New 2022 S3 gets 306 horsepower.
The S3 arrives in North America next fall.
The SQ7 and SQ8 are 500-horsepower fast.
Under normal circumstances, this story would include driving impressions following a drive event somewhere in Europe. With COVID-19 still a global issue, Audi wisely opted to give us a brief overview of three of their latest “S” vehicles: The all-new S3, the SQ7, and SQ8.
The new 2022 Audi S3, both hatchback and sedan, are more desirable and attractive than ever. For the 4th generation of the sport-luxury compact cars, Audi has turned up the visual and performance elements to 11. The cars are powered by a 306-horsepower turbocharged TFSI 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that also produces 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The only available transmission is a 7-speed s Tronic automatic with paddle shifters. Together with the quattro AWD system, which can send 100% of available power to the rear wheels, the S3 reaches 100 km/h in only 4.8 seconds.
Audi S3 | Photo: Audi
Visually, the S3 is smoking hot. It sits 15mm closer to the ground thanks to its revised chassis, which can be fitted with an optional S sport suspension with damper control. Further to the lowered look, the S3 features the large single-frame grille with aluminium inlays, S bumpers, aluminium mirror housings, rear diffuser, side sills, and front apron, all of which is unique to the S3. The best styling cues are without a doubt the boxed-out flared fenders.
The 2022 Audi S3 sedan will come to the US and Canada by the end of 2021.
The Audi SQ7 and SQ8 TFSI strike a superb balance between the best Audi Sport has to offer with their RS models with luxury and comfort features.
Both of these SUVs are powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 capable of 500-horsepower and 568 lb.-ft. of torque. The 48V mild-hybrid SUVs feature an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, quattro AWD, all-wheel steering, and electromechanical progressive steering as standard. This power sends the SQ7 and SQ8 to 100 km/h from a standstill in under 4.5 seconds.
These SUVs are delivered with Audi’s adaptive air suspension (90 mm of total travel) with active dampers which can be enhanced with the Dynamic Plus package that includes electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS) and the quattro sports differential. Both features Audi’s single-frame grille with various and typical aluminium accents. The SQ7 can be fitted with 20- to 22-inch while the SQ8 rolls on 21- to 23 inchers. This leads to the main difference between the two: The SQ7 is the classic SUV with a larger boot and seating for seven. The SQ8 is the visually sportier of the two.
The 2020 SQ7 is priced from $84,800 in the US. In Canada, the 2021 SQ7 starts at $104,750. As for the 2020 SQ8, in the US, it starts at $89,000. The 2021 Audi SQ8’s pricing begins at $111,100 in Canada. All can be configured online and deliveries are imminent.
Audi S3 | Photo: Audi
