Audi will showcase the A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept at this year’s Wörthersee Meeting in Reifnitz, Austria (May 28-31). Based on the Audi S3 Sedan, the study is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged TFSI engine producing 525PS (518hp) and 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque between 2,300 and 6,000 rpm.
As the car weighs 1,527 kilograms (3,366 lbs), the power-to-weight ratio is of 2.9 kilograms (6.4 lbs)/hp, meaning it is able to deliver supercar-like performance: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 3.6 seconds and top speed is 310 km/h (193 mph).
In order to produce 518hp (212hp more than in the RS Q3), the engine is fitted with a large turbocharger with up to 1.5 bar of relative boost pressure and a modified intercooler. Audi says the characteristic sound of the engine is reinforced by an intake and exhaust system designed for maximum throughput, with the look of the engine also enhanced by a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) cover. The engine is mated to a 7-speed S Tronic gearbox which sends power to all four wheels thanks to the Quattro AWD system.
Design-wise, the Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro looks meaner than the S3 Sedan, with the body lowered by 10mm (0.4 inches) riding on 21-inch wheels shod with wide 275/25 R21 tires. The grille is framed in matt aluminum, with a Quattro badge adorning the high-gloss black honeycomb insert. The four rings are placed on the engine hood, with other additions being the continuous blade of exposed CFRP below the grille.
On the side, there are boxed fenders evoking classic quattro models from Audi and the current RS 4 Avant. The round fuel cover and reduced side mirrors evoke Audi sports cars, as does the large diffuser at the rear.
Inside, the study features racing seats at the front, black faces, red needles and white numbers in the instrument cluster, as well as two large, separate buttons on the three‑spoke, multifunction sport steering wheel that are used to start and stop the engine and choose Audi drive select modes.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
