A five-cylinder turbo developing 300 kW (408 hp), a seven-speed S tronic
and quattro permanent all-wheel drive ensure thrilling dynamics along with
high fuel efficiency.
Design and body
The Audi A3 concept is a four-seat notchback sedan. It measures
4.44 meters (14.57 ft) long and 1.84 meters (6.04 ft) wide, but just 1.39
meters (4.56 ft) high proportions that underscore its dynamic character.
The design represents the typical Audi language of sporty elegance. The
single-frame grille is integrated into the front end, giving it a sculptured
look. Its frame is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), and the
transversely mounted, three-dimensional aluminum louvers create a visual
effect that emphasizes the showcar s width.The he adlights merge with
the beveled upper corners of the single-frame, forming a transition that
marks the starting point of the prominently accentuated lines of the engine
hood. The headlights represent a new stage of evolution in LED technology,
a groundbreaking innovation from Audi. They become broader as they extend
outward, and a line underneath them makes them seem to float on air. Above
the front spoiler is a full-length air intake, also made of CFRP, framed
by a metal clasp. The spoiler features a splitter that raises the downforce
on the front wheels.
When viewed from the side, too, the A3 concept is recognizable at first sight
as an Audi. Harmonious proportions, taut, muscular surfaces and a low roof
dome with fluid lines flowing into a flat, coupé-like C-pillar. The
shoulder area transitions elegantly into the tailgate. Characteristic of
Audi design, the greenhouse accounts for one-third of the height, while the
sheet metal makes up the remaining two-thirds. Powerfully flared fenders
hint at the power of the engine. Two prominently elaborated lines accentuate
the flank: the undercut tornado line beneath the window edge and the dynamic
line above the sills. The outside mirrors, made of aluminum and CFRP, are
perched on the top shoulder, just like on a sports car. The door handles
with their brushed-aluminum clasps are recessed flush with the door. When
the driver touches them, they power-extend. The intelligent interplay between
surfaces and lines also defines the tail end of the A3 concept. The broad,
flat tail lights are sculptured and culminate in a point on the inside, and
the tailgate bears an elegant spoiler edge. The rear apron includes a diffuser
insert of CFRP and metal, which in turn surrounds the two large tailpipes
for the exhaust system. Ultra-modern components, design methods and joining
techniques keep the body weight low. One example of this are the custom tailored
blanks (panels of various thicknesses) in the floor area. The doors, engine
hood and tailgate are made of aluminum. Th e extra stiff body provides the
basis for the sedan s precise handling, excellent vibrational comfort
and low weight the Audi A3 concept tips the scales at just 1,540 kilograms
(3,395.12 lb).
Interior
The interior of the showcar is generously proportioned. The
long wheelbase measuring 2.63 meters (8.63 ft) a best-in-class figure
in the premium compact segment gives rear passengers on the two individual
seats a pleasing amount of knee room. The front sport seats with prominent
side bolsters are slim and elegant. The cockpit also gives an impression
of lightness and airiness. The horizontal lines emphasize its design. The
instrument panel draws the driver in typical of Audi. Defined in three
dimensions, the large trim strip is made of solid aluminum and includes control
functions. The high-quality sound system in the doors and on the rear shelf
has aluminum trim panels. When the audio system is turned on, they extend
a few millimeters, thus orchestrating a visual accompaniment to the system
s ex cellent sound. On the center console four large,round air vents
echoing a jet s design catch the eye. The air flow is adjusted by pulling
and pushing on the center axis of the vents. The control knobs for the automatic
air conditioning system are located in the lower section of the center console
on a boldly protruding dedicated control panel. Visually, they are reminiscent
of airplane turbines. Located behind the compact, flat-bottomed, three-spoke
multifunction steering wheel are two analog dial instruments with black dials
and red needles, complemented by additional kidney-shaped displays. Engraved
rims made of brushed aluminum underscore their classy look. In between the
two large round dials is the large, eight-inch display for the driver information
system. The display is user-programmable the driver can select the
content to be displayed from an extensive menu. The control panel for the
MMI multimedia system is located on the center tunnel console. The surface
of its large rotary pushbutton includes the touch pad, MMI touch. This new
solution, which makes the already exemplary operation even more intuitive,
will soon be introduced in series production at Audi. The ultra-thin MMI
monitor power-extends out of the instrument panel, another feature taken
from the full-size car class.
