With a host of new features, the Audi S3 has received more than just an upgrade: Increased performance, a torque splitter and other technological features ensure explosive performance and even more enjoyable dynamics. On the outside, the updated S3 stands out with its enhanced dynamic image with an expressive front design, a sporty diffuser and a Performance exhaust system with quad exhaust tips. The Audi S3 will be available, in Sportback and Sedan versions, in the second quarter of 2024, starting at €63,980.
Increased performance: the 2.0 TFSI of 333 PS
With 333 PS and 420 Nm of torque, the S3 is more powerful than ever. As part of the product refresh, the 2.0 TFSI demonstrates a 23 PS increase in power and 20 Nm more torque. The result is even better performance. The S3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. Maximum torque is available over a wide rev range, from 2,100 to 5,500 rpm. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h.
The engine and gearbox have a sportier setting: at constant speed and during low to medium acceleration in the part-load range, the turbo's "pre-charged" turbocharger maintains a constant rpm. The 7-speed S tronic allows a more direct engagement, thanks to increased clutch pressure. In addition, when the gearbox is in D position, the gear change time under full load has been halved and the engine speed increases under part load, which ensures better response.
Even more dynamic driving: permanent all-wheel drive quattro with torque divider
Following the RS 3, the torque splitter is now available on the S3, increasing both grip and handling. This technology allows fully variable torque distribution between the two rear wheels. The torque splitter uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch on each rear semi-axle to optimally distribute torque between the rear outer and rear inner wheel during a turn - depending on the conditions and the selected Audi drive select mode.
More enjoyment: Audi drive select mode dynamic plus
Audi drive select offers six distinct modes for a wide range of driving experiences - from a focus on comfort to extremely dynamic driving. In addition to the familiar profiles (auto, comfort, dynamic, individual and efficiency), the new S3 includes the new dynamic plus mode, which - as its name suggests - ensures particularly high levels of dynamic driving. To this end, the torque splitter sends as much torque as possible to the rear axle and the rear wheel located on the outside during a turn, resulting in a slight oversteer tendency. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is automatically active in sport mode. The ESC's subtle interventions ensure an enhanced and even more enjoyable driving experience on surfaces with different coefficients of friction. The engine and gearbox have also been specially tuned for dynamic plus mode. Compared to dynamic mode, the idle of the 2.0 TFSI has been increased by 200 rpm to 1,300 rpm to further improve performance. The throttle response is even more responsive. In addition to faster gear changes, the transmission also helps to increase driving dynamics with slower upshifts and faster downshifts.
Greater precision: suspension improvements
More rigid swingarm bearings and new axle bearings that allow greater negative wheel camber ensure improved steering response and increased lateral control, which translates into greater traction and more dynamic cornering grip. Improved progressive steering helps the S3 turn with even greater precision. Particularly in the mid-range option, the steering, has greater precision around its straight line, which further improves control. With the S sport suspension, the chassis is lowered by 15 mm. The same applies to the optional sport S sport suspension with adaptive damping, which has been specially set up for the torque splitter and the corresponding Audi drive select functions. A new generation of the electronic ESC system has also been adopted. The torque distribution control function (wheel-selective torque control), which brakes the wheels slightly and selectively inside the corner, has also been further developed, as has the progressive traction and deceleration. Overall, the S3-specific tuning of the suspension control systems results in a more dynamic and enjoyable driving experience.
More grip: two new tyres for 19-inch wheels
The Audi S3 comes standard with 18-inch wheels and 225/40 tyres. Two 235/35 performance tyres are optionally available for 19-inch wheels, including performance tyres with further optimised dry and braking performance. Completely new to the range are the Falken sports tyres. They offer remarkably high traction combined with precision and stability on the track, especially on dry roads. In addition, Falken Label D tyres offer extremely precise handling throughout the entire gear range.
