Articles by CarsGuide team

...but it means something good at Audi with the imminent arrival of a new generation S3 due early next year.It's a lightweight premium compact model that combines dynamic performance with improved efficiency as well as offering all the high-tech that Audi has to offer.ENGINEThe long-stroke 2.0 TFSI has been developed from scratch. The only thing it has in common with its predecessor is its displacement of 1,984 cc. The four-cylinder unit delivers a constant 380Nm of torque between 1,800 and 5,500 rpm. Rated power at 5,500 rpm is 221 kW and the engine redlines at 6,800 rpm.It allows the new S3 to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds when equipped with the S tronic dual clutch manumatic (5.4 seconds with the manual transmission).ECONOMYFuel economy is also impressive rated at 6.9 litres/100km (manual: 7.0 litres). The direct injection, turbocharged engine with variable valve lift features two balance shafts rotating at twice the speed of the crankshaft for smoothness gains.And thankfully, Audi has engineered a stirring exhaust note from the S3.The exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head, where it is bathed in coolant. New S3 comes standard with a manual six-speed transmission and optional dual clutch S tronic.QUATTRODrive is quattro permanent all wheel drive. New S3 offers the dynamic driving characteristics of a sports car. It responds to steering input precisely and spontaneously, and takes all types of corners at speed and with little body movement. Its handling is precise, safe and virtually neutral. Another innovation in the S3 is progressive steering with the rack geared in such a way that the ratio varies. It rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40-series tyres.SELECTAudi drive select comes standard incorporating the characteristics of the electronic accelerator, the boost of the progressive steering and the shift points of the optional S tronic.The driver determines with the push of a button whether these systems operate in comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency or individual mode. In individual mode (available with the MMI radio or above), drivers can compose their own preferred profile within certain limits. The Audi S3 will arrive at dealerships in early 2013. The base price in Germany is Euro 38,900. 

...AMG high-performance car ever designed.

   

  

   

The JCW Countryman is the first performance model of the range to come with Mini ALL4 all-wheel drive. Power comes from a newly developed four-cylinder, turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 160 kW/280Nm (300Nm with overboost).It's the most powerful drive unit in the Mini range, featuring construction principles and materials adapted specially from race-trim cars. There's a combination of twin-scroll turbocharger, petrol direct injection and fully variable valve management based on the BMW Group's Valvetronic technology.It gives the JCW Countryman acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and stand-out efficiency in this output class. Mini also uses plenty of its ‘Minimalism’ fuel saving technology including brake energy regeneration, gear shift indicator, auto start-stop function and electric power steering. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard with a six-speed auto optional. It has steering wheel shift paddles. Other standard kit includes a sports exhaust that produces a stirring soundtrack and a Sport button that tweaks the engine's responses and vocal character, the power assistance provided by the steering and the shift dynamics of the optional automatic gearbox. Power distribution is varied seamlessly between the front and rear axles by an electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive. A range of electronic dynamic controls is fitted. The JCW model has a sports suspension with firmly tuned springs and dampers, strengthened anti-roll bars and a 10-millimetre drop in ride height; powerful brakes with red calipers and extra-lightweight 18-inch twin spoke alloy wheels optional to 19s. Inside it gets a JCW cockpit with sports seats, sports steering wheel, interior trim strips in piano black, anthracite-coloured roof liner, dark speedometer and rev counter dials and John Cooper Works door sills.