The 2013 Audi S3 Sportback has broken cover ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut.
For the new model, Audi has given the 2,0-litre T FSI turbopetrol from the previous car an overhaul that sees the outputs climb from 188 kW/350 N.m to 221 kW at 5 500 r/min and 380 N.m of torque between 1 800-5 500 r/min. Among the technologies employed by this engine are direct fuel injection working via Audi’s valvelift system and optimised thermal management.
This unit, when coupled with Audi’s six-speed S tronic transmission and utilising its launch-start module, will see the S3 Sportback crack the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5,0 seconds (the six-speed manual-equipped model makes the same run in 5,5 seconds) on the way to an electronically limited 250 km/h top speed. Audi claims an average fuel-consumption figure of 6,9 litres/100 km for the S tronic-equipped model and 7,0 litres/100 km for the manual – improvements of roughly 1,5 litres/100 km over the previous car.
Audi’s Drive Select system, which is capable of tailoring such parameters as throttle response, steering ratio and gearshift points, is fitted to this model as standard, as is electronic stability control. This drive select system can also be uprated in conjunction with Audi’s magnetic ride-control system to integrate an adaptive damper control module.
Power is transferred to the road via an uprated version of Quattro all-wheel-drive system. A sport-suspension pack that lowers the ride height by 25 mm can be specified for this model as an optional extra.
The new car weighs in at 1 445 kg, making it around 70 kg lighter than its predecessor thanks, in part, to the updated engine being 5 kg lighter than before.
Stylistically, the S3 Sportback features a more aggressive body kit with extended sills, a deeper front valance with enlarged air intake nacelles and rolls on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 profile rubber.
The new Audi A3 Sportback is expected to find its way onto the local market during the second quarter of 2013, followed by the S3 Sportback shortly thereafter.
