From AB
Audi introduces the all-new technologically advanced 2015 Audi A3 and
S3 sedans
A3 Sedan brings new level of craftsmanship and attention to detail
to the fast growing A segment
Available with a number of powertrain options and advanced
technology features
A3 Sportback will return with A3 Sportback e-tronᅵ Plug-in Hybrid
Electric Vehicle (PHEV) confirmed for the U.S. market
Audi of America, Inc. officially announced plans today for the arrival
of the all-new 2015 Audi A3 sedan. Coming to showrooms in the first
quarter of 2014, the Audi A3 sedan will bring to the A segment new
innovative technologies and the detailed craftsmanship found in larger
flagship Audi sedans. The A3 sedan offers versatile powertrains for a
wide variety of entry-luxury customer tastes including a 1.8 TFSIᅵ,
2.0 TFSIᅵ, 2.0 TDIᅵ clean diesel and the high performance S3 with a
high-output 2.0 TFSIᅵ.
Audi of America also confirmed today that it will be adding to the
all-new A3 family by offering the A3 Sportback with a plug-in gasoline
electric hybrid (PHEV) model in the U.S. market. Audi recently
revealed the A3 Sportback e-tron at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. This
vehicle demonstrates the production intent of e-tron using plug in
hybrid technology, a practical first step towards electrified driving
which mitigates the range anxiety concerns associated with most full
battery electric vehicles. The e-tronᅵ name denotes any Audi electric
vehicle with plug-in capabilities. The A3 e-tron shown in Geneva
displayed a power train with a combined 204 hp and 258 lb-ft torque.
"The Audi A3 will set the new benchmark among entry-level luxury
sedans," said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. "This
A3 line-up redefines the standards of its class in dynamics,
efficiency, technology, craftsmanship and performance."
With the first generation A3, Audi established a whole new market
segment ᅵ the premium Sportback compact class vehicle. Its quality,
equipment, dynamic capabilities and value were adopted from larger
Audi vehicles with an extra measure of sportiness and utility inherent
in the 5 door Sportback bodystyle. The third generation Audi A3
continues this tradition combined with the first production Audi
e-tron vehicle.
Technology
The Audi A3 sedan breaks the boundaries and raises the bar as to what
is expected out of entry-level luxury sedans. The A3 marks the first
time that an A-segment vehicle will offer MMIᅵ technology, Audi drive
select, 4G LTE connectivity and Bang & Olufsenᅵ audio.
Even the base model of the all-new premium Audi A3 comes equipped with
standard features that include leather upholstery, Bluetoothᅵ
technology, rain sensing wipers, Audi pre sense basic and a panoramic
glass sunroof.
In addition to the standard technologies, the Audi A3 sedan will
feature new, segment first technologies. One key example is the
implementation of the new NVIDIA graphics processing unit (GPU). The
NVIDIA GPU generates complex three-dimensional images used in all
online, voice control, media navigation and telephone functions.
Fundamentally, the Tegraᅵ graphics processor powers tablets and other
mobile devices and is also used in 3D gaming and various medical
applications. Another industry first includes the Audi phone box. The
Audi phone box is a compartment located under the center armrest that
boosts a mobile phone's cellular coverage by wirelessly coupling to a
specialized antenna in the rear windshield.
Performance
The A3 sedan has been further enhanced thanks to numerous engineering
improvements under the hood. The A3 model line offers four different
engine variants including the 170 horsepower 1.8 TFSI, and 150
horsepower 2.0 TDI clean diesel, and a low and high-output 2.0 TFSI
used in the A3 quattro and S3 quattro respectively. Horsepower figures
for the 2.0 TFSI engines will be available closer to launch. All
engines are mated to the standard 6-speed S tronicᅵ transmission which
provides the driver immense shifting flexibility and driving pleasure
with smooth, dynamic acceleration and virtually no interruption to the
power flow.
New to the A3, the Audi drive select allows the driver to adjust
throttle response, shift points, and the electromechanical steering
effort. Similar to other Audi models, Audi drive select has four
settings that include Auto, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual.
Chassis
The new platform allows the front wheels to move forward by roughly
1.5 inches (compared to the previous generation A3) to provide
well-balanced proportions, supplemented by optimized interior space
utilization, and an improved crash structure.
