2006
2006
|
The new Audi S3
Dynamism, sportiness
and sophistication - the Audi A3 holds an outstanding position in the premium
compact class. Now its top-of-the-range version is ready to go, the new Audi
S3 boasting 195 kW (265 bhp) and quattro permanent four-wheel drive.
With its sparkling performance it pursues the ideal of pure
driving pleasure coupled simultaneously with excellent everyday practicality
- like all Audi S models. The S3 redefines the standards of its class - at
the level of a sports car. The sprint to 100 km/h is accomplished in 5.7
seconds, and acceleration is only halted on reaching 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. This power is transmitted
by the six-speed gearbox and quattro permanent four-wheel drive to large
alloy wheels with an 18-inch diameter. The new S sports suspension system
on the S3 enables an extremely sporty driving style combined with the ultimate
in comfort. This sporty compact model responds actively to steering movements,
exhibits precise and safe handling characteristics and, thanks to quattro
technology, enables maximum acceleration out of bends. The dynamic potential
of this three-door sports car 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. |
Interior: Sporty
atmosphere
The interior conveys an atmosphere of sportiness, with materials
of the highest quality and painstaking craftsmanship. The elements that dominate
the styling are the sports seats with prominent side sections, the black
headlining, also available in silver, and the instrument cluster with its
special dials and needles. The pedals, gear knob and air vents are in aluminium
look, the inlays are in Piano finish black, or alternatively Aluminium or
Fine grain birch wood grey. 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 seats are upholstered in a combination
of cloth and leather or, as an option, in Alcantara/leather or completely
in leather. The two-tone leather seats are decorated with stitching in the
same colour as their centre section. |
TFSI in its most
powerful form
The power plant of the S3 delivers all that is expected of a powerful sports
engine, and does it supremely well. The 2.0 TFSI, which combines direct injection
and turbocharger technology, delivers 195 kW (265 bhp) at 6,000 rpm. And
at just 2,500 rpm it already musters up an impressive 350 Nm of torque -
this pulling power remains constant up to 5,000 rpm. In the combined driving
cycle the 2.0 TFSI displays another welcome character trait, consuming just
9.1 litres of fuel over 100 km - further proof of the forward-looking efficiency
of TFSI technology developed by Audi. Compared with the A3, this engine is
an advanced version which has undergone fundamental changes. The new turbocharger
with its enlarged turbine and compressor rotor generates 1.2 bar of boost
pressure - an unusually high figure. A modified intercooler significantly
lowers the temperature of the compressed air, thus increasing the air mass
necessary for combustion. Pistons with stronger pins and strengthened connecting
rods with new bearings transmit the powerful forces to the crankshaft. The
cylinder block has been stiffened up and the head is made of a new, highly
heat-resistant alloy. The exhaust camshaft timing has been adjusted to
accommodate the increased power output. High-pressure injectors with an enlarged
cross-section squirt the fuel straight into the combustion chamber. Despite
all this progressive engineering, the high-performance turbo weighs in at
just 152 kilos, which is less than comparable power plants from direct
competitors, and this has a positive effect on the axle load distribution.
The compact dimensions of the 2.0 TFSI make it suitable for transverse
installation, which brings benefits in terms of the S3's interior space and
luggage capacity. To go with its sporty nature and firm handling, the new
Audi S3 has a six-speed, close-ratio manual gearbox. Gearshift travel has
been reduced for the S3, enabling even sportier and more precise gear changes.
As is the case for all Audi S models, the new S3 drives all four wheels by
means of quattro permanent four-wheel drive. 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
Handling:
Lightning-fast reactions
In terms of handling, the Audi S3 exhibits all the qualities
of a high-performance sports car; it responds immediately to steering movements
and achieves 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. 18-inch alloy wheels and 225/40 tyres ensure firm adhesion
to the road surface. A 17-inch brake system with sports brake pads ensure
maximum deceleration; the black painted callipers bear S3 emblems. The extras
also include a leather steering wheel with flat-bottomed rim and - in the
quattro GmbH range - folding bucket seats. In the infotainment area, Audi
is presenting a new generation of audio systems. The premium package is rounded
off by universal interfaces for mobile phone and iPod, plus a sound system
from Bose. Standard equipment includes deluxe automatic air conditioning,
a driver information system with a new lap-timer function, and an anti-theft
alarm. Front fog lights and xenon plus headlights with daytime running lights
underline the impressive price/performance ratio. The basic price of the
265 bhp Audi S3 in Germany is EUR 35,150. |
AUDI AG, Kommunikation Produkt
und Technik
AUDI AG, Communication Product and Technology
Ingolstadt, August 01, 2006 |
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