The new Audi S3: the highest performance S3 ever

Here is the new S3

• Superior power flow: power injection (+23 HP) and torque (+20 Nm) for the supercharged 2.0 TFSI.
• Shift times reduced by 50% with the 7-speed S tronic transmission
• 333 HP, 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, amazing handling behavior, direct steering, big brakes and high titanium exhaust
• Torque divider derived from the Audi RS 3: active and fully variable distribution of thrust between the rear wheels for the benefit of reciprocity, directional sharpness and drift.
• More muscular design with up to four light signatures
• In the sale of Italian products in May 2024

The Audi S3 has been significantly updated: the redesign of the model, offered in Sportback and Sedan body configurations, brings many technical improvements resulting in a sportier character than before. Features include sensitive power injection, improved supercharger, advanced S tronic transmission, adoption of torque split technology derived from Audi RS 3, new power and drive program, automatic steering and bigger brakes . To complete the technical package, a new high-performance titanium exhaust system debuts.

With 333 HP and 420 Nm of torque, the new Audi S3 is the best performing S3 ever. The four-cylinder TFSI sees a power increase of 23 HP and a maximum torque of 20 Nm available in a range between 2,100 and 5,500 rpm. The new Audi S3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.7 seconds – a tenth less than the previous model – while the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km / h.

Best charging and fastest delivery
The new turbocharger featured on the 4-cylinder TFSI features improved wastegate preload management, to ensure a strong boost effect when maximum performance is required and, at the same time, maintain constant turbine speed. partial loads and at constant speed, with the advantage of continuous delivery. By selecting dynamic and dynamic modes as well as driving – the latter is new – the throttle valve ensures an incredibly quick response to accelerator pressure.
The 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, which contributes to the acceleration from a standstill compared to the previous model, benefits from a high compression force of the clutch dedicated to the unusual ratio. Shift times at full load are reduced by 50%, while at part loads the engine speed is automatically increased when engaging gears, to ensure greater performance.

Audi Sport-derived torque split
Similarly to the Audi RS 3, the new Audi S3 adopts torque-split technology capable of distributing the torque between the rear wheels perfectly and in a completely different way, for the benefit of power, sharpness of direction and direction of management. Unlike the self-locking rear differential and a key solution with an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch at the end of the transmission shaft, the latter is the right of the previous generation Audi S3, the torque divider uses an electro-hydraulic multi multi. plate clutches: one for each rear axle shaft.
By adopting a sports driving style, when cornering, the system distributes the torque between the rear wheels, increasing the thrust on the wheel for greater grip, the one off the road, preventing excessive start and encouraging, as mentioned, excessive. In a straight line, the combined action of the clutches ensures the operation of the quattro wheel drive: the torque is directed to all rear wheels. The final operation is influenced by the driving style and the selected mode of the Audi car select the driving dynamics control system.

Power-up program with the new generation of ESC
Audi’s driving dynamics control uses six driving modes. The well-known automatic, comfortable, powerful, personal and efficient programs are combined with a new power configuration as well, thanks to which as much torque as possible is directed to the rear axle, encouraging marked handling behavior. A boost mode that also includes a faster and sharper engine delivery curve. A goal that contributes to raising the idle speed of the 2.0 TFSI by 200 rpm which, in doing so, reaches 1,300 rpm. At the same time, the S tronic transmission benefits from a dedicated adjustment that anticipates downshifts and helps maintain gear in high revs.

To support the quattro all-wheel drive, the new torque management on the individual wheels performs: an intelligent software function combined with the ESC function that breaks the wheels slightly in the trajectory, allowing the impulse to be transferred. grippy wheels improve. At the same time, the stability control (ESC) of the new Audi S3 integrates the torque split action: the standard configuration is accompanied by a sporty, non-aggressive configuration and works directly in power mode as well as driving.

Marked camber and more direct steering
Like the previous model, the suspension arrangement includes a McPherson type front axle. A solution with a new bearing that allows a negative camber that is twice compared to the past and close to 1.5 degrees. An update that improves the steering precision and the sharpness of the direction and, together with more difficult gradients, makes the new Audi S3 even faster.
The car takes as standard, the same as the previous model, continuous operation with a different gear ratio and power assistance. Compared to the past, the calibration has been refined and the operating ratio is more direct, with the benefit of reactivity and feeling.
The standard S sports suspension lowers the ride height by 15 mm compared to the Audi A3 Sportback and Audi A3 Sedan. Same effect with optional electro-hydraulic shock absorbers, on request.

