Soon to be unleashed at the annual Wörthersee meet in Reifnitz, Germany, is the mother of all Audi S3’s: the Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro. Whilst the regular S3 Sedan will certainly click with Audi enthusiasts, Audi felt the need to further up the ante. Powered by the 2.5-liter TFSI unit already present in the amazing Audi RS Q3, the monster sedan now has the potential to unleash an astonishing 518hp on the unsuspecting public.
The beastly Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro remains only a concept design at this time, however the mouth watering performance will cause an immense amount of interest across the globe. Unearthly figures of 518bhp, 600Nm of torque, a 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds and 339hp per ton are certain to cause planetary misalignment should this vehicle become readily available. A Ferrari 458 is only 0.2 second quicker to 60mph to add a bit of perspective.
Engine & Drivetrain
Intense modifications have understandably been made to the current S3 Sedan, to allow for such momentous increases in power, 208hp per liter to be precise. A large turbocharger has been integrated into the design, enriching the engine with an extra 1.5 bar of boost pressure, with a modified intercooler.
The incredible power is coupled with a seven-speed S Tronic gearbox, with a compact three-shift layout. Drivers can opt for a fully automatic D or S mode for the dual-clutch system, or alternatively the option to change gears manually with paddle shifts or stick shift for the more spirited of drives. The seventh gear has been added to increase potential fuel economy, however prospective owners would be more impressed to hear about the Clubsport Quattro’s launch control. Without any doubt, a driver with over 500hp at their disposal is arguably more engaged with the efficiency of their power delivery as opposed to their fuel consumption.
Suspension & Handling
Obviously the power is delivered to all four wheels with Audi’s legendary Quattro design, with a multi-plate clutch handling the biblical torque from the five-cylinder engine. The system is also extremely intelligent, as it will shift power between the front and rear axel when the conditions require, potentially allowing for superb control and handling.
Suspension is provided by coilovers, which allows for the option of simple adjustment for the conditions required. The standard height is lower than the S3 by 10mm, causing a trouser soilingly intimidating stance and low center of gravity, which is topped off by a well-balanced weight distribution. Aluminum components for the suspension, a progressive steering system and four-link rear suspension makes the prospect of superb driver fun rather realistic. Once coming to a stop, the addition of an air brake adds to the list of sublime technology. Once activated at 155mph, the stopping distance is reduced by an incredible twelve meters.
Aesthetics
If the astonishing shopping list and performance hasn’t melted you into your chair, the astonishing looks should finish the job. The front end has developed a gigantic open mouth, akin to that of an angered Blue Whale – BMW M3’s are little more than krill to this Poseidon from the abyss. Imposing and purposeful bulges line the bodywork throughout, apparently aiding in aerodynamics, whilst the rear valance implies jet-fighter style performance. The interior promises much of the same, with high side bolstered racing seats, Alcantara headlining, strong colors and a smattering of brushed aluminum embellishment throughout.
In Summary
Whilst the epic Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro is little more than a concept vehicle at this point. The awesome achievement by the German manufacturer, along with the Golf R 400’s emergence in Beijing, proves that VAG still has an insatiable lust for performance. Obviously, most readers would love the opportunity to experience this Concorde of compact Sedans in the flesh. But if Audi don’t produce it, we can still sleep happily at night to know that somewhere in Germany, some engineers still find admirable infatuation in playing with fast cars.
