Spy shots: First test-mules for next-gen Audi A3

The next-gen Audi A3 will hit the market in late 2010 in the basic three and five-door hatchback models. Audi is expected the new Audi A3 range to compete with BMW’s 1-series range as well as a family of sporty models based on the next-generation Mercedes A and B-Class. Here spy photographers have caught the first images of the 2011 Audi A3.

The new A3 test mule is wearing the current Mark VI VW Golf Volkswagen body to divert attention. Furthermore, the new A3’s underpinnings will once again be shared with VW’s Golf, which means Audi’s latest modular platform design has been ruled out. The spy shots show that next A3 will be bigger than the current model, growing a few inches in width.

Engine options will likely include a series of four-cylinder powerplants ranging from 1.2 to 2.0L in displacement. The base engine will be a 1.2L TFSI with 105hp and 175Nm of torque and this will be followed by a 1.4L TFSI with 125hp and 200Nm of torque as well as a 1.8L TFSI with 160hp and 250Nm of torque. Rounding out the four-cylinder family will be a 2.0L TFSI with 211hp and 350Nm of torque. For the performance S3 model, expect to see a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A variety of diesel engines, with a rumored 207hp (152kW) 2.0-liter TDI taking the top spot are also expected.

In an attempt to establish a greater foothold in the North America, Audi is also considering an A3 sedan which is designed to appeal to hatch-hating Americans.

Audi planning handful of 2011 A3 variants

Audi has pushed back the arrival of its next-generation A3 by one year as it tackles the development of several other all-new models such as the A1 hatch and Q3 soft-roader. Originally slated to arrive at the end of the year, the next A3 will now hit the market in the first half of 2010 in the basic three and five-door hatchback models. Further down the track Audi will add a new Cabrio model and Sportback wagon, and according to a new report there could even be a four-door coupe as well as an Allroad soft-roader.

The move is designed to help the new A3 compete with BMW’s 1-series range as well as a family of sporty models based on the next-generation Mercedes A and B-Class. The new A3’s underpinnings will once again be shared with VW’s Golf, which means Audi’s latest modular platform design has been ruled out. Compared with the current model, however, the new A3’s footprint will grow in size and its profile is expected to be sleeker.

Audi’s latest-generation B8 A4 grew in length by 14cm over its predecessor, positioning it closer to the 5-series and E-Class in terms of size. The gap left behind will be filled by a new A3-based sedan, which German magazine Autobild reports will stretch 4.2m in length and feature coupe-like styling.

Likely engine options for the A3 range of cars include a series of four-cylinder powerplants ranging from 1.2 to 2.0L in displacement. The base engine will be a 1.2L TFSI with 105hp and 175Nm of torque and this will be followed by a 1.4L TFSI with 125hp and 200Nm of torque and a 1.8L TFSI with 160hp and 250Nm of torque. Rounding out the four-cylinder family will be a 2.0L TFSI with 211hp and 350Nm of torque. For the performance S3 model, expect to see a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine as opposed to the naturally-aspirated V6 found in the current model.

Source from: motorauthority.com