Audi to Introduce S3 Plus with 375hp to Bridge S3 and RS3 Gap
Audi is preparing an S3 Plus model, expected to deliver around 375hp, positioned between the current S3 and the forthcoming RS3 in the brand’s performance hatchback range.
Audi is set to expand its hot hatch line-up with a new S3 Plus, targeting a power output of approximately 375hp. The model is intended to fill the performance gap between the current S3 and the upcoming RS3, with a launch expected by the end of 2014 and sales commencing in 2015. The S3 Plus will be available initially in hatchback form, aiming to attract buyers seeking more performance than the S3 but not the full RS3 experience.
Audi S3 Plus: Filling the Gap in the Hot Hatch Range
Current Audi S3 and RS3: The Performance Spectrum
The current Audi S3 sits at the top of the A3 range for now, powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI engine producing 296hp and 380Nm of torque. This engine delivers strong performance, but Audi has identified a gap above the S3, particularly with the RS3 expected to move further upmarket. The upcoming RS3 is set to feature a 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, with power outputs expected to exceed 400hp. This leaves a significant space for an intermediate model, which the S3 Plus is designed to fill.
Where the S3 Plus Fits in Audi’s Hot Hatch Line-up
Audi’s strategy for the S3 Plus mirrors a broader trend within the Volkswagen Group, where brands are introducing intermediate performance models to broaden their appeal. The S3 Plus is expected to offer a more accessible entry to higher performance, sitting comfortably between the S3 and RS3 in terms of both power and likely price. This approach is also seen in rival brands such as Mercedes-AMG and BMW M Performance, which have introduced models that slot between their standard and full-performance variants.
The S3 Plus will launch as a hatchback, which is a popular body style among performance enthusiasts in Europe. This move allows Audi to cater to a segment of buyers who desire more power and driving excitement but may not want the full commitment or cost associated with the RS3. The S3 Plus is expected to appeal to drivers who seek a balance between everyday usability and higher performance.
Technical Details and Engine Options
While Audi has not yet confirmed the full technical specification for the S3 Plus, the targeted output of around 375hp suggests two possible approaches. The first is a heavily uprated version of the S3’s existing 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Alternatively, Audi may use a detuned version of the RS3’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. At this stage, there is no official word on which engine will be chosen, and further technical details have not been released.
The S3 Plus is expected to make its public debut at a major European motor show during 2014, with the Geneva Motor Show in March being a likely venue. First deliveries are anticipated to begin in 2015, following the official unveiling and more detailed announcements about the car’s specification and features.
Audi’s Performance ‘Plus’ Models: A Brief Background
Audi has a history of using the ‘Plus’ designation for enhanced versions of its existing performance models. Examples include the S8 Plus and R8 V10 Plus, both of which offer increased power, revised chassis tuning, and subtle styling changes compared to their standard counterparts. The S3 Plus is expected to follow this established pattern, providing buyers with a more focused driving experience and a step up from the regular S3.
These ‘Plus’ models typically include not only an increase in engine output but also upgrades to suspension, brakes, and sometimes unique interior or exterior details. The S3 Plus will likely feature similar enhancements, although the full extent of these changes will only be confirmed at the time of its official launch.
Summary Table: Audi Hot Hatch Line-up
| Model | Engine | Power Output | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi S3 | 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder | 296hp | 380Nm |
| Audi S3 Plus (planned) | Engine TBC (likely uprated 2.0-litre or detuned 2.5-litre) | ~375hp | TBC |
| Audi RS3 (upcoming) | 2.5-litre five-cylinder | 400hp+ | TBC |
Launch Timing and Market Position
The introduction of the S3 Plus comes at a time when the performance hatchback market is expanding, with several manufacturers offering new models to meet growing demand. Audi’s decision to introduce an intermediate model reflects a desire to offer a broader range of performance options and to compete more directly with similar offerings from rival brands.
For buyers, the S3 Plus promises a more accessible route to higher performance without the price and running costs associated with the RS3. It will also give Audi dealers another option to offer customers who want something more than the S3 but do not require the extreme performance of the RS3.
What Remains Unknown
Audi has not released further information on pricing, full specification, or market availability for the S3 Plus. More details are likely to emerge as the car approaches its expected unveiling, possibly at the Geneva Motor Show. Until then, speculation continues about the car’s final technical details and how it will be positioned in the market.
