New A3 Concept is Audi's fastest factory produced model yet

The latest 'design study' from Audi, which was shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, is based on their successful A3 compact, but features a range of new features, some of which are soon to be integrated into commerically-available vehicles.  

The five-cylinder FSI petrol engine that is at the heart of the A3 Concept is more powerful than its closest production relative (the RS3 Sportback). Maximum torque is available from 1600-5300rpm, and as a result the A3 Concept reaches 60mph in 4 seconds and will do 155mph.

Yet in spite of this the A3 Concept achieves 31mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions at 212g/km - and this is the result of many technologies already built into production models.

Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) and aluminium have been used extensively to minimise the use of steel thoughout the body and keep the total weight of the A3 Concept down, and tracks wider than the RS3 Sportback, Audi's Quattro 4WD and a seven speed electronically controlled clutch all help with handling and ride at speed. 

Audi's Drive Select dynamic handing system has been installed, meaning that engine characteristics, the feel of the power steering, and gear shift points can all be changed. A fifth setting has been added to allow selection for economy and efficiency as well as the standard comfort, performance, custom or automatic settings.

Inside, the front seats are bolstered for stability, and the driver display can be personalised to individual tastes. A high quality sound system is installed, and Audi's MultiMedia Interface has been refined so that the touchpad is now part of the rotary pushbutton (a refinement that will soon be rolled out to prodction models). The car has full internet access via WLAN and services from Google can be accessed via UMTS.