2025 Audi S3 update detailed ahead of reveal

Revisions coming to the 2025 Audi S3 hot hatch and sedan have been detailed ahead of a full reveal in the coming weeks.

The mid-life update for the Audi S3 should make it more fun to drive with a new variable torque splitter borrowed from its RS3 big brother, along with larger brakes and revised suspension geometry.

Under the bonnet, the S3's venerable 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo EA888 engine will receive a slight power boost to align it with the related Volkswagen Golf R.

The many revisions announced should result in overall improved driving dynamics and enjoyment and include a new rear-biased drive mode, which should enable drivers to get the most out of the changes.

28

Disguised pre-production S3 indicates changes will mainly be under the skin

What's new for the 2025 Audi S3?

Most of the revisions applied to the S3 are focused on handling and braking performance more than raw power.

“Torque Splitter”

The new S3 will feature the torque splitter from the more-powerful RS3 to increase agility and stability. It uses an electronically controlled multiple disc clutch on each drive shaft to enable active, fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels. Torque distribution also varies depending on the drive mode selected.

28

Bigger brakes

Larger ventilated discs will be fitted to the front axle, now measuring 357mm in diameter and 34mm thick, for higher thermal capacity. The front brake calipers have been upgraded to twin-piston units.

Revised front suspension

A new pivot bearing will be fitted to the front McPherson strut axle, increasing negative camber, and the front wishbones have been stiffened.

Audi reports that the front camber has increased to nearly 1.5 degrees, more than double the current model, for improved steering response

28

'Dynamic Plus' drive mode

This new Audi drive select mode sends as much torque as possible to the rear axle and then the rear wheel on the outside of the curve, increasing controlled oversteer.

The engine and transmission have also been tuned specifically for the dynamic plus mode. Idle speed is increased by 200rpm to 1,300rpm, compared to the dynamic mode, to improve off-the-line performance, throttle response is more direct, and the transmission upshifts later and downshifts earlier.

Increased power to complement chassis enhancements.

Power for the 2025 Audi S3 will increase slightly from 228kW/400Nm to 245kW/420Nm, matching the most-powerful Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R.

Audi claims this reduces the 0-100 time by 0.1 seconds, to 4.7 seconds.