Audi continued its mannequin offensive by introducing the European-spec model of the next-generation S3. Unveiled on-line, it gives extra energy than its predecessor, a sharper-looking design, and higher in-car expertise.
Color: tango red
Again supplied as a hatchback named Sportback and as a sedan, the S3 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged to 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For context, the outgoing mannequin’s 2.0-liter engine posted figures of 288 and 280, respectively. The turbo 4 spins the 4 wheels by way of a seven-speed computerized transmission known as S-Tronic in Audi-speak and the corporate’s time-tested Quattro all-wheel drive system.
Audi pegs the S3’s zero-to-62-mph time at 4.eight seconds, and its high pace is electronically restricted to 155 mph. Its mission is not merely to go rapidly in a straight line, nevertheless. It additionally beneficial properties a model-specific suspension that is about half an inch decrease than the A3’s, speed-sensitive steering, and upgraded brakes. The firm defined its engineers elevated the unfold between consolation and efficiency to make the S3 a greater all-arounder.
While engineers had been fine-tuning the chassis, stylists had been busy giving the S3 a glance that clearly stands out from the fourth-generation A3 it is primarily based on. Viewed from the entrance, it receives a blacked-out grille, greater air intakes chiseled into the bumper, and three skinny vents positioned proper under the hood that create a visible hyperlink between the S3 and the Sport Quattro that dominated the worldwide rally scene in the course of the 1980s. Out again, each physique kinds put on a extra aggressive-looking spoiler, and a comparatively refined air diffuser flanked by 4 oval exhaust ideas. 18-inch wheels come normal, a minimum of on the European market, and 19-inch alloys are supplied at an additional value.
Inside, the entrance passengers sit on sport seats wrapped with an upholstery that is largely constructed from recycled plastic bottles, and so they’re surrounded by aluminum or carbon fiber trim relying on how the S3 is configured. The 10.25-inch touchscreen embedded into the dashboard shows Audi’s new MIB three infotainment system, which is quicker than the system it replaces as a result of it gives about 10 instances extra computing energy. Clearly, efficiency is now not restricted to the numbers that seem on the S3’s specs sheet.
The new Audi S3 is on sale now throughout Europe, the place it is a 2020 mannequin. In Germany, the Sportback mannequin carries a base worth of €46,302 whereas the sedan begins at €47,179, figures that characterize about $54,600 and $55,700, respectively. While the chances of seeing the S3 Sportback disembark within the United States are low, the sedan will return to American showrooms within the not-too-distant future. Market-specific pricing and specs might be launched shortly.
Looking forward, Audi will launch the American-spec model of the brand new A3 for the 2022 mannequin yr. It will then proceed increasing the lineup with a range-topping RS three mannequin developed by Audi Sport. Although official particulars are few and much between, we anticipate it should maintain its predecessor’s sonorous five-cylinder engine.