More powerful brakes and high performance tires
In addition to the increase in performance, the new Audi S3 – offered in performance levels and sports attitude – is accompanied by an improvement of the brake system which uses front ventilated discs with a larger diameter (357 mm) and thickness (+ 4 mm). The advantage in terms of power and cooling is accompanied by a clean transmission with a large friction surface and new two-piston calipers at the front end.
The new Audi S3 has 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, as well as 19-inch wheels (original equipment for sport-oriented versions).
Two new high performance tires in size 235/35 R19 make their debut in the range. In particular, the tires produced by the Japanese specialist Falken promise stability, directional stability and high grip even in intensive road use.

Muscle texture and up to 4 light signatures selectable via MMI
Like other models in the new Audi A3 range, the four-ringed sports compact can rely on a more muscular design: A single hexagonal frame with a special matt black finish, without a frame, is wider than the previous model and is . it stands out with its “L” shaped inserts in matt silver. The end is different from the Audi S models and extends to generous air intakes, glass covers, side window moldings and inserts on both side skirts and extractor, new compared to the past.

The front spoiler, highlighted by two racing-inspired vertical beams, emphasizes the car’s footprint below: an effect that, in the rear area, is supported by light clusters without overhangs and a new bumper. The high performance of the car is further emphasized by the sports exhaust with two twin outlets, available on request in the high performance variant with titanium tips. The color range is enhanced with District green, Progressivo red and Ascari blue, while drawing on Audi’s exclusive personalization program, you can opt for matt Daytona Gray paint.

For the first time in the history of the Audi S3, it is possible to choose between up to four light signatures via the MMI. “Customers can change the layout of the car at any time – says Cesar Muntada, Head of Experience Lighting Design at Audi AG – and this also applies to the animations for Coming home and Leaving home”. The Audi Matrix LED lights and LED integrated multi-digital daytime running lights are located in the upper part of the headlights: the innovative light matrix, consisting of 24 pixel elements arranged in three rows, allows special patterns to be produced.

New decorative entries and great customization possibilities
In the passenger compartment, similar to the new Audi A3 range, a new gear selector appears, similar to the one offered for the e-tron electric SUV Audi Q4, redesigned air vents, decorative fabric inserts – something new – and. Interior lighting modified compared to the past. The new ambient lighting package, in particular, adds a design element in communication with the front door panels: five backlit areas create a flow of light – customizable via the MMI, among 30 different colors – visible when closing and opening the doors . .

Inside, black color dominates. The car’s hood in black fabric, stainless steel pedals and front door sills with aluminum inserts and an illuminated S logo emphasize the car’s sporty character. The leather-wrapped multifunction 3-way steering wheel features gear shifters and a “cut-out” lower crown feature. The front sports seats with integrated headrests, with greater lateral support than the previous model, are upholstered with material obtained from recycled PET bottles (Dinamica microfibre) and feature contrasting stitching and the S logo on the parts. behind. Upon request, seat covers in black refined Nappa leather with red stitching are available. The decorative inserts are available in two new fabrics made of 100% recycled polyester and Dinamica microfibre, in aluminum or in carbon.

The app store is connected to the car
In terms of digitalisation, the Audi S3 uses a range of connectivity services and a new app store integrated into the car. Standard equipment includes DAB+ digital radio, 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen, Audi’s 12.3-inch cockpit with digital dashboard, Audi phone box light for inductive smartphone charging word plus four USB-C charging ports: two on the front console and two dedicated. for the rear passenger.
MMI navigation with MMI touch is standard, as is Audi’s smartphone interface and App Store. Thanks to the latter, Customers can directly and intuitively access the most popular third-party applications (for example Spotify or Amazon music) through the MMI media interface.

The new Audi S3 will reach Italian dealers during the month of May with prices starting at 55,950 euros for the Sportback variant, from 57,250 euros for the Sedan.

Bruno Allevi