Audi A3 – Pulpaddict

Report: Next-Generation Audi RS 3 to Go All-Electric

According to inside sources, Audi’s set to launch the new RS 3 with combustion engine options removed in favor of the latest EV technology.

Audi’s S and RS cars are well-loved for their outstanding performance and iconic soundtrack. Certainly, the RS 3 continues Audi’s tradition of fielding outstanding 5-cylinder engines. But whether we like it or not, EVs represent the cutting-edge of this coming generation. So it comes as little surprise that Audi’s electric lineup takes center-stage for these future vehicles. With Volkswagen’s own (at times infamous) decades-long quest for efficiency and renewable energy, the next-generation A3 and RS 3 combine the best of these lessons into a single, dedicated EV platform. Thankfully for the gearheads, these improvements also bring with them some eye-watering performance figures.

Even by RS 3 standards, this coming model’s gonna be fast. The instant torque these motors create will easily allow an RS 3 to top 60 in the mid-3’s and top 200 MPH. And speaking of range, that’s not too shabby, either. With the latest battery technology, we’re looking at over 400 miles in the A3, plus fast-charging and lighter weight. All told, Audi’s giving enthusiasts plenty of reasons to look forward to their line going electric. Even if it means sacrificing that beautiful 5-cylinder staccato.

And according to sources at Audi disclosing to Autocar Magazine, that’ll all be coming with the next-generation SSP-platform, a brand-new system developed just for EVs. For the A3 and RS 3, it seems that internal combustion is a thing of the past as they spearhead next-gen EV production. This lineup extends well past these ubiquitous models, too. Promoted with vehicles such as the Volkswagen ID.R, electric powertrains are set to dominate next-generation performance vehicles across the board. And Audi’s RS 3 looks to be the finest of these super-saloons to come.

A Truly Novel Approach to EV Design

2022 RS3

The next-generation platform architecture supports a number of key improvements. People tend to ask two main questions when buying an EV. How far does it go and how long does it take to charge? The MEB platform, introduced with the ID.3, marked an important first step toward solving these fundamental issues. And with the next evolution of the sister MQB-platform, the A3 hopes to incorporate the best of both worlds, plus more. The most impressive leap comes from the motor itself. VW’s current-gen electric motor is the APP 310 400V brushless, producing a modest ~200 horsepower and around 300 miles of range. However, the next-generation motor reportedly doubles output to 800V, with a range well in excess of 400 miles. All this coupled with the latest battery technology leads to a far more efficient, streamlined charging system.

Volkswagen’s developing a new platform, called the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), specifically around this new power unit. Concerning Audi, this platform marks several massive departures for the A3 model. Aside from the obvious electric drivetrain, Audi complements this innovation with a new drive and running gear. The next-generation A3 boasts rear-wheel-drive and optional Quattro, a first for the FWD-standard model. Much like the current model, the new A3’s set to debut in a 4-door saloon or 5-door hatch configuration. But dimensionally the newest model’s likely to marginally expand, thanks in part to the latest running gear developed for a next-generation MEB-platform. However, Volkswagen officially canceled further development of this platform in favor of the SSP. After such a short service life, the SSP must be something special to pour all that money into a brand-new venture.

The SSP-Platform Details and More

Report: Next-Generation Audi RS 3 to Go All-Electric

The SSP-platform coincides with Audi CEO Markus Duesmann’s stated mid-term goals. That is, that all new Audi models will feature all-electric powertrains by the 2026 model year. To this end, Volkswagen designed the platform to accommodate a host of body styles, similar to their ubiquitous A-platform and its derivatives. The main centerpiece, as stated, is the brand-new 800V electric architecture. According to inside sources, the claimed range tops out at approximately 435 miles and accepts 80 miles of charge in 10 minutes. As for power, Audi released no official figures as of yet. But we can speculate more based on the next model-year’s statistics.

The 2023 A3 E-Tron, the first facelifted model of this generation, already contains some of this tech. For example, the 2023 E-Tron uses an all-new battery pack for an already impressive 373-mile reported range. So if what’s just around the corner is any indication, the next-gen A3 looks to set a new gold standard for electric saloons. And Audi set their sights even higher than just the SSP. Their new PPE-platform, set to debut at about the same time, brings the big guns. Alongside the next-generation Q-series, this platform hosts what Audi calls a “private jet for the road.” Beginning with the 2021 Grandsphere concept, we may see the next-generation full-size returning to its grand touring-inspired roots.

All in all, at first glance, some motorheads may groan at the thought of replacing those glorious V8s and V10s. But reading in between the lines a bit, this truly appears to represent the next step in automotive luxury bliss. Appropriate, then, that Audi’s not messing around. Between multiple dedicated new platforms and a next-generation powertrain, Audi is set to take motoring by storm in 2026.

