Spies break the first real life photos of the the upcoming Audi S3-Front view

Audi will launch the sports version of the A3 in autumn this year. It will be equipped with a 2,0 TFSi engine, which is said to deliver 260 HP. The new S3 has all wheel drive and can be distinguished from the A3 by its different and sportier front end, large alloy wheels and two exhaust pipes.

The photos are showing two prototypes caught without any disguise.

Hans G. Lehmann/ Hidden Image

SixxFive - 7/10/2006 1:49:55 PM

-1 Boost

Those rims are boring.

quizz - 7/10/2006 2:17:27 PM

0 Boost

Rims aren't a problem, many people who buy these type of cars end up buying their own rims anyway.

The car still looks like an A3, with some minor aftermarket add-ons.

I look forward to seeing the performance increase however and also the price differential. If it ends up being $35,000 for an S3, now you're in IS250/Acura TL/Infinity G35 territory. So the performance better justify the price.

IamEvilHomer - 7/10/2006 2:42:49 PM

+1 Boost

this car will not be in the US anyway

chewy - 7/10/2006 3:47:14 PM

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It isn't coming here, because of people like quizz. In America people are so image conscious with cars and very snobby. That is why hatchbacks are a hard sell. BTW, the S3 would definately outperform the IS250 the TL and the G35. It will probably be as fast as the IS350.

MBFan604 - 7/11/2006 6:21:01 AM

+1 Boost

Chewy, I agree with you 100%. North America (canada/us) everyone who lives in these two countries are image conscious. Very well said. It's all about the brand of vehicle and the style you 'roll in'. If you don't have a hot looking sports car or a classy looking 'luxury' sedan you're not cutting it. And I can see how the S3 will not fit in this type of society (no matter how great the performance is). People who would pay 35 would most likely go to an Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, and BMW dealership rather than to an Audi only for the S3. When they hit the dealerships at Audi, they may be distracted by an A4 which is closer to the TL, G35, IS250 range.

BurningMan - 7/11/2006 3:25:53 PM

-1 Boost

I don't know why there are spy photos, I've owned one of these for two months now. Best car I have ever owned. I was not very impressed with Acura and Lexus in comparison.

Rupert - 7/12/2006 8:22:00 AM

0 Boost

you haven't had one of these. you had an s-line package with either the v6 or the 2.0. or perhaps you had the last gen? this car isn't out yet, try finding it on an audi website

Rupert - 7/12/2006 8:22:47 AM

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or are you saying you had an a3, not s3?

BurningMan - 7/12/2006 11:32:06 AM

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OOPS A3S

MercBasher - 7/12/2006 6:13:25 PM

+1 Boost

It could be called the Audi Blob - it just kind of melts in the sun like a 1990s Japanes car