2024 Audi S3 detailed ahead of reveal

Audi Sport has teased the 2024 Audi S3 ahead of its world debut in the coming months, detailing some of the key upgrades coming for the facelifted small German performance hatch and sedan.

Inheriting a load of mechanical goodies from the rabid RS 3 and Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years, the 2024 Audi S3 twins will bring more power, performance, precision, grip, agility, stopping power and adjustability courtesy of a reworked powerplant, chassis and electronic driver aids.

The uprated donk is now good for a VW Golf R-beating 245kW/420Nm (up from 228kW/400Nm), thanks to a new preloading system for the turbocharger, angrier ECU mapping and new throttle valve, all of which combines with 235/35R19 Falken tyres to deliver a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.7 seconds.

Helping manage and distribute the newfound firepower is an updated seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and the same ‘torque splitter’ rear differential as found on the RS 3.

Complementing the higher-tech rear-end is a more progressive front suspension geometry that allows for more negative camber during hard cornering to help encourage the nose in towards the apex, in tandem with a reworked power steering system.

Counteracting the extra go-juice, meantime, is an upgraded braking system comprising all-new two-piston front callipers acting on much thicker 357x34mm ventilated rotors via enlarged pads.

Helping to keep the whole package in check in all conditions is the familiar Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system and a next-generation electronic stability control system that’s said to be more progressive in its intervention and accurate in its grip management.

The vast majority of the new parameters and features outlined above are managed by the Audi Drive Select system, which features a new ‘dynamic plus’ mode that turns everything up to its maximum – the torque splitter diverts as much torque as possible to the outside rear wheel to promote oversteer, the ESC is backed off a bit and the powertrain adopts its angriest setting.

The new drive mode is so intense that the S3’s idle speed lifts by 200rpm to 1300rpm “to improve off-the-line performance”, while the transmission mercilessly dispatches gearshifts at exactly the right time (when left to its own devices).

Audi has made a habit recently of making each new model look more aggressive than its predecessor and the same formula is being applied to the upgraded S3, which will debut with a new front fascia, rear apron and alloy wheel design.

“Still shrouded in its exterior camouflage, the upgraded S3 is more than a mere product upgrade,” Audi said.

“Numerous technical innovations, from increased power output to the addition of a new torque splitter and the new dynamic plus mode, guarantee an exhilarating driving experience, strong performance, and agile handling.”

Odds are the updated S3 will make its debut in the coming months and land on Australian soil by the end of the year – if not early 2025 – carrying a hefty price increase in accordance with its RS 3 and Golf R-inspired upgrades.

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