Power and torque have been increased to 328 horsepower and 310 lb-ft, respectively – increases of 22 hp and 15 lb-ft over the current model. The top speed may still be 155 mph, but the S3 is quicker in getting there. 0-62 mph is claimed at 4.7 seconds, a tenth quicker than the current car, so 0-60 mph will dip into the low-4s.
Peak torque is available from 2,100-5,500 rpm, but the increase in performance comes from the S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox’s higher starting torque level. Shift programming has also been revised, resulting in full-bore shifts taking half the time they previously did.
The updates are all fine and well, but the big detail is the S3 will inherit the torque-splitter from the Audi RS3. This rear clutch-based differential pack allows torque to be divvied left and right, enabling the drift mode we’ve experienced in the RS3.
