Spy photographers have managed to capture the forthcoming 2008 Audi A3 completely undisguised in a parking lot in Though this is something that we haven’t confirmed yet, it is rumored that the A3 facelift will debut alongside the all-new A3 Cabriolet either at the Detroit Show in January ’08 or at the Geneva Show in March ’08.
Via: Automotorsport.se
BMW's forthcoming 1-Series Convertible (images here) won’t be the only compact prestige drop-top to come into the market next year as Audi’s also planning to introduce a cabriolet version of the A3. However, that’s something we already knew –see here. Thanks to the guys at the Italian forum, “Autopareri” though, we now have a visual encounter of the A3 Cabriolet. Can’t say that we’re exactly thrilled with the A3 Convertible’s appearance from these scoop pictures, but better wait to see the finished product before we make any conclusions. -Continued after the jump Like its Bavarian counterpart, the A3 will be equipped with an electric folding canvas roof and not a metal rooftop like its VW cousin, the EOS. As for the running gear, the Cabriolet will be powered from the same FSI petrol and TDI diesel engines used in the A3 hatch. The petrol line-up will include the new 125 Hp 1.4 TSI, 160 Hp 1.8 TSI and the range-topping 265Hp 2.0 TFSI. The latter will equip the S3 Convertible. Finally, the diesel range will consist of two 2.0 TDI engines, delivering 140 and 170 Hp.
Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Autopareri
As predicted, VW Group is quietly substituting the 115 Hp 1.6-litre FSI petrol unit with its new version of the 125 Hp1.4-litre TFSI engine in every model. Following the VW Golf / Jetta and the Seat Altea / Leon models, time’s up for the Audi A3. Available from September 2007, the turbocharged A3 accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 9.6 sec while it boasts a top speed of 203 km/h (126mph). According to Audi, its average fuel consumption is just 6.5-liters per 100 km (36.2 mpg). Kinda off subject but since we’re talking about turbocharged petrol units, we thought this would fit in. See, while
The reason for this drop will be due to the stricter emission rules applied by the EU which will significantly raise the already expensive, manufacturing and development costs of diesel units, making them totally unattractive to automakers and consequently to car buyers. And that’s were small-capacity turbocharged petrol engines show up since they're cheaper to develop and manufacture. Moreover, don’t forget that petrol engines can also burn alternative fuels like natural gas or hydrogen, something that even the most advanced diesel cannot. -Audi A3 1.4TSI Press Release after the jump
Efficiency and performance: New 1.4 TFSI engine in the Audi A3
A new, ultra-modern four-cylinder TFSI engine with a displacement of 1.4 litres and turbocharger can now be ordered for the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback. The 1.4 TFSI engine delivers 92 kW (125 bhp) at 5,000 rpm. Its maximum torque of 200 Nm is available across an unusually wide speed range of 1,500 to 4,000 rpm.
Audi’s engineers have long been demonstrating the effectiveness of FSI technology in combination with turbocharging both on the world’s racetracks and on the road. The prime example of this is the “Engine of the Year” award with which a jury of experts crowned the 2.0 TFSI in 2007 for the third time in succession.
This concept is being consistently used once again for the new 1.4 TFSI in order to combine optimal levels of efficiency and performance. Six-hole injectors guarantee highly homogeneous mixture preparation and extremely efficient combustion. The reduction of pollutants is also aided effectively in this way.
The integrated turbocharger and modified exhaust valve timing ensure optimised responsiveness and help torque to build up even more smoothly. 80 percent of the maximum torque of 200 Nm is available from 1,250 rpm, just above idle speed. The 1.4 TFSI at the same time sets new standards in its class in terms of acoustics. The new high-tech unit from Audi can be ordered for the A3 and A3 Sportback in combination with a six-speed manual gearbox.
With a top speed of 203 km/h and acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds for the three-door A3, the 1.4 TFSI ensures supreme performance. Its average fuel consumption is just 6.5 litres of premium-grade fuel per 100 km.
The basic price of the A3 1.4 TFSI Attraction is 21,350 euros. The first vehicles will be available in September 2007.
This fella has serious issues to solve, and we mean really, really serious issues. Kitsch plastic add-ons aside, why the hell would you stick a reversed BMW kidney-grille on a first-gen Audi A3 hatch? Seriously now, why? Can’t even begin to start imagining what his next project will look like. -Thanks for the pic Mike!
Spring's officially here in the northern hemisphere so it’s no wonder that Adobe’s Photochop is getting a kick with all these cabriolet renderings. This one featuring the top-notch version of the upcoming A3 Cabrio comes to us from German magazine AMS who also predicts that Audi will once again avoid using a retractable hardtop in favor for the classic soft-top. According to AMS, apart from the 265Hp 2.0TFSI that’ll fit the S3 version, the A3 Cabrio will be equipped with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines including VW Group’s upcoming 1.2TSI (1.2-liter turbocharged) that delivers 140Hp and the 2.0TDI in 140Hp & 170Hp guises. It is rumoured that the A3 Cabrio will debut at this year's Frankfurt Show in September. Via: Autoblog.it , Source: AMSTechnorati: Audi+A3+Cabrio, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images
