Audi has released full details of the Cabriolet version of the S3. The S3 Cabriolet is based on the A3 Cabriolet which has been on sale already.
Powering the top-of-the-line Audi S3 Cabriolet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI motor which churns out a whopping 300 PS of max power and 380Nm of peak torque, which is a bump of 115 PS and 130 Nm from the most powerful front-wheel-drive Audi A3 Cabriolet. The 2.0 liter TFSI mill comes mated to a six-speed S Tronic transmission which transfers the power to all four wheels.
Tipping the scales at 1,620kg, the S3 Cabriolet weighs more than its non-Cabrio version. The extra weight is due to the extra strengthening to get the desired body rigidity, since it’s a soft-top. Despite the extra weight, the Audi S3 Cabriolet propels to 100 kmph from standstill in 5.4 seconds. Compared to an Audi S3 sedan, the Audi S3 Cabriolet delivers slightly lower fuel economy of 10.25 kmpl, down by about 0.5kmpl. The brakes have also been beefed up, with bigger front discs of 340mm.
The Audi S3 Cabriolet gets distinguishing elements like chromed windscreen surround, aluminium-finish ORVM housings and bi-xenon headlights. Also, the cabrio gets a pair of muscular bumpers, a platinum grey finish for the grille, new 19-inch alloys wheels and a 25mm lower sports suspension. The foldable roof is made up of three-layers of inner padding to reduce wind and road noise within the cabin. The roof can be electronically opened in 18 seconds upto the speeds of 50 kmph.
On the inside, the S3 cabriolet is treated with fine Nappa leather and brush metal trim, complete with a sporty flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, special instrument cluster and an integrated boost gauge for the RPM counter. The S3 Cabriolet also gets the ‘S’ logos embossed onto the leather draped front seats finished with contrasting silver stitches.
Along with the regular exterior color options, the Audi S3 Cabriolet can also be ordered with exclusive paints like the Pearl-Effect Sepang Blue and Crystal-Effect Panther Black. Deliveries are slated to commence from September this year.