Geneva 2011: Audi A3 Concept

Earlier today we told you that German automaker Audi is presenting the A3 concept technical study at this year’s Geneva Auto Show, which opened its gates to media representatives today. Our team of photographers present at the Swiss venue has already transformed the vehicle into a catwalk supermodel and we here bring you a set of live photos from the event.

As you can see from the adjacent images, the four-seat notchback sedan comes with a sporty elegant design. The single-frame grille is integrated into the front end, its frame is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), while the headlights come as a new stage of evolution in LED technology. Also, the Audi A3 concept tips the scales at just 1,540 kilograms (3,395.12 lbs).

Under the hood, the A3 concept has a five-cylinder engine, coupled with a 7-speed S tronic transmission, developing 408 hp from a displacement of 2.5 liters. Its peak torque of 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) is available over a broad rev range between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. This allows the car to accelerate to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds, up to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

In terms of fuel consumption, the four-seater requires just 9.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (25.85 US mpg) and emits 212 grams CO2 per km (341.18 g/mile).

The A3 concept sits on 20-inch light-alloy rims in five twin-spoke design, and that are made of CFRP and aluminum.

Safety wise, the ESP stabilization system has a Sport mode and can be completely deactivated. The vehicle uses an electromechanical parking brake.