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M.C. Cuccio

I’ve been an automotive aficionado since I had baby teeth. My path was set when I first leaned on my grandfather’s classic Porsche as I learned how to walk. One of my first memories was my mother sitting me behind the wheel of her Pontiac and talking me through the instrumentation and controls. Even though I was a mere three or four years old, I was instantly sold, and filled notebooks with technical drawings, sketches, and collections of manuals of all sorts of cars. I’ve actively tracked developments in automotive and motorsport technology for well over 20 years, and pride myself on being intimately familiar with the functions and history of a wide range of vehicles.

My primary goal as a writer and enthusiast is to equally learn and share what I’ve learned in a constructive and interesting way. I maintain connections with people from around the world and can read technical manuals in Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, granting me access to a wide array of resources. My primary focuses are deep-dives into historical topics, motorsport discussion, and learning about the complex mechanical elements of such vehicles. As such, my research is never perfect; as anyone into cars will attest, the more you learn about cars, the more you realize how little you actually know. Therefore, I always welcome fresh knowledge and corrections to help me better my work in the future.

Audi 80 Is the Pioneer that Defined a New Segment

Half a century ago, Audi 80 established the compact sedan segment. The Ingolstadt brand recently revisited the iconic 1973 “Car of the Year.”

With its spacious front-wheel-drive offerings, Audi established itself as a successful automaker by 1972. German engineer Ludwig Kraus was responsible for advancing the brand to the next level with the legendary Audi 80 B1. Recently, the Ingolstadt brand celebrated the 50th anniversary of this iconic nameplate by highlighting all the milestones that the 80 achieved in its day.

Audi 80 made its debut in July 1972 with unibody construction. At the time, most automakers were still offering sedans with body-on-frame configurations. As a result, the entry-level two-door variant of the 80 only weighed only 1841 lbs. Race cars of the era were the inspiration behind the lightweight construction of the 80. Even though it was an engineering masterpiece, the car didn’t sell in large numbers initially.

Nevertheless, Audi 80 defined a new segment: the compact sedan. With a 97.2-inch wheelbase, the 80 was only 164.6 inches long, making it ideal for the European market. Member of the Board of Management of Audi AG for Technical Development Oliver Hoffman shared his appreciation for his predecessor’s work.

Audi 80

“In an impressive way, the Audi 80 demonstrates that Vorsprung durch Technik is a tradition at Audi,” shares Hoffman.

The Audi 80 could deliver impressive fuel efficiency with its on-head camshaft motor. The popularity of the 80 was skyrocketing during the first oil crisis. The car was finally a sales hit in the USA, where it was sold under the moniker “Fox.” In addition to the entry-level 1.3-liter version of the EA 827 engine, the 80 was also available with a 1.6-liter powerplant. The more capable motor could churn out 98 HP of maximum power in its factory tune.

Initially, customers had to settle for a four-speed manual gearbox, but Audi soon offered 80 with the option of a three-speed automatic transmission. With its diagonal breaking diagram, the Audi 80 was much safer than its rivals at the time. The stopping power came from disc brakes up front and drums at the rear. This was one of the reasons why the 80 received the “Car of the Year” award in 1973.

Image Source: Audi

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This 700 HP Audi RS3 Delivers Awesome Performance

Zack Klapman from TheSmokingTire gets behind the wheel of a 700 HP Audi RS3, which can complete the quarter-mile in just 9.9 seconds.

A glance at this 2019 Audi RS3 makes it obvious that this sedan is not for the faint-hearted. One can judge the capabilities of this car by its giant air intakes at the front and the huge tailpipes at the rear. In a recent TheSmokingTire video, Zack Klapman got a chance to get behind the wheel of a 700 HP Audi RS3.

This 2019 model might not be as lean as thoroughbred supercars. Nevertheless, This dark horse can give Ferrari Pista a run for its money. In its factory spec, the 2019 Audi RS3’s 2.5-liter turbo 5-cylinder motor produced 396 HP of maximum power and 354 lb-ft of peak torque and ran to 60 in just 4 seconds. But this RS 3 isn’t stock.

In the video, Klapman also highlights the impressive features of this 700 HP Audi RS3. “With a little push of the button to go to the dynamic mode, this now has 700 horsepower at the wheels, and on the right tires is capable of running a 9.9-second quarter-mile,” reveals Klapman. He further adds, “I swear, I mean these days with modern turbo cars, you can basically have oligarch levels of power for summer job money.”

700 HP Audi RS3

This 700 HP Audi RS3 sports an all-black paint job and rides on a set of alloy wheels that also flaunt a matching black finish.

