2009 Audi A3

Audi A3 and A4 Now Even More Efficient

Audi is expanding the range of its two highest-volume model series with four new, particularly efficient models. The A3, A3 Sportback 1.9 TDI e and A4 2.0 TFSI e in saloon or Avant guise are especially efficient in the way they transform fuel into propulsive energy. Audi's competence in the field of direct injection technology provides for powerful propulsion and a high degree of efficiency. Advanced engine technology employing direct fuel injection is the basis for a long range on a single tank of fuel, both with petrol engines, for example the A4 2.0 TFSI e, and with diesel engines, for example the A3 1.9 TDI e.

Further special details of these models enable the customer to make even more efficient use of fuel. (concept carz) A common feature of the four new models is the gearshift indicator. Centrally located in the driver's field of view in the instrument cluster, it indicates when the next gear would be a better choice, analyzing the situation according to current engine load and speed. When it comes to fuel consumption, it is especially important that the driver makes full use of the vehicle's potential. The new gearshift indicator supplies valuable additional information for a consumption-orientated driving style.

The A3 has been given higher transmission ratios for 3rd and 5th gears. The Audi A4 models are equipped as standard with a manual gearbox with an additional, high-ratio 6th gear. With various weight reduction measures, for example the aluminum bonnet on the A4, 16' size 205/55 low-rolling-resistance tires, and various aerodynamic measures such as the rear spoiler from the S line range on the A4 saloon, all the new models give the customer a high everyday usage factor and provide especially economical mobility. The engine electronics have also been tuned to give particularly good fuel consumption.

Thanks to the high torque of the TDI and TFSI engines, drivability, elasticity and comfort are all part of the repertoire of these special Audi A3 and A4 models.

The new Audi A4 2.0 TFSI with the multiple award-winning 2.0-litre TFSI engine generating 125 kW (170 bhp) shows its two faces most plainly. On the one hand it offers high performance, with a top speed of 230 km/h and acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds. On the other hand, it has the lowest everyday fuel consumption of the entire range of A4 petrol models: 7.1 litres per 100 km (7.2 for the A4 Avant), making a range of up to 1,000 kilometers possible on a single tank filling.

The combined fuel consumption for the A3 and the A3 Sportback 1.9 TDI with 77 kW (105 bhp) and diesel particulate filter as standard is an impressive 4.5 litres per 100 km with CO2 emissions below 120 g/km. This not only places it firmly among the best in its segment, but also means the driver doesn't have to worry about finding a filling station for up to 1,200 km.

In Germany, the basic price, including 19 percent VAT, is 22,600 euros for the A3 1.9 TDI e, 23,500 euros for the Sportback, 29,650 euros for the A4 2.0 TFSI e saloon and 31,300 euros for the Avant. The new, particularly low-consumption models will be available to customers from spring 2007.

Source - Audi

2009 Audi A3 for USA to launch in Fall 2008

- Innovative high-tech concepts in the 2009 model year
- Expressive exterior design, elegantly sporty interior
- S tronic transmission, Audi magnetic ride and efficient engines

The Audi A3, offered in the ÚSA exclusively with the five-door body style, raises its sporty profile with a raft of improvements and an accentuated design. Innovative technologies such as the S tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi magnetic ride, the suspension control system, makes for even greater driving pleasure. Its sharper, more striking design lends even greater expression to the A3. Dealer deliveries will coincide with the change of the model year, around September 2008, with pricing and equipment not yet finalized for the ÚSA.

The Audi A3 strengthened the premium compact car segment upon its debut in 2005 in the ÚSA. Since its worldwide market introduction in 1996, 1.9 million units of the Audi A3 have been built. After four successive record-breaking years, the one millionth second-generation A3 – which went into production in 2003 in Europe and 2005 in ÚSA as a five-door – left the assembly line just a few days ago. Audi is now solidifying its lead.

The exterior: even sportier profile
New visual details for the five-door A3 bring its stretched, sporty profile into the foreground. The front lid and fenders are more expressively styled, and the bumper and large single-frame radiator grille have been modified. A curved trim element in the headlamps known as the 'wing' accentuates their technical perfection. Daytime running lights are standard features, and the optional bi-xenon headlamps incorporate LEDs. Down the sides, the highlight features are exterior mirrors with integral turn indicators, new door handles and attractive wheels.

At the tail end, the modified bumper and the lights help this car make a grand exit; the five-door A3 now has innovative fiber optic rods arranged in a flat, continuous strip that creates an impressive optical effect in the dark. The sporty proportions of the five-door A3 remain virtually unchanged at 4.29 meters (168.90 in) in length.

