The new Audi S3 is undergoing its final stages of testing before being officially revealed to the world at the Paris motor show in September.
Front-end revisions include additional bumper vents and dark grilles replacing the chrome items on the standard A3. Deeper side skirts and an integrated rear diffuser will be offered. Bespoke alloy wheels measure 18 inches in diameter, and will be shod with 225/40 tyres.
These pictures also show the S3 will feature twin exhausts on each side – a trademark of Audi’s S models – for the first time.
The third-generation S3 will be powered by a version of the VW Group’s turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, rather than the 2.5-litre five-pot found in the Audi RS3 Sportback. No official announcements have been made regarding power output, but insiders suggest 276bhp and 280lb ft is possible.
Audi has targeted a 0-62mph time of 5.5sec – 0.2sec less than the outgoing model – and a top speed of 155mph.
A six-speed manual will be fitted as standard, with a seven-speed automatic appearing on the options list.
The S3 will be offered initially as a three-door only, and will be followed by a five-door Sportback variant. An S3 saloon is slated for launch sometime later, although it is unclear whether it will come to the UK.
