2011 Audi A3 - new details

As you may already know, the engineers at Audi are hard at work preparing the next generation A3 for 2011. The future A3 will be offered in four different body configurations; there will be the usual hatchback, sportback and cabriolet models. But new for 2011 will be a sedan, aimed mainly at improving sales in the North American market, the four-door A3 will be roughly the same size as the Volkswagen Jetta, except the Audi version will feature a coupe like profile with a rounded roofline.

The car will be built on the same platform as today’s Golf and feature a MacPherson strut type suspension up front and a four link set up in the rear. Under the hood Audi will use the new turbocharged 1.2 Liter TFSI engine that replaces the current entry level power plant. The German automaker will also offer a 1.4 Liter making 140 HP, a 1.8 Liter making 170 HP and a 2.0 Liter TFSI unit making 210 HP. The factory tuned S3 will use the 2.0 Liter unit, except output is bumped up to 280 HP.

Audi will also offer the next generation A3 with diesel power with a new 1.6 Liter TDI engine that makes 105 HP and features a fuel saving automatic stop/start feature. Like the current A3, the 2011 model will be offered with a front-wheel drive power train and Audi’s signature Quattro all wheel drive. The new A3 will be shifted with either a six speed manual or a seven speed DSG gearbox.