2007 Audi S3
Price |
€35,150 |
Production |
-- | ||
Engine |
2 liter TFSI inline-4 |
Weight |
-- | ||
Aspiration |
turbocharger |
Torque |
258 lb-ft @ 2500 - 5000 rpm | ||
HP |
265 @ 6000 rpm |
HP/Weight |
-- | ||
HP/Liter |
132.5 hp per liter |
1/4 mile |
-- | ||
0-62 mph |
5.7 seconds |
Top Speed |
-- |
(from Audi
Press Release) 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.