2007 Audi S3

Audi S3, the top-of-the-range version of the Audi A3 is ready to go. The A3's dynamism, sportiness and sophistication holds an outstanding position in the premium compact class, the new S3 takes it further. Boasting 265 bhp and quattro permanent four-wheel drive, The S3 redefines the standards of its class – at the level of a sports car. The sprint to 60 mph is accomplished in 5.5 seconds, and acceleration is only halted on reaching 155 mph. Aggressively hard-hitting, free-revving and with a sonorous acoustic profile, the powerful two-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder unit with FSI petrol direct injection proves to be a smooth, high-performance engine.

This power is transmitted by the six-speed gearbox and quattro permanent four-wheel drive to large alloy wheels with an 18-inch diameter. The new S sports suspension system on the S3 enables an extremely sporty driving style combined with the ultimate in comfort. This sporty compact model exhibits precise and safe handling characteristics and, thanks to quattro technology, enables maximum acceleration out of bends. The dynamic potential of this three-door sports car is obvious at first glance. The single-frame grille sports chrome trim, the front skirt has a spoiler with large air-intakes and the side sills have been restyled. There is a contrasting platinum grey diffuser built into the rear skirt, along with two S-style oval chrome tailpipes. Aluminium-look door mirrors and a body-colour roof spoiler give added impact to the visual statement.

The interior conveys an atmosphere of sportiness, with materials of the highest quality and painstaking craftsmanship. The elements that dominate the styling are the sports seats with prominent side sections, the black headlining, also available in silver, and the instrument cluster with its special dials and needles. The pedals, gear knob and air vents are in aluminum look, the inlays are in Piano finish black, or alternatively aluminum or fine grain birch wood grey. The red and silver S3 emblem is to be found on the leather sports steering wheel, in the instrument cluster, on the gear knob and on the door sill trims.

The power plant of the S3 delivers all that is expected of a powerful sports engine, and does it supremely well. The 2.0 TFSI, which combines direct injection and turbocharger technology, delivers 265 bhp at 6,000 rpm. And at just 2,500 rpm it already musters up an impressive 258 lb-ft of torque – this pulling power remains constant up to 5,000 rpm. Compared with the A3, this engine is an advanced version which has undergone fundamental changes. The new turbocharger with its enlarged turbine and compressor rotor generates 1.2 bar of boost pressure – an unusually high figure. A modified intercooler significantly lowers the temperature of the compressed air, thus increasing the air mass necessary for combustion.

In terms of handling, the Audi S3 exhibits all the qualities of a high-performance sports car; it responds immediately to steering movements and achieves high cornering speeds. The innately sophisticated suspension of the A3 – with subframes front and rear, triangulated lower wishbones at the front and four-link suspension at the rear – has been further refined. Springs and shock absorbers are stiffer, and the body sits 1 inch lower than an A3 with standard suspension. 18-inch alloy wheels and 225/40 tires ensure firm adhesion to the road surface. A 17-inch brake system with sports brake pads ensure maximum deceleration; the black painted calipers bear S3 emblems.