Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept has a 192mph top speed and 525bhp of power.
The Audi A3 is meant to be the reasonably priced hatchback or compact saloon of the range, with the S variants providing a healthy dose of performance but not so much as to upset the models higher up in the range. Not the A3 clubsport quattro, though. This one’s cut from a very different cloth.
The one-of-a-kind A3 clubsport quattro has ditched a small engine in favour of the 2.5-litre five-cylinder you would find in the TT RS. A bit of clever tuning brings the output to an impressive 525bhp and 443lb/ft of torque. The Audi S3, in comparison, has a mere 296bhp ─ 229bhp less.
Much of the increased power comes from a bigger turbo charger, beefier intake and exhaust system and a modified intercooler, with ‘extensive modifications’ also playing a role, according to Top Gear.
0 to 62mph takes 3.6 seconds and the top speed is 193mph, making the A3 clubsport quattro 3mph faster than an RS6. A launch control system and seven-speed S tronic automatic helps you get there as quickly as possible.
As with your typical Audi quattro, the 1,527kg concept A3 has four-wheel drive as well as a spot of torque vectoring for reigning in all those ponies. You also get 10mm ride height drop, 21-inch alloys, 380mm carbon fibre disc brakes, aluminium front suspension and stiffer adjustable springs and dampers.
On the inside are bucket seats, brushed aluminium and black Alcantara detailing as well as stainless steel pedals and footrest on top of the usual Audi goodies like the Connect infotainment system and MMI system for controlling it.
We doubt Audi will upset the range by bringing the A3 clubsport quattro to market, which is a bit of a shame. Still, there are plenty of other fast four-ringed alternatives to whet your appetite, including the 414bhp Audi TT quattro sport. Oh wait, that’s a concept, too.
Speaking of mad concepts, the Audi TT offroad hybrid unveiled in April 2014 has to be the most mental. It can hit 0 to 62mph in 5.2 seconds yet achieve a claimed 148.6mpg.
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