2012 Paris: 2013 Audi A3 Four-Door Hatch Officially Revealed

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Audi has lots to share at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, including the Audi A3 four-door hatchback, the new Crosslane SUV concept, plus the refreshed R8 and new S3. View photos straight from the Paris Motor Show floor of the Audi A3 four-door hatchback, Audi Crosslane SUV concept, and revised Audi R8 as well as images of the S3 and RS 5 Cabriolet below.
Audi A3
Although the sedan and two-door hatchback version of the 2013 Audi A3 have already been shown, the four-door Sportback hatchback version wasn’t revealed until the Paris auto show. The new Sportback shares much of the same styling as the other bodystyles including the new headlights with LED running lamps.

The big news for the A3 lies under the surface, which now rides on the VW Group’s new MQB architecture. Audi claims the new platform is stiffer yet lighter than the outgoing chassis. In Europe, the A3 will be powered by a range of diesel and gas-powered engines. The A3 also gains the automaker’s latest infotainment system, which can produce 3D graphics on either the 5.8- or 7-inch LCD display. Rear seat legroom is improved thanks to a 2.3-inch wheelbase increase. While the sedan was developed for the U.S., Audi hasn’t announced whether the Sportback body style will return to the U.S. market.
Audi R8 and Audi R8 V10 Plus
For 2013, the Audi R8 supercar receives several small tweaks to its front end including headlights with LED daytime running lights and a revised grille that comes in black on the V-8 model or with chrome trim on V-10 cars. Around back, new LED taillights feature sequential turn signals, and chrome-ringed exhaust pipes are also new.
Mechanically, a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission promises to provide noticeable performance and fuel economy gains. Base V-8 models are expected to reach 62 mph in 4.3 seconds – an improvement of 0.3 seconds, while the V-10 model is expected to hit 62 mph in 3.6 seconds. Combined fuel economy should improve three mpg to 19 mpg and 18 mpg for the V8 and V10 models, respectively.
Audi estimates the 0-60 mph run for the new R8 V10 Plus coupe will take just 3.5 seconds and top out at just under 200 mph. A matte paint option will be exclusive to the R8 V10 Plus model, which features carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sideblades, exterior mirrors, front spoiler and rear diffuser.
2013 Audi S3 and RS 5 Cabriolet
The Audi S3 is also making an appearance at the Paris Motor Show. The S3 is powered by a 300-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 280 lb-ft of torque that is sent to the Quattro all-wheel-drive system by a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Audi estimates a 0-62 mph run in 5.1 seconds for dual-clutch cars and 5.4 seconds for manual-equipped cars. Large brakes bring the fun to a halt. Like the last Audi S3, we don’t expect the new model to make it to our shores.
The RS 5 Cabriolet is powered by the same naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V-8 that produces 450 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. With all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the car is said to be capable of a 4.9-second sprint from 0-62 mph, about three tenths slower than Audi’s claim for the RS 5 coupe.
For all the latest news, photos, videos, and much more direct from the 2012 Paris Motor Show floor, head to our 2012 Paris show coverage page here.

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Source : wot[dot]motortrend[dot]com