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Monday, December 8, 2008

Audi S3

Audi S3






The second generation Audi S3 is powered by a Volkswagen Group-sourced 265 PS (261 hp/195 kW) 2.0L Turbocharged FSI petrol engine. As with all Audi S models, the design was done in-house by quattro GmbH; latter RS models were usually tuned in collaboration with Cosworth Technology,(now Mahle Powertrain). The engine features revised boost/fuel mapping, increased turbocharger size and larger intercooler. The most powerful form of this widely used engine, and quattro four-wheel drive, makes for a 0-62 mph time of 5.5 s and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). The chassis has had the spring rating and dampers revised, along with the body kit. Like its predecessor, although badged a "quattro" model, the S3 does not employ a Torsen centre differential (as in other common quattro models), but instead uses the Swedish Haldex Traction system in its four-wheel drive transmission.

In the United Kingdom, the S3 is priced notably higher than many rivals. BMW's 130i M Sport offers 265 bhp, but is slower to 62 mph at 6.0 s. Other cars of similar power are a good deal cheaper; the Volkswagen Golf R32 sports 247 bhp, with 0-62 mph achieved in 6.5 seconds. The Vauxhall Astra VXR comes with less power - 240 bhp - but manages 0-62 mph in 6.5 s, whilst the SEAT León Cupra (2.0 T-FSI with 236 bhp), Volvo C30 (225 bhp 2.5-litre inline-5 turbo), and Mazdaspeed 3 (2.3-litre turbocharged engine with 256 bhp) also provide competition. Only the S3 and R32 are all-wheel drive, however, though the 130i M Sport is rear-wheel drive.

Audi has stated the S3 will not be sold in North/South America, although it is available in Mexico. Reasons range from pricing and competition with the Volkswagen Golf R32, and/or stealing sales from the new Audi TT and due to cost effectiveness in the North American market. Audi has announced a 2.0T quattro model for the North/South American market due out in 2009/2010 to coincide with the A3 body upgrade.

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