With 333 PS and 420 Nm of torque, the S3 is more powerful than ever. As part of the product upgrade, the 2.0 TFSI receives an increase in output of 23 PS and 20 Nm more torque. The result is confident pulling power and strong acceleration. The S3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds. Maximum torque is available in a wide rev range between 2,100 and 5,500 rpm. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). The engine and transmission also receive a sportier tuning: When at a steady speed and at low to medium acceleration in the part-load range, the preloaded turbocharger keeps at a constant rpm. In combination with the throttle valve, which is opened during overrun mode, this improves performance. The seven-speed S tronic now enables a more spontaneous take off, thanks to higher starting torque. This is achieved by compressing the clutch pack of the respective clutch more strongly. In addition, the shift time for gearshifts under full load has been halved and engine speeds are increased under partial load when the transmission is set to D which results in very good responsiveness.
More driving dynamics: quattro drive system with torque splitter
Following the RS 33, the torque splitter is now also available in the S3, increasing both agility and stability. This technology enables fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels. The torque splitter uses an electronically controlled multiple disk clutch on each drive shaft to optimally distribute the torque between the rear wheel on the inside and the outside of the curve - depending on the driving situation and the chosen Audi drive select mode.
More emotion: Audi drive select mode dynamic plus
Audi drive select offers six distinct modes for a wide range of driving experiences - from an emphasis on comfort to highly dynamic. In addition to the familiar profiles (auto, comfort, dynamic, individual, and efficiency), the model upgrade for the S3 features the new dynamic plus mode, which - as the name suggests - offers especially high driving dynamics. To this end, as much torque as possible reaches the rear axle and the torque splitter mainly sends to the rear wheel on the outside of the curve, resulting in a tendency to oversteer. The electronic stabilization control (ESC) is automatically active in sport mode. Modest interventions by the ESC system ensure an increased and even more emotional driving experience on surfaces with different friction coefficients. The engine and transmission have also been tuned specifically for dynamic plus mode. Compared to the dynamic mode, the idle speed of the 2.0 TFSI has increased by 200 rpm to 1,300 rpm to improve off-the-line performance further. The throttle response is even more direct. In addition to shorter gearshifts, the transmission also contributes to increased dynamics with later upshifts and earlier downshifts.
More precision: suspension optimizations
Wishbones with stiffer bearings and new pivot bearings that allow more negative wheel camber ensure an improved steering response and increased lateral control, which means more grip and dynamics in corners. Fittingly, the optimized progressive steering helps the S3 take corners even more precisely. Especially in the middle position, the steering, with its angle-dependent ratio, is more centered, which improves handling. The S sports suspension comes as standard in the S3 models. It lowers the body by 15 mm compared to the A3. The same applies to the optional S sport suspension with adaptive dampers, which has been specially tuned for the torque splitter and the respective Audi drive select modes. A new generation of the electronic stabilization control is also used. Wheel-selective torque control, which selectively brakes the wheels on the inside of the curve slightly while cornering, has also been further developed, as have been the traction and deceleration behavior. Overall, the S3-specific tuning of the suspension control systems results in dynamic turn in and driving behavior. The improved handling goes hand in hand with improved stability at the limit.
More grip: two new 19-inch tires
The Audi S3 comes as standard with 18-inch 225/40 tires. Two 19-inch 235/35 tires are available as an option, including performance tires with optimized dry handling and improved braking behavior. Completely new to the range: sports tires from Falken. They offer remarkably high grip and precise track stability, especially on dry roads. In addition, the Falken Label D tires feature extremely precise handling across the entire speed range.
More deceleration: larger brake disks
The increased driving dynamics mean increased demand on the brakes. For this reason, the model upgrade for the S3 has been equipped with larger ventilated brake disks on the front axle, which are perforated to provide a visual highlight. The 18-inch steel brake now measures 357 mm in diameter and, at 34 mm, is four mm thicker than before.