Beef Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Well, its arrived, and here it is: From WorldCarFans.com: Dynamism and driving pleasure 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. Yes please, in fact no, i'll wait for the RS3 thanks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sayerbloke Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 So that's about £22k, isn't it? If it's still that price when it hits the UK, it'll sell well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollox Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 £27k. There's already a post on this in the A3/S3 forum Apparently the German engineers are chuffed with the way it drives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Germany PRice - 35000€ (£23890) UK List Price - iro £27000 So wheres this extra £4k creep in from? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonl Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 [ QUOTE ] So wheres this extra £4k creep in from? [/ QUOTE ] Probably from 10 Downing St Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Import duties, VAT, exchange fluctuation. The usual stuff. Really like the look of that. And I swore I'd never have another silver car again... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s4_sat Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 get it in sprint blue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 WTF is that colour? A bit like Noggy blue or Kingfisher blue on the B5 A4? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s4_sat Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Like the blue on the new RS4.Very nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 £27K for a 4 cylinder turbo engine? Hoped they would have the V6 up front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 I really like that, and i could be tempted, but i don't think it's quick enough Hopefully the drive will prove me wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I really like that, and i could be tempted, but i don't think it's quick enough [/ QUOTE ] What a hatch that's 0.1secs behind the current S4? What were you expecting the figures to be? That's actually a fraction quicker than I thought it would be. It's almost a second quicker than the old one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 I think it will be a quick car for everyday use. Much like the original S3 was and is. Hope its a great car....and we have one on our drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GenocidalDuck Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I really like that, and i could be tempted, but i don't think it's quick enough [/ QUOTE ] What a hatch that's 0.1secs behind the current S4? What were you expecting the figures to be? That's actually a fraction quicker than I thought it would be. It's almost a second quicker than the old one. [/ QUOTE ] And only a second slower than an RS4. Not to shabby at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I really like that, and i could be tempted, but i don't think it's quick enough [/ QUOTE ] What a hatch that's 0.1secs behind the current S4? What were you expecting the figures to be? That's actually a fraction quicker than I thought it would be. It's almost a second quicker than the old one. [/ QUOTE ] And only a second slower than an RS4. Not to shabby at all. [/ QUOTE ] 0.7 of a second actually Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_d Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 The problem with this car is its looks. Sure, it looks quite nice on these press pics, unsurprisingly. But if you look closer only the lower bumpers are different from the regular A3. Here it is in Red, and yellow...and it looks quite frankly, crap for a S model. http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos.cf...udi-s3-revealed No flared arches, yet looking at the press pics the arches look quite nice, probably because they choose to have the car in silver to best show off the lines. IMO. Lazy designers at Audi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Don't agree David - if you put one of these next to an A3, you'd very quickly tell the difference. It's one of the things I really like about Audi S and RS models - very subtle body style changes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I really like that, and i could be tempted, but i don't think it's quick enough Hopefully the drive will prove me wrong. [/ QUOTE ] Don't just look at the 0-60. Mid range torque is likely to be good, esp with the larger turbo. To be fair, I was never happy with the standard performance of the Mk4 R32, until I took it to AmD. Give it six months (by the time the car is run in, Milltek have developed the exhaust inc. cats and AmD have developed the remap) and it'll be topping out 300-310 bhp without any problems I reckon. Feck, what to do? Go down the road of Impreza madness or wait a few months more to get one of these? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I really like that, and i could be tempted, but i don't think it's quick enough [/ QUOTE ] What a hatch that's 0.1secs behind the current S4? What were you expecting the figures to be? That's actually a fraction quicker than I thought it would be. It's almost a second quicker than the old one. [/ QUOTE ] And only a second slower than an RS4. Not to shabby at all. [/ QUOTE ] Fractions of seconds count for so much at this level. Personally i like cars to be under 5 seconds to 60. 5.7 seconds is too sedate for a car with sporting intent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 What, not under 3 seconds... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_d Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Don't agree David - if you put one of these next to an A3, you'd very quickly tell the difference. It's one of the things I really like about Audi S and RS models - very subtle body style changes. [/ QUOTE ] Like I said before, cover up the bottom 12" of the car, stand it next to an S-line A3 and there is no difference what so ever. And from the back, there's barely any difference at all between it and a regular non S-Line A3, wheres the double sided exhausts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 [ QUOTE ] wheres the double sided exhausts? [/ QUOTE ] That'll be a job for Milltek I reckon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatcat Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Standard equipment includes deluxe automatic air conditioning, [/ QUOTE ] What is 'deluxe' automatic air conditioning ???? [ QUOTE ] a driver information system with a new lap-timer function, [/ QUOTE ] Sounds good for the occasional trackday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_d Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos.cf...udi-s3-revealed the link above contains the first spy pics, which are identical to the finished car except for painted from bumper and 18" wheels. Just looks like any other A3, you gotta admit. Just shows you how little they changed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beef Posted August 2, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Actually, i'll have one with new RS4 alloys please: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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