The Audi A3 blog

Previously, Audi’s stop-start technology was only available on four-cylinder manual gearbox models, but Audi has now expanded the range to 1.4 TFSI and 1.6 TDI variants with the company’s S-tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission. Audi’s start-stop system for automatic gearboxes operates in the same way as its manual system. The system cuts the engine when the car is stationary and the brake is pressed, and will refire it in 0.2 sec

Also standard in both A3 models is an on-board energy-recovery system. During braking and coasting phases, this intelligently controls the alternator to recover energy, which is temporarily stored in the battery. This energy is then fed back into the electrical system during acceleration – thus reducing the load on the alternator.

With the stop-start tech, the A3 1.6 TDI averages 67.3mpg (manual 68.9mpg) and has a CO2 output of just 109g/km.

Audi A3s fitted with S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and stop-start technology will cost from £18,300, and will hit UK roads in December.

Audi recalls 2006-2010 A3s (and TTs) in the US for a fuel tank valve which could cause fuel leak under extreme driving conditions.

In a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Audi explains, “The closing force of an internal spring of the fuel tank ventilation valve is not adequate enough to hold the valve closed under extreme driving conditions possibly allowing fuel to leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire could occur.”

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This the Audi configurator concept on Microsoft Surface as displayed in the Frakfurt Autoshow 2009. See video after the jump..
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Volvo updates it’s C30 and Lexus announces the rumoured LF-Ch prototype. Unfortunately they both could do better in the looks department.

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The standard waiting time for a new A3 in the UK is currently been extended due to the demands and reduced production. This is particularly affecting Cabrio and the 2.0 TDI models. You are unlikely to get one before January, which means you will be paying 17.5% VAT on it.

Audi has presented it’s US TDI version for the US available from November. A 2.0L TDI, 140hp, front wheel drive, S-Line, S-tronic will set you back US$30.775 which translates to only 18,800GBP

The same spec in the UK would set you back 24,835GBP (US$40,481.05) and if you order today in the UK, you probably won’t get one until January 2010.

Audi has posted a mini teaser site electricityuntamed.com most likely for an electric R8, however this would be a beginning for all future electric Audis.

Lexus has announced the rumored Audi A3 / BMW 1 series competitor under the LF-Ch designation in advance of the Frankfurt motor show, it will use Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive. More details will follow during the Frankfurt show.

Porsche is presenting it’s new hybrid technology for the Cayane, this has been developed with Audi and following the merged of the two groups it could reach Audi’s some time in the future. A new characteristic of this system is the use of freewheeling, this has only be used before in the Saab 96 V4 and some early Saab 99s for better fuel efficiency.

Due to go on sale next year is the brand new 1.2 TFSI petrol engine. Particularly light and designed to minimise friction, it returns an average fuel economy of 51.3mpg (47.7 US mpg, 5.5l for 100km) and 127g/km CO2 emissions in the hatchback. This tiny 1.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct-injection produces an output of 105 HP and 175Nm (129lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm.

Paired with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, the small displacement engine propels the three door A3 from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 11.1 seconds and the five-door Sportback, in 11.3 seconds. Both versions reach a top speed of 190 km/h or 118 mph).

In both respects, those figures make it considerably better than the current 1.6 engine, which it is expected to replace although we don’t know how this small engine is going to sound. The new engine will provide the entry-level point to the range, with prices expected to start around £15,000.

Audi has announced the addition of two new engines to the A3 line-up – the Audi A3 1.6 TDI with two power levels : 66 kW (90 hp) and 77 kW (105 hp). The Audi A3 1.6 TDI with 105 hp has a fuel consumption of 4.1 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (57.37 US mpg, 68.8 mpg Uk, 4.1l/100km) and a 109 g/km CO2 emissions level. The 105 hp Audi A3 1.6 TDI needs 11.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) and can go up to a maximum speed of 194 km/h (121 mph). The new models are equipped with the start/stop system and energy recovery.

The smaller 90 hp Audi A3 1.6 TDI develops 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque and is able to get from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.9 seconds.

The Audi A3 1.6 TDI price starts at 22,550 Euros for the 90 hp model and at 23,550 Euros for the 105 hp version.