Audi S3
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 Audi S3 (8P) |
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| Manufacturer | Audi AG |
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| Parent company | Volkswagen Group |
| Production | 1999—present |
| Assembly | Ingolstadt, Germany |
| Class | Hot hatch |
| Layout | transverse front engine, quattro on-demand four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Volkswagen A platform |
| Transmission(s) | 6-speed manual |
| Related | Audi A3 |
The Audi S3 is a hot hatch version of the Audi A3 small family car, produced by German automaker Audi since 1999. S3 variants of both the first- and second-generation Audi A3 have been produced.
Like all Audi S models, it is only available with quattro four-wheel drive system.
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[edit] First generation (Typ 8L, 1999-2003)
 2003 Audi S3 (8L) in dolphin grey |
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| Production | 1999—2004 |
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| Body style(s) | 3-door hatchback |
| Platform | Volkswagen A4 (PQ34) |
| Engine(s) | 1.8L I4 20v turbo |
| Related | Audi TT, VW Golf Mk4, Škoda Octavia, SEAT León |
[edit] Overview
The first generation S3 is built on the same A platform of the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf Mk4, Audi TT, SEAT León and Škoda Octavia.
The straight-4 20v 1.8 L turbocharged petrol engine comes in two versions of power output: 154 kW (209 PS; 207 bhp) and 165 kW (224 PS; 221 bhp). Early models (1999-2001) had 154 kW (209 PS; 207 bhp) which is said to be a de-tuned Audi TT engine, and was said to be reduced to lessen brand competition with the more powerful TT. Later models (2001-2003) had variable valve timing and 165 kW (224 PS; 221 bhp). The engine provides a maximum 280 N·m (210 ft·lbf) of torque, most of which is available from 2200 through to 5500 rpm. This is the first time a small four-cylinder engine has been used in an Audi S-series car.
Although dubbed "quattro", the S3 uses a different "on-demand" four-wheel drive system[1]. The Haldex Traction coupling adjusts the bias of torque distribution from the front to rear axle as grip requirements change - most of the time it operates as a front-wheel drive.
The S3 was sold in the United Kingdom, Europe, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand, but was not officially marketed in the United States.
The S3 was facelifted in 2000, where it was given one-piece headlights/indicator units, different front wings, rear lights clusters, and some minor upgrades to interior trim. There had been minor changes to the design previous to this, including digital clock on the dash.
[edit] Equipment
Standard features include xenon HID headlamps with high pressure washers and auto levelers, front fog lamps, 17" "Avus" alloy wheels with 225/45R17 tyres, electrically adjustable Recaro leather seats, climate control, alarm and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with traction control (ASR).
Options include a Bose sound system, boot/trunk mounted 6 disc CD changer, metallic paint, 18 inch 9-spoke RSTT wheels, glass sunroof, centre arm rest, auto dipping rear view mirror, parking assist, luggage net, heated front seats, cruise control, aluminium door mirror casings and part leather/Alcantara (blue/silver/yellow) combination seat coverings.
[edit] Second generation (Typ 8P, 2006-present)
 Audi S3 (8P) in Imola yellow |
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| Production | 2006—present |
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| Body style(s) | 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback (2008-on) |
| Platform | Volkswagen A5 (PQ35) |
| Engine(s) | 2.0L I4 FSI turbo |
| Related | Audi TT, VW Golf Mk5, VW Jetta |
The second generation Audi S3 - Typ 8P, is powered by a modified and uprated Volkswagen Group-sourced 2.0L Turbocharged FSI petrol engine, with a maximum output of 195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp). As with all Audi S models, the design was done in-house by quattro GmbH. The engine features uprated high performance pistons, revised boost/fuel mapping, increased turbocharger size (KKK K04) and larger intercooler. The most powerful form of this widely used engine, and quattro four-wheel drive, makes for a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 5.5 s, and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
The chassis has had the spring rating and dampers revised, along with the body kit. Like its predecessor, although badged a "quattro" model, the S3 does not employ a Torsen centre differential (as in other common quattro models), but instead uses the Swedish Haldex Traction system in its on-demand four-wheel drive transmission, due to the transverse engine layout.
In the United Kingdom, the S3 is priced notably higher than many of its' rivals. BMW's 130i M Sport offers 265 bhp (198 kW; 269 PS), but is slower to 100 km/h (62 mph) at 6.0 seconds. Other cars of similar power are a good deal cheaper; the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 R32 sports 184 kW (250 PS; 247 bhp), with 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) achieved in 6.5 seconds. The Vauxhall Astra VXR comes with less power - 240 bhp (179 kW; 243 PS) - but manages 0–100 kilometres per hour (0–62 mph) in 6.5 seconds, whilst the SEAT León Cupra (2.0 T-FSI with 177 kW (241 PS; 237 bhp)), Volvo C30 (225 bhp (168 kW; 228 PS) 2.5-litre inline-5 turbo), and Mazdaspeed 3 (2.3-litre turbocharged engine with 256 bhp (191 kW; 260 PS)) also provide competition. Only the S3 and R32 are four-wheel drive, however, though the 130i M Sport is rear-wheel drive.
Audi has stated the S3 will not be sold in North/South America, although it is available in Mexico. Reasons range from pricing and competition with the Volkswagen Golf R32, and/or stealing sales from the new Audi TT and due to cost effectiveness in the North American market. Audi has announced a 2.0T quattro model for the North/South American market due out in 2009/2010 to coincide with the A3 body upgrade.
[edit] Audi S3 Sportback
In April 2008, Audi announced a five-door S3 variant based on the A3 Sportback (Typ 8PA), with the same engine and transmission as the existing 8P S3.[2]
At the same time a minor facelift of the 3-door S3 (in common with the A3) was also announced.[3]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Audi S3". carautoportal.com. http://www.carautoportal.com/audi/audi-s3.php. Retrieved on 2009-06-28.
- ^ "Audi S3 Sportback and A3 facelift". Car Magazine. 2008-04-28. http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/First-Official-Pictures/Audi-S3-Sportback-and-A3-facelift/. Retrieved on 2008-10-14.
- ^ "The new generation Audi A3". www.audi.co.uk. 2008-04-27. http://www.audi.co.uk/audi/uk/en2/about_audi_ag/news/The_new_generation_Audi_A3.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-14.
[edit] External links
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