This is the Audi A3 TDi clubsport quattro – a bold hot hatch concept that is designed to give us a glimpse at the potential of the company’s 2.0-litre TDI engine. Built for the annual gathering of VW and Audi enthusiasts at Austria’s Lake Worthersee this week, the clubsport uses a highly tuned version of the diesel with 221bhp and 332lb ft of torque. Although there are no direct plans to produce a car like the clubsport, Audi is working on a range of hot diesels that are being developed by its quattro division. The 2.0-litre TDI gets its extra power from an uprated turbo and revised intake manifolds. In this spec the A3 clubsport quattro cracks 0-62mph in 6.6sec and reaches 149mph. Peak torque is available from 1750rpm.Power is channelled via a six-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drive. The car also uses Audi’s Drive Select system, which allows the driver to alter ESP settings, the sound of the exhaust and the level of steering assistance.The car gets the A3’s MacPherson strut (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension, along with 20in wheels. The rear brakes are standard A3 discs, but at the front Audi has fitted six-piston calipers and carbon-ceramic discs.The body kit includes new sill covers, bolt-on wheel arch extensions and a wider grille. The car is longer (by 40mm) and lower (by 36mm) than a standard A3. Inside, Audi has added some R8 elements: a flat-bottomed steering wheel, an aluminium, open-gate gear shifter and an infotainment screen. Toggle switches replace buttons on the centre console and Audi has hollowed out the door handles to cut weight.
Dan Stevens
Click here to find out more about the new Audi A3.
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Re: Revealed: Audi A3 clubsport
Darth,
Thanks for the kindly welcome - much appreciated.
No, I went for the round wheel - I'm skinny enough to fit! Agreed the clubsport looks horrible, but surely they wouldn't produce it with a finish like that.
For me the dull appearance of the S3 is an advantage (mine's grey). Doesn't upset people so much when you overtake them...
Cheers, Ian.
Re: Revealed: Audi A3 clubsport
The S3 is a lovely car (I've only ever sat in one unfortunately) but that club sport thing is horrible going by the picture. Given that an artist's impression is meant to show it in it's 'best light' things don't bode well for the real thing.
BTW - welcome to the forum, you'll hopefully get used to the negativity if you stick around.
Does your S3 have the flat bottomed steering wheel? That's surely the nicest wheel in production. They look great in white too.
Peace, Darth Balls
Re: Revealed: Audi A3 clubsport
Why can't anyone post something pleasant about a new car? None of you have seen it far less driven it, so why the vitriol? Nothing wrong with small Audis.
I bought an S3 six months ago and can't fault its handling or its performance or its build quality. If that makes me a chav I'm glad to join the rest of you.