New Audi S3 2024: test, photos, technical data sheet, release and price

The data speaks for itself: with its 333 HP, the new Audi S3 is the most powerful created so far. In fact, 0-100 km/h is covered in 4.7 seconds and with torque splitter technology it is more fun than ever

Matteo Gallucci

– Dhofar (Oman)

Below the camouflage there’s more than the prototype new Audi S3. So much so that calling it a “simple restyling” would be an understatement. This was the first thought after the test drive in Oman with the renewed one Audi S3 which will be revealed in the definitive version only in the second quarter of 2024. In fact, the improvements it brings are different: starting from the power and delivery upgrade, passing through the very direct steering and the unprecedented ability to drift with naturalness that brings her so close to her older sister Audi RS3.

The technical data sheet of the new Audi S3

The numbers summarize the potential of new S3. The four cylinder 2.0 Tfsi on petrol it delivers well 333 HP and 420 Nm of torqueincreasing in power and torque by 23 HP and 20 Nm respectively engine that is not electrified and guarantees a wide range for maximum torque available between 2,100 and 5,500 rpm. Being there Most powerful S3 produced so far, his performances could only improve with a sprint from 0-100 km/h which is now covered in 4.7 secondsgaining a tenth on the previous model, and a maximum speed of 250 km/h limited electronically.

Delivery always ready

They amaze responsiveness and progression on the accelerator pedalwith a overboost effect which is always helped even in partial loads by the constant speed of the turbine. A truly well-studied supercharger, with refined management of the preload of the wastegate actuators even at constant speed. Everything is enhanced even more with the dynamic and driving modes dynamic pluswith the latter, new for the S3, which further improves throttle response when the accelerator is fully pressed.

Transmission is also evolving

Gear changes are very quick thanks to an upgrade to the clutch and the engine speed which increases automatically when engaging gears. So the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox it also excites when standing still, reactively reeling off all seven gears and reducing shifting times.

What it inherits from the RS3

Among the innovations that are most appreciated on new Audi S3 2024 deserves a special mention torque splitter technology. In fact, it is taken directly from the Audi RS3 and is capable of actively and fully variable distribution of torque between the rear wheels. By doing so you obtain a behavior that tends to oversteer, but the correction with the steering wheel is simple and intuitive. No difficulty, indeed, driving fun is guaranteed thanks to the torque splitter which uses two electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutches: one for each rear half-axle.

How it goes and how it changes while driving

Behind the wheel of the new Audi S3, a sporty driving style is preferred. This way you can better appreciate the work of torque distribution system which, when cornering, gives more thrust to the rear wheel with greater grip. Thanks to the greater grip on the wheel outside the trajectory, it practically comes the danger of understeer was eliminated: this allows you to choose between driving quickly and cleanly and taking more risks with the drifting. On a straight line, however, the quattro all-wheel drive and the joint action of the clutches directs torque to both rear wheels. The driving style and selected modes of theAudi drive select always influence the management of the couple. Compared to the previous version of S3 also the steering is improved becoming more precise and direct. To make the S3 restyling the McPherson type suspensions gain new bearings which allow a negative camber (camber) double compared to the past and close to 1.5 degrees. An improvement which, combined with the stiffer quadrilaterals, gives a more reactive driving feeling than in the past.

The new dynamic plus and Esc

As mentioned, the Audi drive select is now present dynamic plus, the most sporting program. In addition to directing more power to the rear, this mode has a more aggressive delivery curve and dedicated transmission calibration. In support of quattro all-wheel drive there is the renewed selective management of torque on the individual wheels. The latter acts to always have greater gripbraking the wheels inside the trajectory to a minimum extent, and more stabilitythanks to the integration of the torque splitter (less invasive in dynamic plus mode).

Brakes and tires up to par

When you increase the power, you must make sure not to lose control: it is no coincidence, in fact, that the new braking system Audi S3 has adapted to the increase in power and torque. Now they are at the front 357 mm self-ventilating discs (+4 mm thick) with two-piston calipers, while the tires with size 235/35 R19 they are specially supplied by the Japanese company Falken.



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