The start-stop system helps to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by switching off the engine in stationary phases, e.g. at traffic lights. The start process is initiated as soon as the driver releases the foot brake (S tronic) for moving off.
Increasing the generator voltage converts kinetic energy into usable electrical energy when the vehicle is coasting or braking. This (brake) energy recovery is used to assist the generator during subsequent acceleration, saving up to 3% fuel.
The S tronic transmission combines the low fuel consumption of a manual transmission with the benefits of an automatic. The control ensures fast and consumption-reducing gear shifting in automatic mode. The very large transmission-ratio spread of the S tronic allows the last gears to be used at very low engine speeds.
The LED light sources and light guides used for the optional full-LED headlights, the daytime running light strip of the xenon plus headlights and the indicators, rear lights and interior lighting all have an outstanding long service life and consume significantly less energy than conventional bulbs.
Audi ultra, the pioneering lightweight technology from Audi, is already being employed in the Audi S3 Sedan. The steel shell design of the Audi S3 Sedan combines low weight with high rigidity. Which type of material is used in which place on the vehicle is determined by the desired characteristics. The resulting material mix of hot and cold formed metal panels and profiles in the vehicle body create an ultra-modern lightweight structure. But not only ultra high strength steels are employed, light aluminium is also used to reduce the weight of attachment parts such as the bonnet and wings. The aluminium components on the front axle and the aluminium alloy wheels not only reduce the overall weight but also the unsprung masses, which in turn leads to a further increase in agility and driving comfort. The modern TFSI® engine in the Audi S3 Sedan also produces more power with a smaller engine size, making it lighter than the corresponding engines used in earlier model series. Each lightweight component has an effect on other components, allowing their dimensions to be reduced as well. In the Audi S3 Sedan the lightweight body and lighter engine lead to secondary effects throughout the vehicle. The weight of many parts of the exhaust system, suspension and interior has been able to be reduced. This complete package of measures for the new S3 Sedan saved 70 kg compared with the predecessor model.
Consumption and emission values:
Fuel consumption, combined: 6.9-7.0 l/100 km
CO₂ emission combined: 159 g/km