the AUDI A3 cabriolet fascinates with new lightweight design

the AUDI A3 cabriolet has a sporty stance on the road
image © designboom

the new AUDI A3 cabriolet has a sporty stance on the road. the open-top four-seater that comes with an elegant soft top fascinates with new engines and a systematic lightweight design. substantially larger than its previous model–its length has increased from 4.24 to 4.42 meters / 13.91 to 14.50 ft–the base version of the vehicle weighs just 1,345 kilograms (2,965.22 lb); approximately 60 kilograms (132.28 lb) lighter than before. this is in part due to its intelligent multimaterial construction, whereby the occupant cell proportions are largely made-up of high-end steels, with an engine hood of aluminium.

AUDI A3 cabriolet during the sunset at the beach of menton, south france
image © designboom

the new AUDI A3 cabriolet is available in a choice of two turbo fuel stratified injection (TFSI) engines, or a TDI; with engine displacement at 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0 liters, along with output ranges from 103kW (125 hp) to 132 kW (180 hp). each of the three motors have been freshly developed and consume up to 13% less fuel than those of the previous model, while still delivering improved driving performance.

AUDI A3 cabriolet 2.0 TDI, misano red pearl-effect
image courtesy AUDI AG

from a design perspective, the sporty car’s standout feature is the extended rear overhang that harmoniously ties the proportions of its body together. aluminium trim strip wrap details finish off the windshield frame as well as the edge of the frame which is defined by precise lines and taut surfaces. to continue with this streamlined look, flat headlights (available in an LED technology option) are integrated to give the AUDI A3 cabriolet a resolute appearance, in addition to the air intake filters and bumper that emphasize the automobile’s width.

AUDI A3 cabriolet has a lightweight soft top with fast electrohydraulic drive, with an acoustic top option available
image courtesy AUDI AG

the lightweight soft top roof functions on a electrohydraulic drive that opens or closes in 18 seconds, even while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). in its reclined position, it rests within a variable tray. when the top is down, it takes up very little space in the trunk and is lighter than a comparable folding steel roof; this reduces the overall weight of the open-top four-seater and is advantageous in lowering its center of gravity. alternatively, an acoustic top that is composed of a thicker inner foam layer is available, and assists in reducing interior noise levels (which are already quite reduced), with an active rollover protection system safeguarding passengers in the event of a rollover. other safety features are found in the large tail lights which have the shape of a wedge narrow internally to create a sharp edge. with internal technology being primarily of LEDs (with xenon plus units), they have an adaptive brake system that pulses with a frequency of four hertz in emergency stops.

AUDI A3 cabriolet 2.0 TDI / AUDI A3 cabriolet 1.8 TFSI quattro
image courtesy AUDI AG

the A3 cabriolet is based off of AUDI’s modular transverse matrix (MQB), of which its sporty character, and balanced axle load distribution can be attributed. with MQB, all engines have the same mounting position, compared to the previous edition, with the front axle having been shifted forward slightly by 40 millimeters (1. 57 inches). many of the components which make up the front suspension are made of aluminium; the four-link rear axle handles longitudinal and transverse forces independently. in this new version, the wheelbase is longer, and the rear overhang has grown by 18 centimeters (7.09 inches), giving it a more elongated stance on the road. on the interior, folding rear seat backs provide 320 liter (11.30 cubic feet) of luggage capacity.

AUDI A3 cabriolet 1.4 TFSI quattro, vegas yellow
image © designboom

AUDI A3 cabriolet in crystal effect paint finish ara blue
image courtesy AUDI AG

detail
image courtesy AUDI AG

alloy wheels sized 16 to 19-inch, powerful brakes
image courtesy AUDI AG

the light and clean energetic lines of the exterior are continued on the interior. the dashboard has been conceived with a curved front which conveys the impression of vastness and spaciousness, while the center console is angled towards the driver. AUDI’s precision is expressed in the installation of four large round air nozzles, fashioned in a classic jet design–which the driver and passenger can adjust by pulling on the central axis offering a broadly dispersed and draft-free to a focused stream. each one of these consists of over 30 individual parts that have been manufactured and installed to the hundredth of a millimeter.

cockpit
image courtesy AUDI AG

the front seats of the AUDI A3 cabriolet have been ergonomically fashioned with ideal fit and adjustment options, which offer the best possible body support. a central armrest is adjustable, with additional seating options including: power lumbar supports; power adjustment and sport seats with high side bolsters; and pull-out thigh supports.

Audi A3 cabriolet 1.8 TFSI quattro at the harbor of monte carlo
image courtesy AUDI AG

customers can choose from 14 exterior colors, as well as having the option to develop their own customized paint tone which allows them to have colors mixed according to their wishes as part of AUDI’s exclusive program (available starting from february 2014).

AUDI A3 cabriolet test-drive in monaco
image © designboom

design sketch, rear 3/4 driver view
image courtesy AUDI AG 

design sketch, front 3/4 passenger view
image courtesy AUDI AG

dany garand with the AUDI A3 cabriolet at monte carlo beach
image © designboom

in germany, the new AUDI A3 cabriolet, which comes off the assembly line at the plant in győr, hungary, will be delivered to customers from the beginning of 2014. see also the production line of the premium compact four-door AUDI A3 sedan, produced in the new automobile factory in győr, hungary.

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