Audi S3 facelift gets 245kW of power, drift mode rear differential

Audi has substantially upgraded the mechanicals of its S3 hot hatch and performance sedan differ, lowering the outlet between the model and its extra hardcore – however present-restricted – RS3 sibling.

There are subtle dazzling and equipment adjustments too, however chief amongst the upgrades are two alterations below the skin.

First: outputs from the S3’s 2.0-litre ‘EA888’ turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine are lifted from 221kW/400Nm to 245kW/420Nm – a no longer insignificant 11 percent boost in energy.

That’s the 245kW tune anticipated to advance relief to Australia’s version of the Volkswagen Golf R within the come future.

2d, Audi has seen fit to trickle down the RS3’s twin-take hold of rear differential – and its drift mode capabilities – to the S3, permitting the extra subtle Q-automobile specification to energy oversteer a lot extra with out difficulty.

The dual-take hold of diff is equal to that aged by Ford’s old Focal level RS. The S3’s Quattro all-wheel power diagram can ship 50 percent of engine torque – or 210Nm – to the rear axle exclusively, all of which is able to be locked to the outdoor wheel.

The RS3 and Golf R non-public exclusively featured the tech within the Volkswagen Team stable up to now, though the Cupra Formentor would possibly perhaps gain the differential in a future change.

Furthermore to a revised, pre-loading turbocharger, the S3’s seven-velocity moist dual-take hold of computerized has obtained a strengthened take hold of plate that’s declared to halve shift cases below troublesome acceleration.

The consequence of that switch, Audi says, is a diminished 0-100km/h time of 4.7 sec (down 0.1 sec).

Styling updates are slight. Esteem the underlying A3 model, which modified into facelifted last month, the S3’s entrance conclude has been gently revised with a simplified grille and extra subtle 24-pixel matrix LED headlights.

Investors can mute make a choice from a matte aluminium styling package or a gloomy pack.

Internal, minor self-discipline fabric adjustments give the S3 a cramped cosmetic toughen.

Timing for the updated S3’s arrival in Australia is yet to be decided however it completely is predicted to fall spherical the conclude of 2024.