Today joining the list of manufacturers who have showcased their cars ahead of the official release in Geneva->ke228 is Audi->ke14 with the S3 Cabriolet.

The S3->ke1303 Cabriolet is the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer's attempt at creating a new convertible->ke144 for everyday use with a slightly insane engine, and the automaker has succeeded.

With prices announced and delivery of the S3 cabriolet expected to begin this summer in Germany, the new Audi convertible, with it's high power and relatively low cost, will certainly act as a high volume generator for the German car maker.

As of now, we do not have any news of the new convertible arriving to the U.S. shores soon but still we welcome the new entrant as it creates a new segment where we will hope to soon see more challengers.

Click past the jump to read all that you need to know about the Audi S3 Cabriolet.

2014 Audi S3 Cabriolet

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Audi S3 Cabriolet
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 300 @ 5500
  • Torque: 280 @ 1800
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

On the outside, the new S3 Cabriolet features all the trademark Audi design features and while not having a roof certainly adds to the appeal, the car doesn't really scream like an attention-seeking racer. The simple, straight and familiar lines of the Audi give the car a very mature look, though with the familiar design, some could also consider it a bit bland. Nevertheless it certainly looks elegant.

Similar to the A3 cabriolet, the S3 cabriolet carries the same soft-top electrohydraulic system available in three different color options and can be opened or closed in less than 18 seconds when the car is being driven up to a max speed of 31 mph,

To emphasize the sporty nature of the car, it features subtle yet aggressive design elements. The front intakes feature the trademark Singleframe grille design with sharp-edged air intake frames with honeycomb inserts. The car also comes with 18-inch aluminum alloys as standard. At the back the luggage compartment features a spoiler edge for additional downforce. The rear diffuser and the four tailpipes along with the S badges add to the styling.

2014 Audi S3 Cabriolet - Exterior Dimensions:

Wheelbase

102.3 in.

Length

174.4 in.

Width

70.4 in.

Height

54.7 in.


Interior

The interior design of the S3 Cabriolet is in a way very similar as the exterior. It's elegant, premium and lovely with one of the best fit and finish quality and an extremely functional design that works but there isn't really anything special that you can really brag about to other Audi owners.

The car features brushed-aluminum inlays and is adorned with S badges to highlight the racing genes. Other than the standard features, the car also comes with the S sports seats with integrated head restrains and leather sports steering wheels with paddle shifts available as options.

Drivetrain

Powering the S3 Convertible is the powerful 2.0-liter, four-cylinder TFSI Engine seen in the S3 sedan, which develops 300 horsepower and delivers 280 pound-feet of torque to the wheels.

Also available is Audi's quattro system to put all that power to the four wheels. The result is a car that can hit 62 mph from a standstill in 5.4 seconds and go on to reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. That's pretty quick.

Those figures may be slightly slower than the numbers seen on the S3 sedan, but considering the additional weight of the cabriolet due to the additional material for structural rigidity, it is expected to be that way for any convertible.

2014 Audi S3 Cabriolet - Engine and Performance Specifications:

Type

2.0-liter, TFSI Turbocharged

Output (HP @ RPM)

300 @ 5,500

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

280 @ 1,800

Top Speed

155 MPH (Electronically limited)

0 to 60 mph

5.4 seconds


Pricing

Scheduled to reach dealerships this summer in Germany the S3 is priced at &euro48,500. That's roughly $67,000 based on current exchange rates. However the U.S. launch has not been confirmed yet and it might not even arrive at the US shores after all.

Competition

BMW 2 Series Convertible

One of the only cars that might pose a threat to the S3 Cabriolet is the 2 Series Convertible that we've caught testing, and is scheduled to be launched soon. Expected to be powered by a 2.0-liter engine putting out nearly 240 horsepower, the 2 series convertible certainly won't be as powerful as the S3. But then BMW has the M division for turning the standard car bonkers, and that's what we are really waiting for.

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129351

title= BMW 2 Series Convertible

count=6

ids=484347,484350,492530,484352,492537,492534


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Conclusion

While the S3 may not make its way to the U.S., its combination of performance genes, pricing and compact size has created a sort of new playground for itself. So until something new and exciting comes from Audi's competitors, the S3 will enjoy an unthreatened position in this particular market. But we are sure other manufacturers would be more than willing to have a piece of the pie, and soon enough we expect the first challenger to arrive from Bavaria. From a customer's point of view the new options for this segment will certainly be welcome.