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"         Adding a high-performance Quattro version to a particular model has for many years been part of Audi&amp;#039;s policy. It adds prestige and attracts a class of keen drivers who otherwise would probably not have opted for an Audi and who communicate their enthusiasm to friends and prospective buyers.   The previous-generation S3 was discontinued early in 2003, and it took three years for its successor-based on the current A3 hatchback-to arrive.   One could have expected it to be powered by the 250-bhp 3.2-liter V-6 as used in the new TT and also in the Volkswagen Golf R32, but Audi engineers were concerned about weight and instead opted for the much lighter turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder FSI unit powering the Golf GTI. But this delivers only 200 bhp, not enough for the performance they had in mind. Hence came the decision to utilize a larger turbocharger, capable of raising the boost pressure to 16.8 psi and the 2.0-liter engine&amp;#039;s power to 265 bhp.   This involved serious modifications to the base engine, both to achieve the target power and to ensure the engine&amp;#039;s reliability and durability: a more heat-resistant aluminum alloy for the cylinder head, a reinforced aluminum cylinder block, stiffer con rods, different main and big-end bearing materials, a different crankshaft heat treatment, pistons with a thicker top, larger valves, different intake cams, a bigger intercooler and, last but not least, direct gasoline injection. Thanks to the cooling effect of the directly injected fuel, a compression ratio of 9.8:1 could be used despite the high boost.   Pick-up in a high gear from under 2000 rpm is about what you would expect from a 2.0-liter car of this size, but from 2000 rpm on, accompanied by a light, high-pitched whistle from the turbocharger, the push in the back increases. From 2500 rpm on, when maximum torque is reached, it becomes almost unbelievable that such push can be produced by a mere 2.0-liter engine.   The official acceleration figure given by Audi is 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.7 seconds.   The S3 comes only with a manual 6-speed gearbox. Why is the twin-clutch DSG transmission, beefy enough to accept the 258 lb.-ft. of torque of the engine, not an option? The engineers say that it is to keep the price of the S3 as low as possible. Another reason may be that the chassis engineers did not want the 44-lb. additional weight on the front end. But it is a pity because the manual 6-speed box is not the car&amp;#039;s best feature.   The S3 also lacks the costly Magnetic Ride active electronically controlled shock absorbers of the TT, but its standard Sport running gear (reducing the ride height by an inch) strikes an excellent compromise between crisp handling and acceptable ride quality. Both the MacPherson front and 4-link rear suspensions with thick anti-roll bars are mounted on aluminum subframes, effectively filtering road noise.   The Haldex all-wheel-drive system involves an electronically governed multiplate clutch mounted on the rear differential casing, which drives the rear wheels as required. Basically the S3 is permanently driven by its front wheels, but as soon as these start to spin, the clutch closes as much as necessary to divert the excess torque to the rear wheels. As ESP (stability control), traction control, ABS and all the rest cooperate with the awd system, traction is never a problem, even on wet, slippery asphalt.   The S3&amp;#039;s high-geared, speed-sensitive assisted steering responds to the slightest movement, is perfectly weighted and provides good feedback. The brakes, which feature 17-in. vented and drilled discs, are powerful, progressive, fade-resistant and have a firm pedal feel. They operate inside 18-in. alloy wheels shod with 225/40 tires.   Compared with the A3, the S3 is easily identified by additional vertical chrome strips on the single-frame front grille, additional air intakes in the front skirt and slightly more flared fenders. Except for the sophisticated front bucket seats, some trim details and aluminum pedals, the passenger compartment is unchanged and provides adequate space for the rear passengers. The manually adjustable front seats, in conjunction with the fully adjustable steering column, should allow most of us to find our ideal driving position.   Price in Germany is 35,150 (approximately $44,650). "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a12399/2007-audi-s3/>