The new Audi A3 has been tested on roads used for the Azores rally, to showcase the Quattro system. The all-new A3 will makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month but journalists have had a chance to take camouflaged A3s around the island of Sao Miguel in Portugal to find out the capabilities of the all-wheel-drive system.
In a setting where volcanos sculpted the landscape the A3 with Quattro fits into the environment perfectly, Quattro is in Audi's DNA. The fourth-generation A3 is the next step in the evolution of Quattro, using a transverse engine with an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch.
Software is used to give maximum stability, grip and enjoyment whilst driving, also managing the efficiency. The suspension is adaptive with dynamic steering, giving the driver confidence in the car especially when driven on winding mountain roads.
To help with axle load distribution, the clutch is located at the end of the prop shaft, in front of the rear axle differential. An electronic torque distribution control has been tailored for the A3, which has been integrated into the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. Taking data from the suspension sensors it can determine the driving conditions and road properties as well as the driving style.
The Quattro system can control how much torque goes to each axle, when driving normally most of the power is fed to the front wheels. When the front wheels start to lose traction the clutch routes power to the rear wheels. Part of the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) is the wheel-selective torque control, this applies the brakes slightly to the two inside wheels when cornering at high speed, helping to turn the car into the corner, adding more agility.
The new A3 will be unveiled from its camouflage at next month's Geneva Motorshow.
