New S3

Huggiebear · 09-12-2002, 06:05 AM

I recently sold my 270HP S3 as I moved from NZ to Germany. But I keep an eye on what's happening in the Audi world.
2 weeks ago I purchased 2 German magazines with the new A3 as the main feature pictured on the front.
New model looks more similar to old, despite the usual and inaccurate rumours of a radical new shape. But this is OK as it looks clean and well revised. The S3 version should look as horny as the old as well.
Power options are disappointing however. The good news is that a 1.6 FSI will be available, yet this not unexpected. The bad news is that the S3 engine is forecast to be a 2.8L or 3.0L VR6 engine producing approx. 250-280HP. Therefore, engine enhancement options are almost nil.
Despite the new model using more aluminium components, my guess is that the new S3 will be heavier than the old due to the VR6 and possibly more luxury bits.
My wish list for the new S3 was aluminium space frame - lighter weight, sequential paddle shift trans, and a turbo charged engine of approx. 280HP - allowing scope for enhancement. But I feel Audi will not deliver on any of these popular attributes. Instead, the new S3 sounds like a heavy, gas hungry, underpowered and possibly unexciting revision of the old.
My suggestion is to buy the current S3, enhance to 265HP through ABT or MTM (plus 5HP if you cut a hole in the airbox and add a K&N filter), lower 30mm, and add the 15mm wheel spaces. Here you will enjoy fantastic performance (largely due to the 380Nm torque) and good fuel economy when desired. The only let down are the brakes but these are not too bad. And lastly, don't forget to modify the turbo inlet hose as later models suffered from air starvation problems when exceeding approx. 200KMH (see http://www.mtm-online.de/).
I've considered an M3 (albeit a more superior car) but I still think the 265HP S3 is a great package for the money.
I look forward to any counter arguments.
Good luck ... Huggiebear.

yue · 09-12-2002, 08:34 PM

Huggiebear · 09-12-2002, 09:06 PM

Opps ... sorry ... the picture is my old S3. And I also forgot to say that my comments were in response to Chiecco's need to know what the new S3 is like.
PS: I'll be at the Leipzig motor show next April to view all.
PS2: Anyone considering the VW R32 - forget it!

Huggiebear · 09-12-2002, 09:14 PM

And in typical Audi fashion ... I wouldn't bet on seeing the new S3 for at least another 2 years.
PS: Was at Ingolstaat factory last week and noticed an S3 with a new (possibly optional) 4-spoke steering wheel with function buttons - radio I presume. I prefer the old 3-spoke one.

yue · 09-13-2002, 06:41 AM

can you post a picture of the new A3? I'm trying to decide if i should get an A4 this year or wait for the new A3. I couldn't find an offical picture of the new A3 anywhere on the web.

Huggiebear · 09-13-2002, 11:32 AM

A pic of the new A3 will be posted within 24 hrs. Stay calm and don't loose any sleep.

Drillslinger · 09-15-2002, 09:41 AM

Actually the 4-spoke multi-function steering wheel has been an option for German reg S3's for quite a while. I just think most people prefer their 3-spoke's with the nice lil' S3 badge.

Otavio · 09-16-2002, 12:32 PM

Can you e-mail me please ? otavio@altamogiana.com.br Thank´s !

09-12-2002, 06:05 AM	#1
Huggiebear New Member Account #: 42870 Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 29	New S3 I recently sold my 270HP S3 as I moved from NZ to Germany. But I keep an eye on what's happening in the Audi world. 2 weeks ago I purchased 2 German magazines with the new A3 as the main feature pictured on the front. New model looks more similar to old, despite the usual and inaccurate rumours of a radical new shape. But this is OK as it looks clean and well revised. The S3 version should look as horny as the old as well. Power options are disappointing however. The good news is that a 1.6 FSI will be available, yet this not unexpected. The bad news is that the S3 engine is forecast to be a 2.8L or 3.0L VR6 engine producing approx. 250-280HP. Therefore, engine enhancement options are almost nil. Despite the new model using more aluminium components, my guess is that the new S3 will be heavier than the old due to the VR6 and possibly more luxury bits. My wish list for the new S3 was aluminium space frame - lighter weight, sequential paddle shift trans, and a turbo charged engine of approx. 280HP - allowing scope for enhancement. But I feel Audi will not deliver on any of these popular attributes. Instead, the new S3 sounds like a heavy, gas hungry, underpowered and possibly unexciting revision of the old. My suggestion is to buy the current S3, enhance to 265HP through ABT or MTM (plus 5HP if you cut a hole in the airbox and add a K&N filter), lower 30mm, and add the 15mm wheel spaces. Here you will enjoy fantastic performance (largely due to the 380Nm torque) and good fuel economy when desired. The only let down are the brakes but these are not too bad. And lastly, don't forget to modify the turbo inlet hose as later models suffered from air starvation problems when exceeding approx. 200KMH (see http://www.mtm-online.de/). I've considered an M3 (albeit a more superior car) but I still think the 265HP S3 is a great package for the money. I look forward to any counter arguments. Good luck ... Huggiebear.

09-12-2002, 08:34 PM	#2
yue New Member Account #: 39251 Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 63	the picture is the official new A3?

09-12-2002, 09:06 PM	#3
Huggiebear New Member Account #: 42870 Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 29	Opps Opps ... sorry ... the picture is my old S3. And I also forgot to say that my comments were in response to Chiecco's need to know what the new S3 is like. PS: I'll be at the Leipzig motor show next April to view all. PS2: Anyone considering the VW R32 - forget it!

09-12-2002, 09:14 PM	#4
Huggiebear New Member Account #: 42870 Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 29	Opps 2 And in typical Audi fashion ... I wouldn't bet on seeing the new S3 for at least another 2 years. PS: Was at Ingolstaat factory last week and noticed an S3 with a new (possibly optional) 4-spoke steering wheel with function buttons - radio I presume. I prefer the old 3-spoke one.

09-13-2002, 06:41 AM	#5
yue New Member Account #: 39251 Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 63	Re: Opps can you post a picture of the new A3? I'm trying to decide if i should get an A4 this year or wait for the new A3. I couldn't find an offical picture of the new A3 anywhere on the web.

09-13-2002, 11:32 AM	#6
Huggiebear New Member Account #: 42870 Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 29	Achtung everybody ... A pic of the new A3 will be posted within 24 hrs. Stay calm and don't loose any sleep.

09-15-2002, 09:41 AM	#7
Drillslinger New Member Account #: 8913 Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 244	Re: Opps 2 Actually the 4-spoke multi-function steering wheel has been an option for German reg S3's for quite a while. I just think most people prefer their 3-spoke's with the nice lil' S3 badge. __________________ Vorsprung Durch Gas Geben !!

09-16-2002, 12:32 PM	#8
Otavio New Member Account #: 4536 Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 160	I can´t see the picture !!! Can you e-mail me please ? otavio@altamogiana.com.br Thank´s !

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