tailpipe
January 27th, 2011, 16:01
More details of the next A3 are starting to emerge, so i thought it might be interesting to summarise what we can expect. From what I've learned,the design will be evolutionary more than revolutionary. It will reflect Audi's philosophy of constantly honing individual elements so that the whole is infintely great than the sum of its parts. Whatever the next A3 is, I think all of us here at RS6.com have reason to be cautiously optimistic if not excited about what's coming. Here goes.
http://img3.auto-motor-und-sport.de/Audi-RS3-f900x600-F4F4F2-C-2b95aeab-372141.jpg
The next A3 will be the first incarnation of Volkswagen's multi-vehicle, multi-brand small car architecture: MQB. While it allows for a variety of layouts, the core application will be 3- and 5-door hatchbacks. What is interesting about this platform is that comes at a time when many car buyers want to downsize. According to recent research, people who traditionally bought larger Audi A4s or BMW 5-Series now want something more compact with better economy and emissions. While practicality and packaging are also important, current Golf and A3 interior space isn't quite sufficient. So a new sweet-spot is emerging: the size between a Golf/ A3 and the A4/ Passat.
In other words, the next A3 will be a little larger than the model it replaces. Or, to be more specific, it will be slightly longer, slightly wider but it will be more or less the same height and weigh less. The extra length goes almost entirely into offering increased rear leg-room. The extra width will make front seat occupants more comfortable, while offering the fifth passenger in the rear more space. it'll be a step forward from today's A3, but still won't match the rear legroom of an A6.
The styling will echo the new direction of the A1 and A6, with a more pronounced shoulder line that almost folds-in on itself. It should look very sleek and contemporary. A 3-door coupe and convertible, and a 5-door Sportback will be complemented by a 4-door saloon as well as a Q3 softroader. The 4-door model was confirmed last week by VW Boss, Martin Winterkorn. it reflects a commitment by Audi to ensure that the next A3 appeals strongly to US customers.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OIHTbzY7a8I/TOczhwzq_8I/AAAAAAAAALg/4f0ei_Iz2GQ/s1600/audia3+2011.jpg
The single-frame grille will get chopped-off corners at the top as it moves into the next phase of its design metamorphosis. It will increasingly resemble a shield that echoes the rounded Auto Union grille of the 1930s. LED lights at the front as well as at the back will make their way into this model category. Inside, Audi's usual exemplary cabin design will set new standards for the class. it will launch a new touch-based MMI system based on the same technology found in the A6, A7 and A8, with a folding storable screen and interface that incorporates Google maps and other advanced sources of traffic and road information.
Audi hasn't released any definitive details on the engines that will be made available, but most of the current range of 4-pot units is expected to be carried over. Petrol engines are likely to include a base 1.2 litre TFSI developing 100 bhp, 1.4 litre TFSI developing 120 bhp, a new 1.6 TFSI developing 160 bhp (replacing the dual turbo- and supercharged 1.4 litre TFSI unit). At the top end, a reworked 2.0 litre TFSI is expected to develop 200 bhp, 230 bhp and 300 bhp (in an S3 version). The 5-cylinder 2.5 unit of the soon-to-released RS3 should also reappear in a second generation RS3 model.
Diesel engines will include a base 1.6 TDI unit developing 110 bhp, plus 2.0 litre units developing 160 bhp and 220 bhp in a super fast, super frugal GTI-busting model. Finally, a hybrid petrol-electric unit should complete the line-up.
For Quattro models, Audi is expected to utilise a new Haldex AWD system with more sophisticated and sensitive electronics to sense loss of traction and redirect power to the axle with most grip as necessary. There is a rumour that Haldex has developed its own version of torque vectoring, but we'll have to wait and see whether this is correct and what it's like. What is certain is that the next A3 will include a variety of advanced electrical systems
Overall, the new A3 range is expected to be a packaging masterpiece with small car exterior dimensions with big car interior space. Building on the success of the first two A3 models, the third iteration should be a highly desirable advance that pushes the boundaries of quality. Ride and handling are expected to be much better due to a longer wheel base and wider stance. In particular, Audi will be setting out to improve steering feel. Damping and soundproofing to eliminate road noise and vibration should do much for overall refinement. A longer wheelbase should also help even-up the weight distribution and thus reduce understeer, certainly in FWD models. It should also provide an excellent foundation for more sporty S and RS models.
With Mercedes-Benz keen to rain on Audi's parade, offering a sleek new A-Class to be launched more or less at the same time, Audi will undoubtedly set out to ensure that the new A3 is a class act. Given that the next A-Class will be a radical departure for MB, it may struggle to match Audi first time.
