The Volkswagen Group is having a ball at Worthersee, and the latest to break cover is the new Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro concept. The industry was taken by surprise when Audi first released the pictures of the concept two weeks ago. And now, coinciding with the vehicle’s launch in Austria, they have released a couple of videos showcasing the A3.
Powered by a wholly reworked and turbocharged version of the 2.5 litre inline-five VW Group engine that also does duty in the outgoing TT RS and RS Q3 crossover, the A3 Clubsport Quattro churns out 525 PS of peak power and a tree-uprooting 600 Nm of peak torque. That’s more than enough power to do the 0-100 kmph dash in just 3.6 seconds, and it will keep going all the way to 310 kmph. It’s still a four door saloon, not a back-breaking sportscar, mind you.
Keeping the whole shebang in check – barely – are carbon ceramic brakes underneath 275 section tyres shod on 21-inch alloys. Other goodies include a seven-speed S-Tronic dual clutch gearbox, quattro all-wheel drive, an adjustable suspension, and a unique aero kit with a carbon fiber blade up front.
The A3 Clubsport Quattro is all the more significant because it gives us a hint into what might possibly power the upcoming Audi RS3. If this is the shape of future four-door saloons, it is indeed very bright! Did we also mention that it sounds like God Almighty clearing His throat? Watch the driving footage video if you don’t believe us. If nothing else, watch it for that LED light-and-sound show from the spoiler lip while braking into corners. Who says Germans don’t have a sense of humour?
