The current generation Audi S3 has been on the market for about four years, therefore it’s time for a redesign. The compact performance car, thinly clad in a classic Audi Sport paint, is being shown in hatchback and sedan body variants. Considerably more mechanical modifications have been made for a mid-cycle upgrade alone.
The familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine is upgraded and powers the new S3. Now, the four-pot TFSI engine produces 420 Newton-meters (310 pound-feet) of torque and 329 horsepower. The pre-facelifted model has been significantly enhanced with 23 horsepower and 20 Nm, or 15 lb-ft, to precisely match the mechanically similar Volkswagen Golf R 333 special edition.
A modified seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission with half-second gear shift intervals when accelerating at full power is mated to the improved engine. The inclusion of a rear torque splitter that is carried over from the RS3 may be even more significant. The new installed hardware should make the S3 more fun to drive in restricted areas, even though it lacks a designated drift mode. Improved grip caused by an ideal distribution of torque between the two rear wheels is likely to make drivers feel more comfortable behind the wheel.
Big power comes with huge responsibility, which is why the Four Rings are equipping the redesigned S3 with larger front axle brakes. The diameter of the 18-inch steel brakes is 357 mm, and their current thickness is 34 mm, an increase of 4 mm. New twin-piston calipers surround the front discs, which also have larger pads for increased friction. Falken and Audi collaborated to create a new, more aggressive set of 235/35 tires for the 19-inch wheels.
In addition to stronger brakes, the front axle receives stiffer wishbones and a new pivot bearing on the MacPherson strut. The German luxury brand claims that the S3 is now sharper than ever, supporting this claim with a revised damper system and an upgrade of the progressive steering system.
Later this year, when Audi presents the entire redesigned A3 family, the full reveal is planned. It makes sense that the engine lineup will be similar to the newly unveiled VW Golf facelift.
Modifications are also being made to the RS3, potentially resulting in increased power from the five-cylinder engine without the need for electrification. The brand from Ingolstadt made a suggestion that the 2.5 TFSI might be tweaked to provide more power than its current 401 horsepower (394 horsepower in Europe).
We have inquired with Audi USA about whether the European model’s updates would be applied to the American model. As always, don’t expect to see the S3 Sportback available for purchase here.