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2021 Audi S3 Looks Sharp While Testing in Spain, Should Have 330 HP

A couple of days ago, we saw the all-new Audi A3 hatchback almost completely uncamouflaged. While it did look sharper than all the previous three generations, it's difficult to get excited over anything less than the S3.
2021 Audi S3 Looks Sharp While Testing in Spain, Should Have 330 HP 3 photos
Photo: Decoches
2021 Audi S3 Looks Sharp While Testing in Spain, Should Have 330 HP2021 Audi S3 Looks Sharp While Testing in Spain, Should Have 330 HP
For 2021, Audi is only going to make two versions of the S3, the 5-door Sportback and the 4-door sedan. Its 3-door and convertible incarnations weren't selling well, so they've been scrapped. Unfortunately, the automaker has been tight-lipped about the whole project, so we don't actually know very much about the engine they will use.

However, there was a rumor some months ago about VW going for a 330 horsepower output on its next Golf R. And as all you VW Group fans know, these two cars are always closely developed - same engine, same gearbox, same AWD.

While nothing is official, the rumor seemed credible, putting the S3 ahead of its new rivals in terms of power. We're talking about the BMW M135i xDrive and Mercedes-AMG A35, both currently boasting 306 HP from their respective four-cylinder turbos.

What's strange is that this isn't the right time to offer more power, as regulators are cracking down on emissions. But maybe some of those 330 horses are aided by or come directly from a small e-motor.

Audi isn't really known for adding lots of power to its cars. The RS5 has made 450 horsepower for all its life, for example. But going from the MkII to the MKIII Audi S3, they did add about 30 ponies. Styling-wise, the new S3 isn't anything to write home about.

These photos snapped by the website Decochas show it testing in a Spanish city. There's an obvious resemblance between it and the bigger S6 here. You have the same kind of taillights and a wider hexagonal grille. It's probably going to look sharper than the Golf R, but also cost more.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

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.
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