As predicted, VW Group is quietly substituting the 115 Hp 1.6-litre FSI petrol unit with its new version of the 125 Hp1.4-litre TFSI engine in every model. Following the VW Golf / Jetta and the Seat Altea / Leon models, time’s up for the Audi A3. Available from September 2007, the turbocharged A3 accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 9.6 sec while it boasts a top speed of 203 km/h (126mph). According to Audi, its average fuel consumption is just 6.5-liters per 100 km (36.2 mpg). Kinda off subject but since we’re talking about turbocharged petrol units, we thought this would fit in. See, while U.S. consumers and car makers alike are still questioning the feasibility of diesel engines in the States, in Europe, they’re getting ready for the next solution that is none other than turbocharged petrol engines like the 1.4 TFSI. As many analysts have noted, diesel-powered cars will account for as much as 65 percent of European new-car sales by 2010, but fall below 40 percent after 2015.
The reason for this drop will be due to the stricter emission rules applied by the EU which will significantly raise the already expensive, manufacturing and development costs of diesel units, making them totally unattractive to automakers and consequently to car buyers. And that’s were small-capacity turbocharged petrol engines show up since they're cheaper to develop and manufacture. Moreover, don’t forget that petrol engines can also burn alternative fuels like natural gas or hydrogen, something that even the most advanced diesel cannot. -Audi A3 1.4TSI Press Release after the jump
Efficiency and performance: New 1.4 TFSI engine in the Audi A3
A new, ultra-modern four-cylinder TFSI engine with a displacement of 1.4 litres and turbocharger can now be ordered for the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback. The 1.4 TFSI engine delivers 92 kW (125 bhp) at 5,000 rpm. Its maximum torque of 200 Nm is available across an unusually wide speed range of 1,500 to 4,000 rpm.
Audi’s engineers have long been demonstrating the effectiveness of FSI technology in combination with turbocharging both on the world’s racetracks and on the road. The prime example of this is the “Engine of the Year” award with which a jury of experts crowned the 2.0 TFSI in 2007 for the third time in succession.
This concept is being consistently used once again for the new 1.4 TFSI in order to combine optimal levels of efficiency and performance. Six-hole injectors guarantee highly homogeneous mixture preparation and extremely efficient combustion. The reduction of pollutants is also aided effectively in this way.
The integrated turbocharger and modified exhaust valve timing ensure optimised responsiveness and help torque to build up even more smoothly. 80 percent of the maximum torque of 200 Nm is available from 1,250 rpm, just above idle speed. The 1.4 TFSI at the same time sets new standards in its class in terms of acoustics. The new high-tech unit from Audi can be ordered for the A3 and A3 Sportback in combination with a six-speed manual gearbox.
With a top speed of 203 km/h and acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds for the three-door A3, the 1.4 TFSI ensures supreme performance. Its average fuel consumption is just 6.5 litres of premium-grade fuel per 100 km.
The basic price of the A3 1.4 TFSI Attraction is 21,350 euros. The first vehicles will be available in September 2007.
Its main purpose is to preview both the saloon variant and the styling direction of the next A3, which is scheduled for a rollout in 2012 and will also include the successors to today's three-door hatchback, five-door Sportback and the two-door convertible models.