The first next generation A3-model will be the Q3, which is expected to debut as a concept either in Geneva or Frankfurt. Next up will be the A3 3-door coupe, which arrives in a year's time. The 5-door Sportback should follow between 6 and 12 months later.
http://newcarupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/audi_q3_rendering_1.jpg
http://img3.auto-motor-und-sport.de/Audi-RS3-f900x600-F4F4F2-C-2b95aeab-372141.jpg
The next A3 will be the first incarnation of Volkswagen's multi-vehicle, multi-brand small car architecture: MQB. While it allows for a variety of layouts, the core application will be 3- and 5-door hatchbacks. What is interesting about this platform is that comes at a time when many car buyers want to downsize. According to recent research, people who traditionally bought larger Audi A4s or BMW 5-Series now want something more compact with better economy and emissions. While practicality and packaging are also important, current Golf and A3 interior space isn't quite sufficient. So a new sweet-spot is emerging: the size between a Golf/ A3 and the A4/ Passat.
In other words, the next A3 will be a little larger than the model it replaces. Or, to be more specific, it will be slightly longer, slightly wider but it will be more or less the same height and weigh less. The extra length goes almost entirely into offering increased rear leg-room. The extra width will make front seat occupants more comfortable, while offering the fifth passenger in the rear more space. it'll be a step forward from today's A3, but still won't match the rear legroom of an A6.
The styling will echo the new direction of the A1 and A6, with a more pronounced shoulder line that almost folds-in on itself. It should look very sleek and contemporary. A 3-door coupe and convertible, and a 5-door Sportback will be complemented by a 4-door saloon as well as a Q3 softroader. The 4-door model was confirmed last week by VW Boss, Martin Winterkorn. it reflects a commitment by Audi to ensure that the next A3 appeals strongly to US customers.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OIHTbzY7a8I/TOczhwzq_8I/AAAAAAAAALg/4f0ei_Iz2GQ/s1600/audia3+2011.jpg
The single-frame grille will get chopped-off corners at the top as it moves into the next phase of its design metamorphosis. It will increasingly resemble a shield that echoes the rounded Auto Union grille of the 1930s. LED lights at the front as well as at the back will make their way into this model category. Inside, Audi's usual exemplary cabin design will set new standards for the class. it will launch a new touch-based MMI system based on the same technology found in the A6, A7 and A8, with a folding storable screen and interface that incorporates Google maps and other advanced sources of traffic and road information.
Audi hasn't released any definitive details on the engines that will be made available, but most of the current range of 4-pot units is expected to be carried over. Petrol engines are likely to include a base 1.2 litre TFSI developing 100 bhp, 1.4 litre TFSI developing 120 bhp, a new 1.6 TFSI developing 160 bhp (replacing the dual turbo- and supercharged 1.4 litre TFSI unit). At the top end, a reworked 2.0 litre TFSI is expected to develop 200 bhp, 230 bhp and 300 bhp (in an S3 version). The 5-cylinder 2.5 unit of the soon-to-released RS3 should also reappear in a second generation RS3 model.
Diesel engines will include a base 1.6 TDI unit developing 110 bhp, plus 2.0 litre units developing 160 bhp and 220 bhp in a super fast, super frugal GTI-busting model. Finally, a hybrid petrol-electric unit should complete the line-up.
For Quattro models, Audi is expected to utilise a new Haldex AWD system with more sophisticated and sensitive electronics to sense loss of traction and redirect power to the axle with most grip as necessary. There is a rumour that Haldex has developed its own version of torque vectoring, but we'll have to wait and see whether this is correct and what it's like. What is certain is that the next A3 will include a variety of advanced electrical systems
Overall, the new A3 range is expected to be a packaging masterpiece with small car exterior dimensions with big car interior space. Building on the success of the first two A3 models, the third iteration should be a highly desirable advance that pushes the boundaries of quality. Ride and handling are expected to be much better due to a longer wheel base and wider stance. In particular, Audi will be setting out to improve steering feel. Damping and soundproofing to eliminate road noise and vibration should do much for overall refinement. A longer wheelbase should also help even-up the weight distribution and thus reduce understeer, certainly in FWD models. It should also provide an excellent foundation for more sporty S and RS models.
With Mercedes-Benz keen to rain on Audi's parade, offering a sleek new A-Class to be launched more or less at the same time, Audi will undoubtedly set out to ensure that the new A3 is a class act. Given that the next A-Class will be a radical departure for MB, it may struggle to match Audi first time.
The first next generation A3-model will be the Q3, which is expected to debut as a concept either in Geneva or Frankfurt. Next up will be the A3 3-door coupe, which arrives in a year's time. The 5-door Sportback should follow between 6 and 12 months later.
http://newcarupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/audi_q3_rendering_1.jpg