The hottest version of the current Audi A3 is the S3. Audi has not yet worked its RS magic on the small hatch, but that won’t really be that hard. Platforms and engines for Audi (and all the Volkswagen Group) are like Legos; there is a bin full of parts that can be plugged in for substitution.
In fact, the A3 shares a platform with the TT. So the 340 hp 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine from the TT RS should fit into the A3 without much problem. In the TT-RS, the engine delivers a performance of 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, so similar times could be expected in a RS3. Audi’s development boss Michael Dick said RS3 "may" be built, and the car is technically ready.
If the car gets the green light, we wouldn’t expect it to happen until after A3 line gets refreshed in 2011. The only other real problem is that since the U.S. doesn’t have the S3, and the TT RS doesn’t have a firm confirmation for North America, would Audi really consider bringing the RS3 here?
Caractere, the Belgian tuning company that specializes in German vehicles has just released their latest body kit for the face lifted 2009 Audi A3. Because this includes the five-door A3, this kit has some potential even on the U.S. market.
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The open-top Audi A3 is the premium option in the compact class. It couples the sporting genes of the A3 with the uncompromising quality that distinguishes every Audi model. Five engines and a wide array of individual extras are available to choose from.
The body structure of this premium convertible from Audi contains a high proportion of high-strength, ultra-high-strength and hot-formed steels, as well as a large number of reinforcing measures to provide maximum rigidity and crash safety. Inside, the customary superb build quality, attractive design and exemplary ergonomics create an atmosphere of sporting elegance. There is ample space here for four people. The rear seat backs can be folded down to increase the luggage capacity from 260 liters (9.18 cubic feet) to 674 liters (23.80 cubic feet) – whether the top is up or down!
The A3 Cabriolet is available with five engine options, comprising two economical TDI diesels and three high-efficiency gasoline-fueled units: the 1.9 TDI with 77 kW (105 hp), the 2.0 TDI with 103 kW (140 hp), the 1.6 with 75 kW (102 hp), the 1.8 TFSI with 118 kW (160 hp) and the 2.0 TFSI with 147 kW (200 hp). Four of them have direct fuel injection and are turbocharged.
Full details after the jump.
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If you’re the happy owner of an Audi A3 Sportback and also a fan of tuning, you may be interested by the new Racelook Exclusve Line tuning kit, from the German tuner JMS. The kit consists in a front bumper featuring new cutouts, available in silver or black alloy screens, new side sills, a new roof spoiler and a new rear bumper with integrated double-pipe exhaust system.
Also a new suspension system is available lowering the car with almost 55 mm on the front and 45 mm on the rear as well as a new set of black alloy wheels with stainless steel inlays and fitted with 225/35R19 tyres! Price of the kit: $6.680!
Audi today announced U.S. specifications on the 2009 A3 that will go on sale third quarter 2008 as a 2009 model year vehicle. The German import will continue to compete in the now-popular small luxury car market that includes with models like Mini Cooper/Cooper S, Volvo C30 and S40, and BMW 1-series.
The 2.0 TFSI model will be offered with all-wheel drive system combined with S tronic double clutch transmission. This engine delivers 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The 3.2 V6 engine with quattro permanent all-wheel drive with S tronic delivers 250 hp, 236 lb-ft; 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds (S tronic); city/hwy 18/25.
As standard equipment the 2009 A3 features: hill-hold assist – now standard on 2.0T manual (already standard on S tronic models); Sirius satellite radio - now standard on all; Leather seating surfaces - now standard on all; Flexmetallic interior trim - replaces Matte interior trim on 2.0; Leather steering wheel - now standard; Aux audio input – standard on all; Ashtray / Smoker pkg – deleted on all (replaced with storage tray); 3.2 only: Standard Bluetooth, Bi-xenon headlamps with LED DRL, and Open Sky; 3.2 only: No longer standard Symphony, Sport Suspension, Sport Seats.