The interior: sporty elegance


Powerful drive: the engines


As before, Audi is bringing the five-door A3 onto the Ú.S. market with two different gasoline engines. The 2.0 TFSI has 200 hp, while the 3.2 quattro with its six cylinders musters 250 hp.

High tech from Audi: the new transmissions


The range of transmissions has been extended and become even more appealing. The 2.0 TFSI engine is supplied as standard with six-speed manual transmission, and the 3.2 is available exclusively with the S tronic dual-clutch transmission, now also available for all engine versions. The high-tech S tronic changes gears with extreme speed and smoothness. The driver can set it to operate in a fully automatic mode or change gears manually – either at the selector lever or with the standard shift paddles on the leather sport steering wheel.

The S tronic on the six-cylinder engine and the 2.0 TFSI has six speeds. Its clutches are dry-running – an innovative approach. This means that they do not need a separate oil supply, further adding to their already impressive efficiency.

New for the five-door A3 is the 2.0 TFSI quattro, available exclusively with S tronic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) In its latest technical form, the central hydraulic multi-plate clutch responds even faster when the engine's power needs to be redistributed between the front and rear wheels. This increases stability, traction and driving pleasure for the driver.

The standard-fit dynamic suspension, too, provides safety, dynamic handling and comfort all rolled into one. The captivating precision with which the five-door A3 handles and its well-balanced character owe a great deal to elaborate concepts such as the four-link rear suspension and the efficient electromechanical power steering. There is optional sport suspension that supports the body 15 millimeters (0.59 in) lower.

Way ahead of the competition: Audi magnetic ride

Pricing and equipment will be available in Fall 2008 upon arrival at Ú.S. dealers.

PERFORMANCE

- 2.0 TFSI direct injection engine with manual or S tronic (aka DSG) front-wheel drive
- Stats: 200 hp, 207 lb-ft torque
- 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds (manual); city/hwy 20/29
- 0-60 mph in (TBD) seconds (S tronic); city/hwy 22/29
- 0-60 mph in (TBD) seconds (S tronic quattro; city/hwy TBD

- 3.2 V6 engine with quattro permanent all-wheel drive with S tronic
- Stats: 250 hp, 236 lb-ft; 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds (S tronic); city/hwy 18/25

- Audi A3 is a typical Audi statement of form, function, as well as sporty, sophisticated, and progressive. It maintains its competitive edge in safety, performance, and technology. Safety is tops in the industry via its first IIHS 'Top Safety Pick' designation for top frontal, side, and rear crash performance, awarded in late 2007. Top performance, efficiency, and fuel economy is achieved via the high tech 2.0 TFSI, which has as much overall power/torque as traditional V6 engines.

New for 2009:
- quattro AWD now available with 2.0 TFSI (200 hp, transverse layout)
- Magnetic Ride Control is optional
- Úpdated ESP
- Úp-shift light
- LED Daytime Running lights for Bi-xenon
- Headlamps with daytime running lights
- Hood and front fenders
- Grille design
- Front bumper
- Tail lamp design
- Wheel program
- Interior: decorative inlays, interior colors, instrument bezels in white colors
- Pricing and equipment TBD until Fall 2008 at time of launch during normal model year changeover period.

NOTEWORTHY VEHICLE PHILOSOPHY

- A3 is specifically a car for people living in urban areas who still want German luxury, style, function, and performance.
- May 2005 launched the ÚS version of the A3, known as the 'A3 Sportback' around the world.
- A3 has received regular optional lifecycle upgrades, including the Titanium package which is an upgrade of the S line package from quattro GmbH, Audi's performance and equipment upgrade subsidiary.

NOTABLE FEATÚRES

Exterior

- Single-frame front grill design
- Brake disc wiping that optimizes braking performance in wet or inclement weather
- Satellite radio antenna with standard Sirius satellite radio

Interior

- Bauhaus front dashboard with wraparound aluminum or wood trim, similar to Audi TT
- Úsable dual cupholders in center console and two power outlets
- Dual-zone climate control system
- 10-speaker sound system, Bose premium sound available

ACCOLADES: AÚDI A3

- (2007) AutoWeek‘s Reader‘s Choice – Best Economy Car: A3
- (2007) IIHS Top Safety Pick: A3, A4 and A6
- (2007) Sacramento Bee – Bee‘s Best Bets: A3, A4 and A8
- (2007) Auto Pacific Ideal Vehicle Award: A3
- (2007) Auto Pacific - Vehicle Satisfaction Award: A3
- (2006-2008) Ward's 10 Best Engine: 2.0T in A3
- (2008) ForbesAutos.com – Ten Best Cars for City Dwellers: A3

Source - Audi