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Audi S3 Cabriolet Is Here, Pricing Starts at EUR48,500

Audi is preparing to kick off spring in Geneva, with the automaker introducing the S3 Cabriolet ahead of the motor show debut.
Audi S3 Cabriolet 19 photos
Photo: Audi
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Like the S3 and S3 Sportback (five-door), the Cabriolet is powered by a 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder unit delivering 300 HP and a peak torque of 380 Nm (280 lb-ft).

Thanks to a six-speed S Tronic double-clutch gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive, this open top ride deals with the 0 to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds. As usual, the top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph (250 km/h).

Nonetheless, not all the specs are all that brilliant, as the thing tips the scales at 1,620 (3,571 lbs) - measured without the driver. That’s 150 kg (lbs) over the weight of the three-door S3. As for the construction, Audi explains that while the hood is made of aluminum, the passenger steel mainly uses ultra-high-strength steel. Well, at least it won’t wobble about...

Moving on to the soft top, this can be folded or raised in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h). The luggage capacity remains decent, with the A3 Cabriolet offering 285 liters (cubic feet) or 245 liters (cubic feet) with the roof stowed.

Using the S Sport suspension, the S3 Cabriolet rides 25 mm (0.98 inches) lower, with the standard package including 225/40 R18 tires, on 8Jx18 aluminum wheels. As an option, you can have 19-inch wheels. Behind those wheels, we find massive brakes, with the front rotors measuring 340 millimeters (13.39 in) in diameter.

Audi also mentions some form of torque vectoring; “The ESC electronic stabilization control manifests itself in a new stage of evolution. Before reaching the handling limits, a finely metered braking torque is applied unnoticeable to the inside front wheels. This improves the car’s agility, thus complementing the work of the quattro drive.” Nothing new for the VW Group, but still a nice development.

The 2014 Audi S3 Cabriolet is set to hit the market this summer, with the pricing starting at EUR48,500 (German market).
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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