Stronger braking: bigger disc brakes
Improved dynamic driving means increased demands on the brakes. For this reason, the new S3 has larger ventilated front brake discs, which are perforated. They have a diameter of 357 mm and a width of 34 mm, and are 4 mm thicker than before. The two-piston front calipers are also new. They further improve braking performance, along with the larger pads and larger friction surface of the discs, which have a significantly higher heat capacity and thus a higher braking capacity.
Stronger expressiveness: progressive design
The new Audi S3 has been given an even more dynamic and attractive appearance. The hexagonal, frameless, single-frame grille is noticeably flatter and wider. Design elements such as L-wings accentuate the large grille which, together with the large, side air intakes, highlight the dynamic character of the model. A striking front spoiler, with two vertical motorsport-inspired elements, makes the S3 look even more impressive.
The new bumper also makes the rear end look more dynamic than ever. The single-frame grille design with its distinctive L-wings is mirrored in the glossy black rear "apron" above the diffuser. It is split into two parts to give a special S design that looks particularly sporty when combined with the vertical side reflectors that are a design feature of RS models. The dynamic look is completed by the twin exhaust tips, another feature of the S models. The optional Performance exhaust system, which delivers a more racing sound, features titanium tips.
The progressive body design is further accentuated by new metallic colours such as District Green, Ascari Blue and Progressive Red. For the first time, Daytona Gray is also available in a matte finish.
More options: up to four light signatures for daytime running lights
As with the redesigned single-frame grille, the design of the headlamps is significantly flatter, emphasising the S3's width. The 24 pixel elements that make up the daytime running lights in the LED and Matrix LED headlamps are now arranged at the top edge and in three rows. For the first time in the A3 range, it is now possible to choose via MMI between up to four digital signatures for the daytime running lights. "This capability offers our customers a higher degree of personalisation. They can change the look of their car at any time. Signatures interpret confidence and flexibility in different ways. This also applies to the "coming home/leaving home", which was designed separately for each signature. The rear lights also feature a new design and a new function "coming home/ leaving home", said Cesar Muntada, Head of Design Light Experience at AUDI AG.
More charismatic: an exciting interior
To match the more impressive bodywork, the interior has also been upgraded. There are several changes - from the design of the gear selector and air vents to the decorative fabric inserts and new interior lighting. All of these elements show attention to detail and highlight the car's advanced technology.
The standard Ambient plus interior lighting package in the S3 adds style to the storage space in front of the gear selector, on the doors and in the footwell. The centre console and cupholders now feature contour lighting. One striking new design element is the front doors, specifically their fabric panel that has been laser-formed 300 times. Its five sections have concealed lighting on the door panel. The different sizes of the elements create a dynamic light beam, which is also evident when locking and unlocking the car, highlighting the illuminated fabric panel as a unique design experience.
The interior of the S3 features dark colours with some silver accents. The black roof lining, aluminium pedals, illuminated sills with aluminium inserts with the S logo and aluminium-style interior trim emphasise the car's sporty character. Artificial leather armrests and dual-zone air conditioning are standard. The flat-bottom sport leather multifunctional 3-spoke leather steering wheel features new chrome-plated paddles. Sport seats with integrated headrests provide enhanced lateral support. In addition to Dinamica microfiber, a new artificial trim for the trim inserts is available, as well as aluminum and carbon fiber details.
Increased functionality: integration apps and at demand functions
S3 is digitally connected thanks to numerous connectivity services, on-demand features and the app store. It comes standard with a 10.25" Audi virtual cockpit, a 10.1" touchscreen, DAB+ digital radio reception and inductive smartphone charging. In addition to the two front USB-C charging ports in the centre console, two additional ports for rear passengers are standard.
Other optional features include the MMI plus navigation system, along with the full connectivity set and access to the Audi app store, which allows the driver to use a wide range of apps directly on the car's screen. The selected apps are installed in the S3's infotainment and entertainment system - without the S3 needing any user intervention via the smartphone. Users can also interact with their apps via voice commands. On-demand functions ensure a high degree of flexibility. Even after the car has been purchased, a total of five individual infotainment and comfort functions can be added online via the myAudi app.
