Audi teases with new A3 “notchback” concept

Audi has given us a great preview of what they’re bringing to Geneva by releasing three sketches of what they’re calling the A3 concept. It’s the best look yet, obviously, of the rumoured A3 sedan. It’s also the first official look at likely styling cues for the third generation A3, which is expected to go on sale in 2012.

Powering this A3 concept is a 300kW five pot, sourced from the quattro concept. Keeping that theme running, the new concept also features a quattro drivetrain and a 7-speed S tronic transmission.

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[Source: Audi AG]

Audi presents A3 concept in Geneva

Ingolstadt, 2011-02-21

• Attractive concept car as a four-seater notchback sedan
• Five-cylinder, 300 kW (408 hp) turbocharged engine with quattro drive
• Based on the successor to the Audi A3

Audi will present an attractive technological concept car based on the coming generation of the Audi A3 at the 81st International Geneva Motor Show in early March 2011. The four-seater notchback sedan offers a glimpse of the future expansion of the A3 family.

The sporty yet elegant design of the Audi A3 concept integrates the single-frame grille with its tapered upper corners and headlights with the latest generation of LED technology. The low, flowing roof dome and a coupe-like, low C pillar are among the defining features of the side view.

The Audi A3 concept is 4.44 meters (14.57 feet) long, 1.84 meters (6.04 feet) wide and just 1.39 meters (4.56 feet) high. These proportions emphasize the dynamism of the car’s appearance, as do the performance figures for the drive unit. The five-cylinder turbocharged engine has a power output of 300 kW (408 hp). It distributes its power to all four wheels through a seven-speed S tronic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.