By Otsile Kadiege

Audi has revealed a few camouflaged teaser images of the current-generation facelifted S3 prototype. The potent S3 sedan and hatchback will get a bunch of exterior and interior updates, new gizmos, increased power and torque, and a few other mechanical upgrades.

S3 exterior updates

Taking a quick glance at the updated S3, one might not notice any changes but if you take a closer look you’ll notice that Audi has ditched the honeycomb grille structure in favour of slanted vertical slats. The headlights look the same but Audi has changed the lighting pattern design, which could also mean new lighting technology is on the cards.

Much of the S3’s profile remains unchanged. Audi might introduce new wheel designs with a better set of performance tyres. At the rear, the updated S3 gets darkened taillights with new LED lighting pattern. The rear also gets a redesigned, prominent rear diffuser with seemingly larger exhaust tips and an optional Akrapovic exhaust sound system.

S3 Performance updates

According to our source, the Audi S3 prototype is still powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. However, Audi managed to squeeze out extra power and torque. It now develops 333hp (248kW) and 420Nm thanks to a re-tuned ECU and TCU. The powerplant is paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and channels its power through Audi’s Quattro AWD system. It has a claimed zero to 100km/h sprint time of 4.7 seconds which is 0.2 seconds faster than the prefacelift hatchback and sedan.

The boffins at Audi also fitted a torque splitter from the RS3 which means, like the RS3 and Golf 8 R, the S3 will also get a ‘Drift Mode’ feature. Audi also reworked the front axle for a more sportier feel, optimised the steering responsiveness, and fitted stronger and larger brakes.

Availability

There is no official reveal date as yet. However, we should expect Audi to reveal the pocket rockets alongside its less powerful siblings later this year.

Source: Auditography