The new Audi S3 is undergoing its final stages of testing before being officially revealed to the world at the Paris motor show in September.
Front-end revisions include additional bumper vents and dark grilles replacing the chrome items on the standard A3. Deeper side skirts and an integrated rear diffuser will be offered. Bespoke alloy wheels measure 18 inches in diameter, and will be shod with 225/40 tyres.
These pictures also show the S3 will feature twin exhausts on each side – a trademark of Audi’s S models – for the first time.
The third-generation S3 will be powered by a version of the VW Group’s turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, rather than the 2.5-litre five-pot found in the Audi RS3 Sportback. No official announcements have been made regarding power output, but insiders suggest 276bhp and 280lb ft is possible.
Audi has targeted a 0-62mph time of 5.5sec – 0.2sec less than the outgoing model – and a top speed of 155mph.
A six-speed manual will be fitted as standard, with a seven-speed automatic appearing on the options list.
The S3 will be offered initially as a three-door only, and will be followed by a five-door Sportback variant. An S3 saloon is slated for launch sometime later, although it is unclear whether it will come to the UK.
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I dispair of modern design...
... they either seem to create something that looks like it's crashed into Halfords (current Fabia VRs) or looks like a 1.6 Diesel with bigger wheels.
The original S3 (and Fabia for that matter!) were great looking cars - nailed the look perfectly - but no manufacturer seems to get it right these days...!?
I honestly thought this was
I honestly thought this was the current car. Even for a refresh it looks identical. I have never driven a fast Audi, but I would love to see why they are so "boring".
Modified ones like the AMS TTRS looks / sounds / go superbly.
What shocks me is the estimated power of this hatch is the same as an NSX / R34 GTR (Officially anyway).
Audi reviews
I'm also intrigued by the poor reviews and opinions of Audi A3s where Golfs generally receive very good reviews e.g. for handling. Looking at the earlier link provided by Sportcarr to Autozeitung it's interesting that the S3 comes in as number 1 in their group test - and scores best on driving dynamics!
http://www.autozeitung.de/vergleichstest/kompaktsportler/gesamtbewertung
I should add that having owned BMW 5-series and Audi A6 I also find that Audis struggle to match BMW for driving dynamics at that level but that's not something I worry about (or enjoy) everyday.