Audi S3 and S3 Sportback Now with S Tronic

Audi today announced that two of its S3 models, the base and the Sportback, are now featuring the S tronic transmission, a system which is said to be the most efficient and fastest dual-clutch gearbox for the S3 model. Audi says it can improve S3's acceleration and raise fuel efficiency while providing some of the most advanced sport features in the compact class.

The S Tronic will be installed on S3's 2.0-liter TSFI engine, which has already won the “Engine of the Year Award” four times. The engine supplies 265 horsepower and a maximum torque of 350 Nm and is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, two-tenths of a second faster than with the standard transmission. Fuel consumption has improved to 8.3 liters per 100 km (stock S3) with CO2 emissions of just 193 g/km.

Audi's S tronic dual-clutch transmission was first introduced in spring 2003 on the Audi TT 3.2 quattro and is said to “combine the advantages of a compact six-speed manual transmission with the qualities of a modern automatic,” according to an Audi statement released to the press. “The driver thus benefits from enormous agility and driving pleasure with acceleration that is both harmonious and dynamic, without any perceptible interruption in the power flow. This is coupled with good economy thanks to low fuel consumption, and convenient operation.”

The upgraded S3 and S3 Spotback with S Tronic transmissions are already available through authorized dealerships, with prices starting at 38,900 euros and 39,800 euros, respectively.

“The ultracompact S tronic with twin multi-plate clutch can simultaneously preselect two gears. With its ingenious electrohydraulic operation, it shifts from one gear to the next in a split second. The S tronic makes the dynamic spearhead of the A3 family even speedier,” Audi concluded.