The newest generation of the Audi A3 brings it a sporty evil twin brother to the Paris Motor Show. Built on the now almost famous MQB lightweight platform, this new Audi S3 is truly worthy of being called a sportscar, at least in terms of straightline performance.
That’s because the car is powered b a new 2.0 TFSI engine that puts out 300 PS at 5,500 rpm and 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) from 1,800 rpm, a significant increase of 35Hp and 30Nm over the previous model. That might not seem like much, but Audi has been playing it safe and adding little to no power.
With this new motor and a snappy S tronic double-clutch gearbox that comes as an option, the new Audi S3 will reach 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds. So even though it looks like a regular family hatchback, it’s faster than a dedicated sportscar like the Nissan 370Z.
All this performance comes at a price – €38,900 in Germany next year, but then it does come with 18-inch wheel, a restyled body and a premium interior with sports steering wheel and pedals and leather sports seats.
This video shot in Paris by Marchettino shows how sexy the red paint is, and the upmarket quality of the interior, which is by no means something to take lightly.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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