Audi offically launches S3 sedan at 2013 Shanghai Auto Show

Audi used the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show to launch a pair of new vehicles. The all new S3 sedan made its official Auto Show debut alongside a Q5 featuring a somewhat confusing model designation for the Chinese market.

The S3 had been unofficial revealed at a private affair during the New York Auto Show a few weeks ago but was presented on stage here in Shanghai. The vehicle features a high output 2.0 litre turbo charged engine producing 300HP. All that extra power helps scoot the S3 from 0 to 100 kms/hr in a scant 4.7 seconds. The sedan A3 and S3 are a first for Audi and bears a striking similarity to the first generation A4 produced in 1994.

Also revealed at the press conference was a new Q5 model featuring the odd model designation Q5 40 TFSI. At first glance I have admit being excited thinking it was fitted with the 4.0L TFSI engine used in Audi’s sedan lineup in such models as the A8, S6 and S8. The vehicle is actually powered by a 2.0L TFSI four cylinder engine producing 211 HP. Other models in the Q5 lineup include a model 35 with a detuned 2.0 litre turbo-charged engine producing 168 HP as well as a 45 model, fitted with the 300HP 3.0L TFSI engine. Just about every vehicle in China carries a dizzying array of numbers and letters on the rear trunk lid. Audi seems to be stepping up its game in the character wars.