The latest generation of the popular Audi executive hot hatch has finally broke cover ahead of its official 2012 Paris Motor Show debut held next week.
While its exterior lines are more evolutionary and its silhouette is instantly familiar, the new 2013 Audi S3 hatchback is backing some significantly updated heat underneath the engine cover -- a revamped 2.0 liter TFSI turbo four-cylinder powerplant delivers a potent 296-hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque transferred to all four wheels via a six-speed S-Tronic automatic transmission. Best of all, a wide torque peak torque figures are reached as low as 1,800 rpm and continue holding all the way up to 5,500 rpm. The new TFSI will rev up to a 6,800 rpm redline.
A new level of 4-cylinder powerplant engineering, the new 2.0 liter TFSI turbo features two balance shafts that rotate at twice the speed of the crankshaft for improved smoothness and refinement. What's more, both port or direct-injection techniques are implemented in the engine. Finally, Audi injects some aggression into the S3 hatch with an exhuast valve that opens up whenever the throttle sinks into the floor mats. 0-to-62 mph (100 km/h) takes just 5.1 seconds with the S-tronic transmissio with launch control while the manual gearbox variant closely follows by 0.3 seconds.
Beyond its engine, the Audi S3 boasts significant chassis upgrades as well. More rigid than its predecessor, the latest S3 actually lost 132 lbs. of weight.
Unfortunately, as Audi announced the A3 hatchback's withdrawal from the North American market, Audi has confirmed that the S3 hot hatch will be excluded from the United States as well. Learn more about the latest Audi A3 and S3 ahead at that 2012 Paris Motor Show.