The front suspension is a MacPherson design with A-arms and aluminum
pivot bearings. It is joined to an aluminum subframe. The
electromechanically assisted steering system operates sensitively and
efficiently together with various assistance systems, while reducing
mechanical drag for greater efficiency. In the four-link rear
suspension for the gasoline models, which utilizes a steel
crossmember, the springs and shock absorbers are mounted separately.
The electronic stabilization control (ESC) also includes an electronic
differential lock. When driving through curves, it can brake the
inside front wheel very slightly to help minimize understeer and
improve traction.
Exterior
The exterior has been completely redesigned and specifically tailored
to meet the sedan preferences of the American market. The Audi A3
stretches 175.5 inches in length and has a 103.4 inch wheelbase.
Combined with its 70 inch width and 55.7 inch height, its proportions
are compact but very sporty and nearly resemble the original Audi A4
from 1994.
The signature Singleframeᅵ grille and available full-LED headlights,
another first for the A-segment, are some of the notable design
changes included in the all-new Audi A3 sedan.
Interior
The athletic exterior of the A3 extends inside, where Audi maintains
its leading role in automotive interior design and craftsmanship. The
defining element is the "wraparound" dash design, which
incorporates an innovative three-dimensional inlay concept surrounding
the driver and front passenger. The available LED interior lighting
package highlights the immense craftsmanship and attention to detail
that goes into every Audi A3 interior. This is accomplished by bathing
the interior in a cool white LED light surrounding the center console,
door panels, cupholders, and even the Bang & Olufsen Sound System
when so equipped.
The A3 delivers the same prestige and high-quality materials found in
Audi's flagship sedan, the A8 with standard leather seating surfaces
and exceptional ergonomics. The MMI operating system has an
electronically extending screen, its terminal housed in the console of
the center dashboard. It features a 7-inch high resolution display
screen with magnesium backing that is less than ᅵ inch thick. To
further enhance the driving experience, the new MMI controls are
conveniently positioned behind the gear shift. They now offer the
first touch pad incorporated into the rotary MMI control wheel, which
offers an intuitively and simple operation typical of the brand with
the four rings. Now with the optional 705 watt 14-speaker Bang &
Olufsen Sound System, all occupants in the A3 can enjoy the best in
acoustics.
Driver Assistance
The Audi A3 now offers several advanced technology features which are
new to the entry luxury segment, including the standard Audi pre sense
basic system which helps detect when an emergency maneuver is being
made and prepares the vehicle and its occupant restraint systems in
advance of a possible collision. The Audi A3 also offers an optional
driver assistance package, which includes Audi side assist, and
adaptive cruise control with stop and go.
Audi connectᅵ
The modular infotainment platform in the Audi A3 also brings several
upgrades to the industry leading Audi connectᅵ service. Audi's
connected vehicle strategy targets features and services that enhance
the driving experience for Audi drivers and their passengers by
providing the benefits of access to information and content, when
needed, through interfaces designed for the in-vehicle environment.
Already, Audi is a leader with integrated high-speed mobile broadband
in the vehicle. Now with 4G/LTE technology in the Audi A3, customers
will be able to connect with a network capable of supporting data
rates of up to 150 Mbit/s downstream and considerably faster response
times. Using the existing Wi-Fi connectivity for up to 8 devices,
passengers can now view high-definition videos and make video
conference calls from the vehicle. Adding to the existing Google
Earthᅵ 3D satellite imagery and intelligent POI search with Google
Voiceᅵ Local Search, the Audi A3 introduces a new Picture Navigation
service. Here the driver can save photos of destinations, which are
linked to geo-navigation data (GPS), in the "photo box" of
MMI Navigation plus. These may be the driver's own photos or scenes
from Google Maps Street View. Photos can be imported via an SD card or
a myAudi account. A new app integration interface over Wi-Fi for music
streaming and other connected device apps, voice-controlled social
media features, and a completely redesigned user MMI interface allows
drivers and passengers to continue to enjoy a connected lifestyle
while in the vehicle without handling devices.
ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of
German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most
successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a
top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2012, and broke all-time
company sales records in the U.S. Through 2016, AUDI AG will invest
about $17 billion on new products, facilities and technologies. Visit
www.audiusa.comor
www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding
Audi vehicle and business issues
Where stated, fuel economy values are forecast manufacturer values for
the USA; EPA estimates were not available at time of release.
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