The Audi S3: Performance
Two figures express its power, both of them among the best in the sporty compact class: from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, and a governed top speed of 250 km/h. The new Audi S3 offers the power and performance of a sports car. Its turbocharged two-litre, four-cylinder engine with FSI direct injection develops 195 kW (265 bhp) at 6,000 rpm. With an unladen weight of just 1,455 kilograms, each horsepower of the S3 needs to propel only 5.49 kg that, too, is a figure that places it among the super-speedy. The S3, a sports car built for everyday driving, is perfectly primed for high performance in every detail. Its entire drivetrain has been reinforced to enable it to handle the engine’s forces reliably. The turbocharger and engine block have undergone extensive modifications that make it supremely powerful and resilient and in all conditions. Bite and pulling power There are two sides to the powerful TFSI engine. On the one hand, it generates silky-smooth sports performance with forceful response to the accelerator, revving with relish, and an ample, sonorous effect from the two oval chrome tailpipes. On the other hand, it is supremely calm. It glides along in relaxed fashion at a torque plateau of 350 Nm, which is available as low down as 2,500 rpm and remains constant up to 5,000 rpm, with ample reserves in every situation. The out-and-out sporty character of the new S3 is complemented by the six-speed manual gearbox. It efficiently passes on the engine torque to the quattro drive power transmission to all four wheels secures the S3 a unique position in its class. Gripping the road securely as it emerges from bends, and with permanent driving safety in all weather conditions, quattro technology is a highly effective way of using this powerfully compact car’s propulsion at any time. The elaborate sports suspension with the four-link rear suspension gives the S3 dynamic self-steering behaviour. This fast, compact vehicle seems to crave for any bend in the road, with its imposing 18-inch alloy wheels and size 225/40 tyres; it takes corners at high speed, unruffled and with virtually neutral self-steering behaviour. The performance package is rounded off by a high-grip 17-inch brake system with sports brake pads as standard. The brake callipers are painted black and adorned at the front with the S3 logo. |