STI with ease. (it only had 255bhp).

The DSG would be a major advantage to the audi, as I dont know if you guys have seen the vid, but a DSG equipped Golf GTI beat a 225hp renault megane and 240hp astra vxr in a drag race because of it. And the non DSG equipped cars were being driven by racing drivers, so just imagine the gap against joe public.

The reason why I mentioned the STI's is because it will be good to see a similarily priced audi beaten them again at what audi started, and because Impreza drivers would never be expecting it.

 

[GT Pro]

If only it had dual-twin exhausts...

 

[harrytuttle]

The STI weighs around 1500kg, and has 280bhp in the UK. (americans get the more powerful version right?)

The S3 will weigh in at around 1200-1300kg with DSG and pack about 270bhp.

Therefore Id put my money on the S3 just pipping the latest gen STI, and beating the previous gen UK spec STI with ease. (it only had 255bhp).

Then I'm not worried. An extra 30HP isn't much, but I still believe the delivery and the gearing will make things very competitive. We're also talking about one car that isn't out yet, against a car that -- when the S3 is released -- will be 2 years old. I could say that a Impreza P1 would wipe the floor with an E36 M3, but what's the point? Newer is newer, unless it's not stock, which makes it a different discussion altogether.

A great example of gearing & delivery is the Mistubishi Evo. It's the superior car to the STI in a race of any kind, yet has 1/2 liter less, ~15 less HP, and just about the same weight. Unless the S3 is somehow faster than the S4, the Japanese WRC-pretenders will be safe for now.

The reason why I mentioned the STI's is because it will be good to see a similarily priced audi beaten them again at what audi started, and because Impreza drivers would never be expecting it.

I could sort of see that, but only if the "driver" is 18 and totally unaware of a time when Subaru was primarily sold in Vermont. Most Subaru drivers here actually compare the S4 to the STI when deciding. It usually comes down to price, though. If they can afford it, the S4 gets the new driveway.

 

[Poverty]

Then I'm not worried. An extra 30HP isn't much, but I still believe the delivery and the gearing will make things very competitive. We're also talking about one car that isn't out yet, against a car that -- when the S3 is released -- will be 2 years old. I could say that a Impreza P1 would wipe the floor with an E36 M3, but what's the point? Newer is newer, unless it's not stock, which makes it a different discussion altogether.

A great example of gearing & delivery is the Mistubishi Evo. It's the superior car to the STI in a race of any kind, yet has 1/2 liter less, ~15 less HP, and just about the same weight. Unless the S3 is somehow faster than the S4, the Japanese WRC-pretenders will be safe for now.

In the UK the evo is a far superior car than the impreza and packs alot more power. The JDM impreza is more equal to the evos though.

The thing about the S4 vs STI is that the S4 is alot heavier, but once you hit around 100mph the S4 will pull away.

30hp may not be alot, but if the car doesnt weigh all that much in the first place it could make a great difference.

 

[fangorn_forest]

The S3 will weigh in at around 1200-1300kg with DSG and pack about 270bhp.

Umm, that's VERY wishful thinking. The 2.0T FWD A3 already weighs over 1500kg, so I very much so doubt that an AWD equipped version with a turbo sitting in the engine bay will some how be 200-300kg lighter. Unless Audi pulls a big surprise and decides to make the entire car out of carbon-fiber, in which case the S3 wouldn't come anywhere NEAR the STI's price(as if it ever would have anyways ). Or indeed the S4's or even the RS4's.

No, instead I would expect this car to come in at about 1600kg, obliterating any advantage it ever might have had over the STI or Evo. I think we'll have to wait for the RS3 for a compact car from Audi that can beat those super-twins.

 

[Poverty]

Umm, that's VERY wishful thinking. The 2.0T FWD A3 already weighs over 1500kg, so I very much so doubt that an AWD equipped version with a turbo sitting in the engine bay will some how be 200-300kg lighter. Unless Audi pulls a big surprise and decides to make the entire car out of carbon-fiber, in which case the S3 wouldn't come anywhere NEAR the STI's price(as if it ever would have anyways ). Or indeed the S4's or even the RS4's.

