Audi in April unveiled a brand new technology of the A3, the nameplate’s fourth, and included within the vary as soon as once more shall be a sporty S3.
Our newest spy shots present a prototype for the brand new S3 in sedan guise. There can even be a hatchback physique type, which Audi refers to as a Sportback.
We know this prototype is for the S3 due to the extra aggressive aero equipment and quad-exhaust ideas. And given the actual fact there’s zero camouflage gear, the reveal have to be arising quickly. Both the brand new A3 and this S3 variant ought to be in showrooms early subsequent 12 months as 2021 fashions. Unfortunately, solely the sedan physique type is predicted to succeed in the United States.
The present S3 contains a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-Four delivering 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with the engine driving all 4 wheels by way of a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. An analogous configuration is predicted for the brand new S3, because the new A3 technology represents extra of a heavy replace of the earlier technology quite than a real redesign.
New Audi A3
We might nonetheless see energy dialed up barely for the brand new S3 and an additional gear added to the transmission. Don’t be shocked if the engine finally ends up being the two.0-liter turbo-Four that simply debuted within the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R. It’s good for 316 hp and 310 lb-ft.
Whatever the case, we are able to count on the 0-60 mph time of the brand new S3 to enhance on the present mannequin’s 4.7 seconds.
Rivals for the S3 embrace the BMW M235i Gran Coupe, Cadillac CT4-V, and Mercedes-AMG A35 and CLA35.
Also within the works are extra highly effective RS Three and RS 3 Sportback fashions from Audi. A brand new A3 plug-in hybrid must also be within the works, probably in each sedan and hatch physique types this time round (beforehand the A3 plug-in hybrid was solely obtainable as a hatch).