The 2025 Audi S3 has been previewed in prototype form, with the brand’s smallest performance model poised to close the gap to its five-cylinder RS3 sibling.
Images published online by Audi show the upcoming S3 wearing bright camouflage on its updated parts, with its LED headlights, grille and front air intakes appearing as the most prominent facelift features.
There’s also a new rear bumper which sits under revised tail lights with a tweaked light signature, while a refreshed wheel design complements the changes.
Interior images published by UK publication Autocar show a flat-bottom steering wheel with new multi-function controls, sitting in front of a digital instrument cluster with revised graphics compared to the current model which went on sale globally in 2020.
According to Audi, there are even bigger changes under the skin, with the facelifted S3 due to get an upgrade to its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
While the current Audi S3 produces up to 228kW of power and 400Nm of torque, the updated model will get a 17kW and 20Nm increase, resulting in total outputs of 245kW and 420Nm.
Drive will still be sent to the road through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel drive system, though the S3 will now adopt the RS3’s ‘torque splitter’, which utilises a clutch in the rear differential to better distribute torque across the back axle.
A new ‘dynamic plus’ drive mode also increases the engine’s idle speed from 1100rpm to 1300rpm and delivers faster shifts, resulting in a 0-100km/h time of 4.7 seconds – 0.1 second quicker than before.
Suspension upgrades include a revised front setup with almost double as much negative camber (1.5 degrees), better optimised progressive steering, 17mm larger diameter front brake rotors (now 357mm) and a tweaked electronic stability control (ESC) program.
The new Audi S3 is expected to be revealed later this year.
Based on timing of previous models, we’d expect Australian deliveries to follow in 2025 however we’ve reached out to Audi Australia for official launch timing.
In Australia, the current Audi S3 is priced from $75,400 before on-road costs as a five-door hatchback, and $77,500 before on-road costs in four-door sedan guise.
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