2013 Audi A3 Plus
Posted by admin on 19 Apr 2010
It is rumored the Audi will bring a sedan/coupe version of the next generation A3 to the US for the 2013 model year. The new variant is currently known by Audi engineers as the A3 Plus and will definitely be a welcome addition to Audi’s US lineup.
Although the original A3 was introduced by Audi in 1996, a North American A3 was not introduced until 2005 as a 2006 model. The only model available in the US at the time was the five-door Sportback. There are many other versions of the A3 already available in Europe but not in North America. However, Audi obviously think that a small four-dour version may just be the right vehicle to add to the five-door variant that is currently available in the US.
The new Audi A3 lineup will make its official introduction in mid-2010 in Europe and mid-2011 in the US. Audi has delayed the introduction by one year to concentrate on a few of its other all-new models like the A1 hatch and the Q3 soft-roader. The all-new A3 will be designed to compete with BMW’s 1-Series range.
The entire A3 range, including the A3 Plus will share its platform with the VW Golf. The A3 footprint will also increase in size from the current model, and the styling is rumored to be much sleeker than the current model.
The 2013 Audi A3 Plus is said to have been inspired by the Mercedes-Benz CLS. Little is known about the A3 Plus, but it is expected to have start-stop technology on it including energy regenerating brakes. The model will also come with low-rolling resistance tires and a fuel efficient transmission.
The A3 worldwide range will likely get a few different four-cylinder engines. It is not exactly clear which engine will be available for the US market. However, the rumors are that it will be the 2.0L TFSI engine that will deliver 200+ horsepower and 350Nm of torque.
Although there is not a great deal of information available yet about the 2013 Audi A3 Plus, the new vehicle should be a very nice addition to Audi’s lineup in the US market.
