[ecaedus]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Agreed, BMW could clean up from a driving dynamics standpoint in this market if they got a rwd car to market against a bunch of fwd based cars. I really don't understand how BMW let things get this far behind. Honestly, I'd be worried that Subaru/Toyota figure out how to make an FR-S/BRZ sedan, which could really stand out in this market.

The E63 is a regular, rwd based 4Matic setup, so it's going to be much more aggressive than the CLA45.

if the S3 employs a AWD system that's similar to the S4, then it'll really shine, especially with the optional mech LSD that's being offered on the S4/5.

the base A4 comes in fwd flavor right? that didn't stop the S4 from becoming a very capable handling car.

but i'm pretty sure the 228i will be miles better at least in performance aspect compared to A3 and CLA250, as those are only available in fwd. however since these cars(in base form) are gonna be marketed more towards ppl new to the brand, who are not going to care much about fwd vs rwd, the sales of 2 series definitely be under pressure.

[Red Bread]

The A4 has a transverse motor and runs the traditional quattro system while the A3 has a longitudinal motor and runs Haldex, not quattro. So it won't have the sport rear diff like the S4 or have a rearward power bias.

[amdmaxx]

why have multiple threads?
http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=821136

[ecaedus]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

The A4 has a transverse motor and runs the traditional quattro system while the A3 has a longitudinal motor and runs Haldex, not quattro. So it won't have the sport rear diff like the S4 or have a rearward power bias.

I was thinking that since all the Audi S models come with or can be optioned with sport rear diff, The S3 must be no different. I wasn't talking about the A3, which is a base model and certainly won't have a diff option

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by ecaedus

I was thinking that since all the Audi S models come with or can be optioned with sport rear diff, The S3 must be no different. I wasn't talking about the A3, which is a base model and certainly won't have a diff option

The S3 is an A3 with more turbo boost and a timing belt (there are of course a few other differences), it's still Haldex based and has a longitudinal engine. For reference, the Golf R (an S3 from another dealer) can send 50% of the power to the rear when it detect slip. That means that a Haldex car, with slip detected, is still more fwd biased than a quattro/4Matic/xDrive car just driving along.

[ecaedus]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

The S3 is an A3 with more turbo boost and a timing belt (there are of course a few other differences), it's still Haldex based and has a longitudinal engine. For reference, the Golf R (an S3 from another dealer) can send 50% of the power to the rear when it detect slip. That means that a Haldex car, with slip detected, is still more fwd biased than a quattro/4Matic/xDrive car just driving along.

ah i see. in that case i guess i'll have to wait until the reviews and the actual cars to come in for the S3 to see if it handles well...its a shame that the 235i GC can't arrive soon enough

[BMWDAD]

quote from auto express on the audi s3

but Audi has done enough to make keen drivers think twice before buying the BMW M135i.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/s3...#ixzz2Q1CXQPb9

[Tåst]

I will be waiting Chris Harris Audi S3 review, then we see, will it understeer again, like Haldex normally do.

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

The S3 is an A3 with more turbo boost and a timing belt (there are of course a few other differences), it's still Haldex based and has a longitudinal engine. For reference, the Golf R (an S3 from another dealer) can send 50% of the power to the rear when it detect slip. That means that a Haldex car, with slip detected, is still more fwd biased than a quattro/4Matic/xDrive car just driving along.

New a3/s3 is transverse not longitudinal. MQB, not MLB. this combined with the haldex type fwd biased drivetrain will be a big problem. Understeer = big problem.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

New a3/s3 is transverse not longitudinal. MQB, not MLB. this combined with the haldex type fwd biased drivetrain will be a big problem. Understeer = big problem.

My mistake, should have said transverse.

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

My mistake, should have said transverse.

look at that tidy engine-bay; reminds me of the old integra gs-r days

[Red Bread]

Ah yes, an entire motor and accessories in front of the shock towers. I feel five flavors of understeer coming out of this thing.

[BMWDAD]

What car quote:

n fact, only if you’re expecting rip-roaring hot hatch drama might the S3 leave you feeling a little cold, in which case we’d point you towards the BMW M135i.

[Red Bread]

Doesn't look like MB has it any better:

[bimmerjph]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Doesn't look like MB has it any better:

At least their engine bay looks nicer.

[poosamjam]

I say forget about the CLA. The A3 is interesting but with the M235i coupe...??. Idk im excited as well.

[ecaedus]

if only they allowed sport diff as an option on the S4....too bad they won't since it's reserved by B8 chasis and above.

i think the S3 is gonna debut in shanghai next week so hopefully we'll start to see some european auto magazines test driving it and it'll undoubtedly be pitched against the M135i, epic comparison

[seis-speed]

I saw an Audi S3 in Germany, it is a beautiful car. No 6mt is a deal killer for me. I am looking for an AWD, 6mt, in a shorter wheelbase for my next car. I was really looking forward to this new class of cars from Germany, but so far nothing hits the mark. I am hoping BMW offers 6mt in the 2er. So far, I have not seen that option listed. I have driven an M135 hatch, it was fantastic to drive in RWD, just needed 6mt. When I heard Audi was coming out with the S3 I was convinced that would be my car since it was AWD. Now, I have moved on to M235 xi, GC, in 6MT, with a true sports suspension. Even better if it came in an M2 platform. I would buy it yesterday if that were the case.