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Audi S3
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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.
Overview
The first generation S3 is built on the same A platform of the Audi A3, VW Golf Mk4, Audi TT, SEAT León and Škoda Octavia.
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Encyclopedia
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.
First generation (Typ 8L, 1999-2003)
Overview
The first generation S3 is built on the same A platform of the Audi A3, VW 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: and . Early models (1999-2001) had 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 . The engine provides a maximum 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 four-wheel drive system. The Haldex Traction coupling adjusts the bias from the front to rear axle as grip changes - most of the time it operates as a front-wheel drive.
The S3 was sold in the United Kingdom, Europe, Mexico, and Australia, 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.
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 traction control/stability program (ESP).
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.
Second generation (Typ 8P, 2006-present)
The second generation Audi S3 is powered by a Volkswagen Group-sourced 2.0L Turbocharged FSI petrol engine with a maximum output of . As with all Audi S models, the design was done in-house by quattro GmbH; latter RS models were usually tuned in collaboration with Cosworth Technology, (now Mahle Powertrain). The engine features revised boost/fuel mapping, increased turbocharger size and larger intercooler. The most powerful form of this widely used engine, and quattro four-wheel drive, makes for a 0-62 mph time of 5.5 s and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). 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 four-wheel drive transmission.
In the United Kingdom, the S3 is priced notably higher than many rivals. BMW's 130i M Sport offers , but is slower to at 6.0 seconds. Other cars of similar power are a good deal cheaper; the Volkswagen Golf R32 sports , with 0-62 mph achieved in 6.5 seconds. The Vauxhall Astra VXR comes with less power - - but manages in 6.5 seconds, whilst the SEAT León Cupra (2.0 T-FSI with ), Volvo C30 ( 2.5-litre inline-5 turbo), and Mazdaspeed 3 (2.3-litre turbocharged engine with ) also provide competition. Only the S3 and R32 are all-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.
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.
At the same time a minor facelift of the 3-door S3 (in common with the A3) was also announced.
See also
External links
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