The owner of this RS3, Chris, joins Klapman and offers a complete breakdown of all the performance upgrades responsible for this car’s awesome performance. In addition to a mid-pipe and down-pipe tune, an ECU map and a larger turbocharger are also responsible for this RS3’s power bump.

Chris also reveals that his Audi RS3 retains its original transmission and axles. Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system sends power to all four corners. This 2019 RS3 proves that its 5-cylinder motor has plenty of untapped potential.

Image Source: TheSmokingTire

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Manhart RS3 500 Upgrade Helps 2022 Audi RS3 Churn Out 493 HP

The Manhart RS3 500 tuning kit is available for four-door sedan and five-door hatchback versions of the 2022 Audi RS3.

Manhart Performance is a German tuner that has souped-up everything from thoroughbred Italian supercars to futuristic electric vehicles. The company recently unveiled an exciting creation based on the all-new 2022 Audi RS3. The tuner’s latest project is the all-new Manhart RS3 500, which will be available for Sportback and sedan versions of the 2022 Audi RS3.

A 2.5-liter 5-cylinder turbo motor powers the all-new RS3. The powerplant churns out 394 HP of maximum power in its euro spec, which bumps up to 401 HP in the US. Manhart RS3 500’s performance upgrades include an MHtronik Powerbox tuning module, and the new mapping allows the tuner to increase the power output up to 493 HP.

The engine now hooks up to a stainless steel exhaust system which gets electronically controlled valves. The Wuppertal-based company announced the new tuning kit via its social media channels. Unfortunately, the company has not revealed many details about the tuning kit, including the new torque figure.

Manhart RS3 500

Like the horsepower, we reckon the Manhart RS3 500 upgrade will also substantially increase the torque figures of the new RS3.

As our avid readers must already know, the new RS3 produces 369 lb-ft of peak torque in its factory tune. The Manhart RS3 500 flaunts a gorgeous gloss black paint job in the teaser images, which is offset by gold accents. RS3 500 and Manhart decals adorn the front doors. Furthermore, we also find the same badging on the trunk lid flaunting a vibrant gold finish.

The performance upgrade is available for both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback versions. As part of the Manhart treatment, this 2022 Audi RS3 also ditches its stock wheels in favor of 20-inch rims which sport golden rim stripes. Manhart’s 20-inch Concave One double-spoke alloys fit snugly in the wheel arches because of a set of lowering springs.

Pirelli high-performance tires envelop the ominous alloys. The Manhart RS3 500 also gets gold brake calipers that complement the racing stripes and decals of the ensemble. So far, we do not have any information regarding the pricing of the new tuning kit.

Image Source: Manhart Performance

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Must Watch: The Heartwarming Journey of Reviving a Wrecked Audi S3

YouTuber Mat Armstrong rebuilds a wrecked Audi S3 and demonstrates that you don’t have to be an experienced mechanic to go out there and find a great deal on your favorite performance machine.

In one of his recent videos, Mat Armstrong chronicles the completion of an elaborate revival of a wrecked Audi S3. It is satisfying to see a written-off performance machine get a new lease on life. What’s even more heartwarming is that Mat is restoring the S3 for his friend Liam who had a run of bad luck with his cars in the past.

Another fun fact for our readers, Mat is not a mechanic but an enthusiast who tries to learn as he goes along. Luckily for Mat, the S3 shares its parts with Golf R, which he is familiar with. So, I reckon this series can motivate even the most skeptical builders amongst us to go out there and find a great deal. The damage to the car was quite extensive.

Safe to say, Mat had his work cut out for him seeing how the rebuild took almost three months to complete. Mat decided against starting the engine because of a crack in the inlet manifold. The YouTuber suspected that there might be plastic in the inlet manifold, which could destroy the engine. There was also no damage to the car’s suspension.

wrecked Audi S3

Mat also had to replace the battery of the wrecked S3 before repairing the front chassis damage, which bent the chassis at the front.

He also installs a new front-end that comes complete with a new intercooler. In the series, Mat also shares the motivation behind this S3 project. “This YouTube stuff has basically allowed me to live my dream life rebuilding, modifying, and driving cars that I never thought I’d ever own, and now I feel like it’s time to rebuild cars not just for my own pleasure, shares Mat.
He further adds,” The S3 has come such a long way in such a short amount of time. You only have to take a look at what it first looked like when I first bought it to what it looks like now.”

With the used car prices skyrocketing right now, restoring/repairing these modern classics is sustainable and a necessity of the time. Lastly, this restoration series is one of the most engaging and entertaining build stories on YouTube. Mat doesn’t dilly-dally and covers a big chunk of the project in every video without wasting any time, which will appeal to every gearhead.

Images Source: Mat Armstrong

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