2009 Audi S3 image gallery

Hope you enjoy this selection of images of the 2009 Audi S3 range, including images of the familiar 3-door Coupé and the newly introduced 5-door Sportback. Also included at the end of the gallery is Audi’s press release from the Paris Motor Show and technical drawing of both models.

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The Audi S3 and S3 Sportback

Dynamic, sporty and sophisticated, the Audi S3 and S3 Sportback with 195 kW (265 hp) output and quattro permanent all-wheel drive are the top-of-the-range versions of the A3 line. They redefine the parameters that have been applied in this car class until now – by raising them to sports-car level. A new variant of the S3 with S tronic is now available. The three-door hatchback sprints up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) from a standing start in a mere 5.5 seconds, and thrusts its way forward to a top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) that’s only limited by the electronic governor. Its two-liter TFSI with direct gasoline injection and turbocharger is a true high-performance unit. Its power is transmitted to the 18-inch alloy wheels by a six-speed transmission or six-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

Design and interior

The S3 and S3 Sportback issue many a visual signal of their high performance potential. The single-frame radiator grille has a chromed decor element, the front air dam has a spoiler with large air intakes. The side sills are of special design, and the aluminum-look outside mirrors and roof spoiler in body color add additional accents. The rear apron has an integrated diffuser and two oval exhaust tailpipes.

The interior conveys a dynamic atmosphere, with materials of the highest quality and painstaking craftsmanship. The sport seats, with prominent side bolsters, are upholstered in a combination of cloth and leather. The headlining is black; the instrument cluster has typical S dials and needles. The pedals, gear knob and air vents have an aluminum-look finish, the inlays are in black lacquer or alternatively in aluminum or fine grain birchwood veneer.

Drivetrain

The S3’s engine delivers all that is expected of a powerful sports unit. The 2.0 TFSI has a rated output of 195 kW (265 hp) at 6,000 rpm and delivers a vigorous maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.06 lb-ft) between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm. On the standard test cycle, this four-cylinder engine is content to consume only 8.5 liters per 100 km (27.67 US mpg). The three-door S3 with S tronic is even more fuel-efficient at just 8.3 liters per 100 km (28.34 US mpg). These figures are further evidence of the efficiency of TFSI technology. Call for this two-liter power pack to give of its best, and it will catapult the three-door S3 hatchback up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) from a standing start in 5.7 seconds (5.5 seconds with S tronic), and continue at a similarly determined pace until its governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is reached. The S3 Sportback with S tronic accomplishes the standard sprint in 5.6 seconds.

Compared with the A3, this engine incorporates extensive further development work. The new turbocharger, with larger impeller and turbine wheels, can build up a boost pressure as high as 1.2 bar. A modified charge air intercooler lowers the temperature of the compressed air sharply, so that the combustion air mass is higher. High pressure injectors of increased cross-section deliver fuel directly to the combustion chambers.

The high-performance TFSI engine has pistons with uprated pins and reinforced conrods with modified bearings to transmit the higher forces to the crankshaft. The cylinder block is now more rigid, and an extremely heat-resistant alloy is used for the cylinder head. The exhaust camshaft timing has been adjusted to accommodate the increased output. With all this progressive technology, the high-performance turbocharged engine tips the scales at just 152 kg (335.1 lb), less than comparable engines from direct competitors. This low weight has a positive effect on axle load distribution.

The Audi S3 has a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission (or S tronic as an option) with shorter lever action. Like all Audi S models, the S3’s power reaches the road via quattro permanent all-wheel drive. An electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch, located at the rear for the most favorable weight distribution, distributes torque from the engine to the axle with greater tire grip, for maximum road safety. All the drivetrain components have been uprated.

Running gear

The Audi S3 exhibits all the handing qualities of a top-performing athlete: spontaneous steering response and high cornering speeds. The already sophisticated suspension of the A3 – with aluminum subframes front and rear, triangulated lower lateral control arms at the front and four-link suspension at the rear – has been further refined.

The springs and shock absorbers have firmer settings, and the S3’s body has been lowered by 25 millimeters (0.98 in) compared with the standard A3 running gear. Pivot bearings and lateral control arms made of aluminum reduce unsprung weight, and stiffer suspension mounts and a sportier characteristic for the electromechanical steering provide even greater precision. 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 tires ensure a firm grip on the road. A 17-inch brake system with sport brake pads ensures maximum deceleration; the black painted front brake calipers have S3 emblems.

Equipment and trim

Standard S3 equipment includes deluxe automatic air conditioning, a driver information system with integral stopwatch for taking lap times, and an anti-theft alarm. Front fog lights and xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights emphasize the exclusive appearance of this compact athlete.

The list of optional extras includes such items as a leather-trimmed steering wheel with a flattened section of the rim at the bottom and – in the quattro GmbH catalog – bucket-type seats. In the infotainment area, Audi offers audio systems featuring interfaces for cell phones and the iPod, as well as a Bose sound system with high-performance speakers.

Audi S3 and S3 Sportback at a glance

• Engine: displacement 1,984 cc, output 195 kW (265 hp) at 6,000 rpm, max. torque 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm.
• Performance and fuel consumption (S3): 0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62.14 mph) in 5.7 s, top speed 250 km/h (155.34 mph), governed, fuel consumption (combined) 8.5 liters/100 km (27.67 US mpg) of Super Plus gasoline.
• Drivetrain combination: quattro with six-speed manual transmission.

Disclaimer: The equipment, specifications, and prices stated herein refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.