An “increased” powertrain of 23 horsepower and the system that improves agility in curves are the main features of the new series of the Ingolstadt sedan. In dealerships in May, with a price list of 55,950 euros
As expected, after the debut of the restyled A3 and the launch of the AllStreet variant, Audi has unveiled the “intermediate” sports version, the S3 which precedes the top of the range RS3. Obviously the heart of the model is the powertrain made even more brilliant thanks to the changes made to the 2.0 TFSI. The four-cylinder in fact reaches 333 horsepower and 420 Nm of maximum torque (+23 HP and +20 Nm compared to the outgoing model) and is combined exclusively with the seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The maximum speed is self-limited to 250 km/h and 100 km/h, from standstill, can be reached in 4.7 seconds, thus shaving 1 tenth of the time compared to the previous version. What changes, however, is above all the response to the commands, thanks to the new engine and gearbox calibrations: the maximum torque is in fact delivered from 2,100 to 5,500 rpm, always offering a full-bodied output.
Six driving modes
From its bigger sister RS3, the new S3 inherits the Torque Splitter on the rear axle. This system improves the car’s agility in bends by limiting understeer thanks to the possibility of distributing torque between the right and left wheels. The behavior of the Torque Splitter, together with other parameters linked to the distribution of torque between the axles and the behavior of the chassis and the powertrain are regulated by Audi Drive Select, which now offers six different driving modes: the usual Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency and Individual, the new Dynamic Plus setting is added. The system favors the distribution of torque towards the rear axle and towards the wheel outside the curve, reduces the intervention of the ESC, activates the most aggressive engine and gearbox modes and raises the idle speed to 1,300 rpm to facilitate sprinting from a standstill.
Technical changes
The performance improvement was achieved by modifying the S3’s set-up, thanks to stiffer suspension mounts and new angles to obtain a more accentuated negative camber (-1.5 degrees at the front). Furthermore, the progressive power steering has been further refined. As standard, the suspension features a height reduced by 15 mm compared to the A3 and 18″ wheels with 225/40 tyres, while electronically controlled adaptive S suspensions and 19″ wheels with 235/35 tires are available as an option. high performance machines supplied by Falken. Finally, the braking system has also been upgraded, installing 357 mm diameter and 34 mm thick front discs and new two-piston calipers. Finally, a new titanium sports exhaust with a more aggressive sound is dedicated to the most demanding customers.
The interiors, revised in the design of the central console and in the connectivity solutions, play on dark tones with contrasting silver elements and offer sports seats with integrated headrests and a steering wheel with a flat lower section as standard. The Ambient Light Package Plus package is also standard, with new light elements also integrated into the central console and door panels. In addition to the Dinamica microfibre, Audi has also developed a new optional technical fabric and aluminum and carbon finishes are available for the dashboard. The arrival in Italian dealerships is scheduled for the month of May, with prices starting from 55,950 euros for the Sportback and 57,250 euros for the sedan.
