The Audi S3 has received a major upgrade, with an increase in output to 329bhp and the addition of a torque splitter system, which has been taken from the latest RS3 mega-hatch.
Both the four-door saloon and five-door hatchback versions of the performance model also receive a number of minor styling changes, in line with the recent facelift of the regular A3. The revisions are intended to boost the performance and handling of the S3 to help it keep pace with the BMW M135i and Mercedes-AMG A35.
The S3 retains the Volkswagen Group's EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, but its peak power has been boosted by 25bhp and its peak torque raised from 295 lb-ft to 310 lb-ft. Additionally, the seven-speed automatic gearbox now has a more heavily compressed clutch plate, which enables it to handle higher torque loads from rest and is said to halve shift times under full load. That all results in a 0-62mph time of 4.7sec, trimmed by 0.1sec. Top speed remains 155mph.
Audi has also retuned the turbo. During part-throttle acceleration, it will preload to constant revs, which reduces lag when it's called upon.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 10, 2024-Ausgabe von Autocar UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 10, 2024-Ausgabe von Autocar UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
MG 4
An EV changes your driving style - but not to the detriment of pleasure
PEUGEOT E-208
Time with our French hatch is up. Is it good riddance or au revoir?
In the hot seat
Is the best automotive job in the world actually in miniature scale? Hot Wheels' design boss assures STEPHEN DOBIE it is
Correcting the record
Autocar invented the road test back in 1928 - or did we? KEITH JONES trawls the past to find the true starting point
Road test rebooted
As the Autocar road test forges into its second century, its brief is expanding and it's returning to a familiar place. MATT SAUNDERS explains
Cyber attack
MG is back on the international stage and now trying to return to its sports car roots. MATT SAUNDERS sees if the Cyberster EV can match up to a rival from the present and a relation from the past
KIA PICANTO
As rivals fall by the wayside, Kia's popular city car gets a makeover
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Latest coupé in a long line of Maserati GT cars hits the UK with V6 power
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS COUPE
New V8 model gets all the goodies
TOYOTA PRIUS
Back by popular demand with a cool new look and greater driver appeal