Turbo-Five Fun.
Every year, Audi brings a special car to Wörthersee showcasing the company’s performance, customization, and other capabilities for their fans. Over the past few years, they’ve brought the A1 Clubsport Concept, the TT Ultra Quattro Concept, and others. For 2014, they’re bringing a hotter-than-hell A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept that is powered by the famous 2.5-liter inline-five along with lots of other goodies.
The new Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept says ‘goodbye’ to the 2.0 TFSI and welcomes the 2.5 TFSI turbocharged inline-five cylinder engine that has won “International Engine of the Year” four consecutive times. Thanks to an upgraded intercooler and a larger turbocharger that spits out 1.5 BAR (21.75 PSI), output is pegged at 518 horsepower (525 PS) and 442.5 lb-ft. of torque from 2,300 to 6,000 RPM. When paired up with its 3,366-lb. curb weight, the A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept can accelerate to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 192 mph. That’s also good for a power-to-weight ratio of 338 horsepower per ton.
Just like the name states, Audi’s advanced Quattro all-wheel drive system lays power down to both axles through a seven-speed S tronic transmission with integrated launch control. The brain in the Quattro all-wheel drive system is the electronically-controlled, hydraulically-activated multi-plate clutch positioned at the rear axle that was designed specifically for the higher torque output of the 2.5 TFSI engine. A portion of the torque can be transferred from the front to the rear axle in certain situations while Torque Vectoring helps to make the A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept even more nimble. Audi also installed a new steering system so that the ratio becomes more direct with greater input and boost decreases as speed increases.
Low weight was the name of the game in the Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept. Aluminum makes up the MacPherson front suspension and works with the four-link rear suspension to make the concept lighter on its feet. The A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept sits 10 mm than its standard S3 counterpart thanks to adjustable struts in the coilover suspension. Helping to reduce weight is the new Audi modular transverse matrix (MQB) that uses hot-shaped steel to create a strong cell around the passenger compartment that allows for thinner walls. Putting all that power to the pavement are 9.5 J x 21 five, double-spoke wheels with 275/25 R21 tires sitting in front of carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs that measure 370 mm up front.
The Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept is instantly recognizable thanks to its more aggressive design. The body is covered in Magnetic Blue paint while a high-gloss black, high-flow honeycomb grille insert sports a Quattro badge and is framed by matte aluminum. The hood has been designed to protrude over the grille and wears the four Audi rings along with the LED headlights. For better downforce and cooling up front, a new exposed CFRP blade extends across the lower portion of the bumper and features ends that turn upwards. A front splitter also aids in generating downforce up front as well.
Audi gave the A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept new flares nicknamed “blisters” that add some visual muscle and also pay homage to the fender flares used in the original Quattro models. Smaller brushed aluminum side mirrors and a round fuel filler cap on the C-pillar also differentiate from the S3. At the rear sits a pair of large oval exhaust tips integrated into a three-fin, high-gloss black honeycomb diffuser that turns upwards. An advanced air brake system sits atop the trunk and activates when the brakes are applied at high speeds and can move towards an almost-vertical position. The system can actually reduce stopping distances by 12 meters at 155 mph.
Inside, the Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept features a sporty, black cabin. A total of four passengers can enjoy the turbo-five performance of the concept with the front two being held in place by racing seats with high bolsters, integrated head restraints, and CFRP shells at the back. Light grey piping and Sepang Blue provide some contrast to the dominant black color along with brushed aluminum inserts instrument cluster badge, and door sill nameplates. Facing the driver is a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with two large stop and start buttons while an instrument cluster with black faces, red indicators, and white numbering with integrated shift light easily displays information. Black alcantara headliner and pillars while new stainless steel foot pedals, foot rests, and door openers add a bit of contrast.
The Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept will make its global debut at the 2014 Wörthersee meet from May 28th to 31st. Audi will be focusing on sport this year and will have a booth that has been transformed into an Audi Pit Lane featuring the new concept along with other performance models. As of now, the A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept will be kept as a one-off show car.
Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 2.5 liters
Number of Cylinders: Inline-five
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 518 / 525 PS
Maximum Torque: 442.5 lb-ft. / 600 Nm
Maximum Boost Pressure: 1.5 BAR / 21.75 PSI
Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed S tronic
Drive: Quattro all-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.6 seconds
Top Speed: 192 mph
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 338 hp/ton
Wheels, Tires, Brakes, and Suspension:
Wheels: 9.5 J x 21 five, twin-spoke
Tires: 275/25 R21
Brakes: Carbon fiber-ceramic vented; 370 mm front discs
Suspension: Adjustable coilover suspension; 10 mm lower than S3
Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept Gallery
Source: Audi
Is the Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept the ultimate A3 model?