In terms of infotainment, the Audi A3 concept shows why the brand is leading
the competition. A UMTS model provides full access to the Internet, allowing
the car to retrieve convenient services from Google. Thanks to the WLAN hotspot,
passengers can surf and send e-mail to their hearts content.Holders
for iPads are installed on the back of the front seat backrests. A classic
notchback sedan, the Audi A3 concept boasts a large luggage compartment with
a volume of 410 liters (14.48 cubic ft) and a low loading lip.
Drivetrain
The A3 concept has a five-cylinder engine under the hood that
combines the Audi technologies of turbocharging and FSI gasoline direction
injection. It develops a hefty 300 kW (408 hp) from a displacement of 2.5
liters. Its peak torque of 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) is available over a broad
rev range between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. The five-cylinder powerplant unleashes
a rousing soundscape its typical sound pattern calls to mind the Audi
sound of the 1980s and the huge motorsport successes of that period. Its
performance is a complete homage to tradition: The A3 concept catapults from
a dead stop to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds, and its electronically
governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is merely the official figure.
In terms of fuel consumption, the four-seater requires just 9.1 liters of
fuel per 100 km (25.85 US mpg) and emits 212 grams CO2 per km (341.18 g/mile).
A regulated oil pump, the intelligent Audi thermo-management system and a
energy recovery system technologies from the brand s modular
efficiency platform contribute to this high efficiency. A compact
seven-speed S tronic serves as the transmission. It comprises two transmission
structures, which are operated by two clutches. Gears are alternately shifted
by the two clutches at lightning speed, comfortably, and without any
perceptible interruption of traction.
The driver can operate the seven-speed S tronic in one automatic mode and
one manual mode, using the paddles on the steering wheel to shift gears manually.
Elegant touch control buttons on the center tunnel console are used to select
drive positions R, N and D. These are backlit in red when it gets dark. Drive
position P is automatically engaged when the electric parking brake is applied.
The launch control system manages the sprint from a dead stop, furnishing
explosive turbo power with minimal tire slip. Power is effortlessly transmitted
to the road via quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Its centerpiece is an
electronically controlled multi-plate clutch at the end of the propeller
shaft. When slip occurs at one of the axles, the clutch redirects the majority
of the torque input to the wheels with the better grip.
Chassis
Derived from the current RS 3 Sportback, the chassis of the Audi A3 concept
is fully capable of handling the power from the drive system at all times.
The four-seater masters any type of curve with speed, stability and composure,
turning spontaneously into corners going in and providing superior traction
going out. Its self-steering response remains essentially neutral all the
way up to the lofty handling limits. The front suspension a McPherson
construction with a separate axle support has a track measuring a
full 1,572 millimeters (61.89 in). To a large extent, its components are
made of aluminum. The rack-and-pinion steering is extremely efficient because
its electromechanical drive system requires no energy when driving straight
ahead. The four-link rear suspension with its 1,542-millimeter (60.71-in)
track is likewise fixed to a subframe. Its control arms made of high-strength
steel enable the suspension to absorb longitudinal and lateral forces separately.
The shock absorbers and coil springs are mounted separately from each other.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system gives the driver five modes
from which to select the engine characteristics, power steering and the
seven-speed S tronic. The modes are comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and
efficiency, the last of which is designed for maximum economy. The imposing
light-alloy rims measure 20 inches in diameter. In five twin-spoke design,
they are made of CFRP and aluminum. The slender, recessed rims optimize
ventilation. The tire format is 245/30 at the front and rear. The front brake
disks are gripped by four-piston calipers. The ESP stabilization system has
a Sport mode and can be completely deactivated. The parking brake is actuated
electromechanically.
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