Calling all Audi fans, there’s a launch next month on your radar, and it comes in the form of the new Audi S3. The new Audi S3 comes with a host of features. Audi S3 It’s more than an upgrade. It has a torque-splitter and other technological highlights that provide a stable and agile performance. It’s compact too, so aesthetically it’s dynamic with an expressive front design, a sporty diffuser, and a four-pipe performance exhaust system.
Enjoy more performance with the 2.0 TFSI and 333 PS
The S3 now has 333 PS, 420Nm of torque and, as part of this product upgrade the 2.0 TFSI gains an additional 23 PS, 20 Nm, and torque. What is the result? Well, it’s a confident pulling power and strong acceleration. The S3 accelerates to 62mph in just 4.7 second. The S3’s maximum torque can be found in a range of revs from 2,100 to 5,500, with a top speed of 155mph. Engine and transmission receive sportier tuning. When at steady speed, and with low to moderate acceleration in the partial load range the preloaded turbocharger maintains a constant rpm. This improves performance in conjunction with the throttle valve that is opened when overrun mode is selected. S tronic 7-speed now allows for a more spontaneous start thanks to a higher starting torque. This is done by compressing the clutch packs of the respective clutches more strongly. The shift time under full load was halved and the engine speed increased when the transmission was set to D, resulting in better responsiveness.
The torque splitter allows for more driving dynamics.
The torque splitter, which was first introduced in the RS 3 is now available on the S3, enhancing both agility and safety. This technology enables variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, and the torque splitter uses an electronically controlled multiple disc clutch on each drive shaft to optimally distribute the torque between the rear wheel on the inside and the outside of the curve – depending on the driving situation and the chosen Audi drive select mode.
Audi drive select mode dynamic plus
Audi Drive Select There are six driving modes to choose from. There are also familiar profiles, such as auto, comfort, dynamic and individual. The model upgrade for S3 includes the new dynamic plus, which provides high driving dynamics. The torque splitter does this by sending as much torque as possible from the front axle to the rear wheels on the outside curve. This results in an oversteering tendency. In sport mode, electronic stabilization (ESC), is activated automatically. The ESC system uses subtle interventions to enhance the driving experience when driving on surfaces that have different friction coefficients. Both the engine and transmission are tuned specifically for dynamic+ mode. In comparison to dynamic mode, the 2.0 TFSI’s idle speed was increased by 200 rev/min to 1,300 rev/min to improve performance. The throttle response has become even more direct. The transmission, in addition to shorter shifts, also increases the dynamics of the vehicle with earlier upshifts and later downshifts.
Precision suspension tuning for more precision
Wishbones with stiffer bearings and new pivot bearings allow more negative wheel camber to ensure improved steering response and increased lateral control, equalling better grip and dynamics in corners — and the optimized progressive steering helps the S3 take corners more precisely.
S3 models come with the S sports suspension as standard. It lowers the body 15 mm in comparison to the A3. It is the same for the S sport suspension Audi S3 Vorsprung is equipped with adaptive dampers that are specially tuned to the torque splitter mode and the Audi drive select modes.
New generation electronic stabilization controls are also being used. The wheel-selective control of torque, which brakes the wheels slightly on the inside curve while cornering has been further developed. The S3-specific tuning for the suspension control system results in a dynamic driving style and turn-in. The enhanced handling comes hand-in-hand with an improved level of stability at the limits.
Increased deceleration by using larger brake discs
The increased driving dynamics puts more pressure on the brakes. To this end, the S3 model upgrade has larger ventilated front brake disks, perforated for a striking visual effect. The 18-inch steel brake now measures 357 mm in diameter and, at 34 mm, is four mm thicker than before.
New are the two-piston front calipers. The larger discs and pads, with their larger friction surfaces, improve the braking performance.
Progressive design
The Audi S3 is even more sporty thanks to the Singleframe hexagonal frameless structure. It’s flatter and wider. L-shaped design features highlight the grille’s volume, as well as the angular side intakes. The front spoiler with its two vertical struts, inspired by motorsports, links the two, and lowers the S3 even further.
The rear looks more dynamic with a new bumper. The Singleframe’s structure with its distinctive L wings is reflected on the rear apron in glossy black above the diffuser. The rear apron has been divided into two sections for a S specific design. It looks especially sporty when combined vertical side reflectors, RS-specific features. Four tailpipes round out the dynamic appearance, another S model feature. A titanium silencer is included in the optional performance exhaust system that produces a louder sound.
The vehicle’s progressive design sees new metallic finishes such as District Green, Ascari Blue, and Progressive Red, and for the first time, Daytona Grey is available in a matte finish.
There are many lighting options
Lighting design on the Audi S3 is also flatter than the Singleframe. This emphasizes its width. The three rows of 24 pixel elements which are the digital daytime driving lights in LED and Matrix led headlights have been arranged on the upper edge. For the first time in A3 series models, it’s possible to select and switch between up to four digital daytime running light signatures in the MMI. The tail lamps feature a brand new rear light design, as well as a new staging for the homecoming/leaving function.
“This offers our customers a higher degree of personalization. They can alter the expression of their models at any moment. Signs can interpret confidence and agility differently. This is also true for the coming home/leaving home scenarios, designed individually for each signature,” You can find out more about this by clicking here. Cesar Muntada Head of Design Light Experience, Audi AG.
Sharp interior
The interior of the car has been sharpened to match the exterior. This includes the new shifter design, decorative fabric inlays and lighting. Standard ambient light plus on the S3 includes accents for the storage compartments, doors and footwell in front of shifter. With the model upgrade, the center console and cup holder also feature contour lighting — one new design element is the fabric panel in the front doors that’s laser-cut 300 times. A light source is located in the door panel and backlights its five segments. Different sizes of elements create a dynamic light flow, which can be seen when unlocking and locking the vehicle. The fabric panel with illuminated elements is an innovative design.
Inside, you can expect to see dark colors with silver accents. This includes the black roof lining and stainless steel pedals. Also, there are illuminated door sills that have aluminium inserts. And an interior trim with an aluminum-style for a sporty look. Standard are artificial leather armrests as well as three-zone comfort heating and air conditioning. Flattened at the bottom, the three‑spoke sports contour leather steering wheel features multifunction buttons and new chrome-plated steering wheel paddles. The sports seats have integrated headrests, and the side bolsters are pronounced. This provides enhanced lateral support. A new technical fabric with textured surface is also available for decorative inlays. Carbon fiber is also available on the S3 Vorsprung.
Enhance functionality by integrating apps
The S3 is connected and digital thanks to the numerous connect services and functions available on demand. There’s also a store of apps. Audi virtual cockpit plus and a 10.1-inch touchscreen are included as standard. Two additional USB-C ports are included in the rear console in addition to the front USB-C ports.
The MMI navigation plus feature, the connect portfolio, and the access to the app store are also optional. These features allow the driver to run a variety of apps directly on the vehicle’s display. The selected apps are installed in the S3’s infotainment system without taking a detour via the user’s smartphone. Voice commands can be used to interact with apps.
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Audi S3, in Sportback and Saloon variants, will go on sale next week.