No, instead I would expect this car to come in at about 1600kg, obliterating any advantage it ever might have had over the STI or Evo. I think we'll have to wait for the RS3 for a compact car from Audi that can beat those super-twins.

lol the 2.0T quattro with DSG weighs in at 1275kg. Audi said they wanted the S3 to be the lightest A3, as it would need to be as its only going to be barely more powerful than the 3.2 which does weigh near 1560kg.

http://www.whatcar.com/car-review-performance.aspx?RT=583&ED=46513

So the power to weight ratio is adequate to go STI hunting, but it wont be beating any Evo's, well atleast not UK spec ones.

Pricewise it should be about £28k, STI territory.

 

[humbo]

...the 2.0T quattro with DSG weighs in at 1275kg.


Ooooooh no it doesn't, I wish it did though. Just checked the UK Audi site and a 3 door 2.0T with the manual box and no quattro weighs 1430kg. The link you posted seems to contain info on the previous gen model, judging from the picture only as I couldn't find anything that hints to what year the car is.

 

[Poverty]

...the 2.0T quattro with DSG weighs in at 1275kg.


Ooooooh no it doesn't, I wish it did though. Just checked the UK Audi site and a 3 door 2.0T with the manual box and no quattro weighs 1430kg. The link you posted seems to contain info on the previous gen model, judging from the picture only as I couldn't find anything that hints to what year the car is.

I think you could be right, Im going to have to start double checking my answers.

However I found out this.
The 1.6 FWD audi weighs Unladenweight
1205 Kg according to the site.

So with the 2.0T unit and quattro with weight saving I still belive it could weigh in around 1300kg. Plus the audi S boss said that was the aim. As long as its under 1400 I will be happy.

 

[fangorn_forest]

All these sources say it weighs over 1500kg in DSG form, and darn close in manual form.

http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/audi_a3_2.0t_2006/16941/style_specs.html?p=ext

http://www.automotive.com/2006/12/audi/a3/compare/index.html

http://www.theautochannel.com/newcardb/trim.html?asbodystyle=All%20Wagons&trimid=16941

As does audi's own north American website:

http://www.audiusa.com/features_specifications/0,3523,bodyStyleId-13_contentType-26,00.html?bodystyle=a3sedan&tab=specifications

Honestly I hope it does make that target weight of 1300kg, but I just don't see it happening.

 

[YSSMAN]

Yes, 3300 lbs is a stif penalty as compared to just over 2800 lbs. Given the "solid" nature of most Vee-Dubs and Audis today, 2800lbs seems awfully light. I'm not even sure if my MKIII weighs in at that much...

EDIT: 2954lbs on my Wolfsburg, and just as a funny ad-on, my Fox weighed in at 2238lbs.

 

[humbo]

It'll definitely be a tough job. The upcoming TT with it's part aluminum frame weighs somewhere between 2800 and 2900 pounds with the 2.0T if I'm not mistaken. So that leads me to believe the S3 will still weigh over 3000 pounds.

 

[Poverty]

Well the TT is a larger car though, and if audi gives the S3 a similiar architrecture to the TT I think they could do it. The last S3 weighed 1360kg, I belive. Audi, BMW, and even mercedes have all said how they want to start reducing the weight of their vehicles than increasing the power to monstrous levels, as cars would become more economic, and nimbler that way.

 

[pimp racer]

Looks alot like a VW. Still nice though. It starts around 24,000 USD which I dont think is that bad.

 

[harrytuttle]

Well the TT is a larger car though, and if audi gives the S3 a similiar architrecture to the TT I think they could do it. The last S3 weighed 1360kg, I belive. Audi, BMW, and even mercedes have all said how they want to start reducing the weight of their vehicles than increasing the power to monstrous levels, as cars would become more economic, and nimbler that way.

If it's the same platform as the current A3 (it is, isn't it?), then the it will follow Audi's long-held tradition of the S# being just slightly heavier than the A#, regardless of spec. Most of this is down to the engine (S4's twin turbos weren't made of helium), but even the same-engined A8/S8 were the same weight.

BTW, the last S3 was a different platform revision. This one's wider, longer...and heavier.

"S" doesn't seem to stand for "lightweight special", nor does "RS". At least not yet. They'll get there, though.

 

[daggoth]

I thought that this is the newest A3:

not this one...

 

[Poverty]

the first picture you posted is a variation of the A3 called the sport back. There will also be a S3 sportback according to my source.