2013 Audi S3 is hot-hatch forbidden fruit par excellence

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/001-2013-audi-s3628opt.jpg

Alas, of all the not-for-U.S. models we see every year, some sting more than others. While the Volkswagen GTI may define ‘hot-hatch’ stateside, the 2013 Audi S3 ups the ante, and it looks even tastier and forbidden up close.

The centerpiece of the A3 is the new 2.0-liter TFSI inline-4. The turbocharged mill generates a whopping 300 horsepower and 280 pound feet of torque. Power is sent through either a six-speed manual transmission or optional S-Tronic gearbox to quattro full-time all-wheel drive. With a curb weight that is 132 pounds lower than its predecessor, the S3 is able to get from zero to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds. Fuel economy is listed at 6.9-liters per 100 kilometers, which converts to just over 34 miles per gallon, though the EPA testing cycle differs.

A lot of the luxury and safety tech found in the S3 comes from its larger stablemates. Adaptive cruise control, MMI user interface, navigation, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system all put the ‘premium’ in ‘premium performance compact.’

If you’re one of the lucky European hooligans with €38,900 ($50,699) to plunk down, the S3 could be yours. You’ll have to wait a few months, though, as it doesn’t land in dealerships until early 2013. Audi’s PR blast is posted below. Continue reading 2013 Audi S3 is hot-hatch forbidden fruit par excellence
2013 Audi S3 is hot-hatch forbidden fruit par excellence originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Commentshttp://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/0Px5BHO8ZxB8rukE1jN-50cLOfg/0/di
http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/0Px5BHO8ZxB8rukE1jN-50cLOfg/1/di
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/weblogsinc/autoblog?i=StaRNWlzGAg:v4FrvkcbTcM:wF9xT3WuBAs http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/weblogsinc/autoblog?i=StaRNWlzGAg:v4FrvkcbTcM:V_sGLiPBpWU

http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~4/StaRNWlzGAg