VIDEO: Audi A3 Turns Into Icicle after NY Water Main Breaks

An Audi A3 Sportback owner in New York City's East Village received a chilly surprise on Monday after finding his car literally encased in ice. The freakish incident occurred after a pipe broke under the street sometime during the weekend causing a sinkhole that formed a small pond around the Audi. The passing cars splashing water all over the A3 and subfreezing temperatures did the rest. As you can see in the video after the jump, the ice was so thick that the owner's attempts to free the car from its frozen cage with a chisel and a hammer proved futile.

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VIDEO: New Audi RS3 Sportback Drifts its Way on the Snow

Now here's a video worthy of the all-new Audi RS3's sporty credentials and quattro heritage. Forget about the bland static footage of the car released at launch because this clip is -mostly- about having some slideways fun on the snow accompanied by the howling sounds of the RS3's 340HP turbocharged inline-five. Enjoy the 7 minute long film, which was shot in Canada, right after the break.

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VIDEO: New Audi RS3 Sportback 340HP

Earlier this week, we brought you a first look at Audi's second proposal in the hot hatchback segment after the 265HP S3, the new RS3 Sportback that borrows the TT RS' 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five with 340 ponies. Now we have the first video that takes us up close and personal with the RS3. Unfortunately, the clip does not include any running footage of the car. The European market order books for the RS3 Sportback open in December with prices in Germany starting from €49,900.

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New Audi RS3 Breaks Cover, gets 340HP Turbocharged Five-Cylinder

It's official; Audi has finally lifted the wraps off the all-new RS3 Sportback that will be if not the, one of the most powerful and fastest hatchbacks in the market when it goes on sale in Europe in early 2011. It adopts the TT RS' 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine producing 340-horsepower and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,600 rpm and 5,300 rpm.

Power is transmitted to the road through a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with two auto and one manual modes, and the Ingolstadt firm's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

Weighing in at 1,575 kg (3,472.28 pounds), the RS3 completes the standard 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in a mere 4.6 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Audi adds that the RS3 returns an average fuel consumption of 9.1 liters per 100 km (25.9 US mpg) and emits 212 g CO2 per km (341.18 g/mile).

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Minor Tweaks for 2011 Audi A3 Hatch, Sportback, Cabriolet and S3

Along with the updated 2011 TT Coupe and Roadster, and Q7 SUV, Audi also announced model year changes for its A3 range that includes the three door hatchback, five-door Sportback, Cabriolet and the sporty S3 hot hatch.

You'll probably have a hard time noticing the differences, but Audi says that on the 2011 A3s, the single-frame grille element and trims on the B-columns are painted in high-gloss black, the lower air inlets have chrome struts, the exterior mirrors are revised and there are chrome strips in the door handles (except on the S3).

A new rear diffuser insert, the tinted tail lamps on the three-door version, an updated line of alloy wheel designs and the addition of four new paint finishes (Volcano Red, Dakota Gray, Amethyst Gray and Scuba Blue) complete the exterior upgrades.

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Audi Enhances A3 Cabriolet's Range with 1.2-liter Turbo TFSI

The smallest capacity petrol engine in Audi's range has made its way under the hood of the European-market A3 soft-top convertible. Featuring turbocharging and direct injection technology, the 1.2 TFSI produces the same 105HP output as the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated unit it replaces, along with 175Nm of peak torque - a 27Nm increase over its predecessor.

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Audi UK Prices A3 with S-Tronic and Start-Stop System

German automaker Audi has revealed UK pricing for its updated A3 1.4 TFSI petrol and 1.6 TDI diesel models with the S tronic dual-clutch transmission that benefit from the introduction of the fuel saving start-stop function which was previously reserved for four-cylinder manual gearbox models. Priced from £18,300 (OTR), the A3 1.4 TFSI S tronic with start-stop sprints from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 9.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 126mph (203 km/h), while returning a combined 53.3 mpg UK (44.4 mpg US) with 124g/km of CO2.

The A3 1.6 TDI diesel S tronic with start-stop is priced from £18,905 OTR. According to Audi, it accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 11.7 seconds, has a top speed of 121mph or 195 km/h and achieves a combined fuel economy of 67.3 mpg UK (56.0 mpg US) with 109g/km of CO2.

Both models are available for order now with first deliveries expected in early December.

Audi Mates Start-Stop System to S-Tronic Dual-Clutch Transmission on A3 Models

Starting from this November, Audi will begin fitting certain European-spec A3 models equipped with the firm's S tronic dual-clutch transmission with a start and stop system. Available on the A3 three-door and five-door SportBack models with the 105HP 1.6-liter TDI diesel and the 125HP 1.4-liter TFSI petrol engine, the start and stop system improves fuel economy by turning the engine off as soon as the vehicle comes to a halt and automatically starts the engine as soon as the driver removes his or her foot from the brake pedal.

Both A3 models also feature an on-board energy-recovery system that converts mechanical braking energy into electrical power that is temporarily stored in the battery and is then fed back into the electrical system during acceleration, thus reducing the load on the alternator and saving fuel.

The German maker claims that the A3 1.6 TDI S-Tronic consumes on average 4.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (56 US mpg) and emits 109g/km of CO2 while the 1.4 TFSI S-Tronic, 5.3 liters of premium unleaded for every 100 kilometers (44.4 US mpg) with 124 g/km of CO2.

Performance-wise, the 1.6 TDI propels the three-door A3 from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 11.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 194 km/h (121 mph) while the A3 1.4 TFSI goes from standstill to 100km/h in 9.3 seconds and tops out at 203 km/h (126 mph).

Prices for the A3 1.4 TFSI with the S-Tronic and start-stop system in Germany will remain unchanged at €23,700 for3-door and €24,600 for the Sportback. The new 1.6 TDI with S-Tronic and Start-Stop will sell at a base price of €25,500 for the 3-door and €26,400 for the Sportback.

Audi A3 and A3 Sportback get Revised 1.6 TDI with Even Better Fuel Economy and Lower Emissions

It's only been three months since Audi began offering the VW Group's new 1.6-liter common rail diesel engine on the A3 range, but the German firm has already announced a newer version of the 105HP 1.6 TDI with lower fuel consumption and improved CO2 emissions. In particular, the four-cylinder TDI continues to deliver the same output as before at 105HP but peak torque has been increased from 230Nm to 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft). Audi claims that fuel consumption on the combined cycle has been reduced from 4.1lt/100km (57.4 mpg US) to 3.8lt/100 km (61.9 US mpg) with CO2 emissions of 99g/km, down from 109g/km.

The reworked TDI engine that uses Audi's start and stop technology is linked to a five-speed manual gearbox featuring a final drive ratio longer by some seven percent.

The German firm says that the diesel engine propels the three-door A3 from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 11.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph) while the A3 Sportback reaches 100 km/h in 11.7 seconds. The corresponding figures for the current A3 1.6 TDI 105HP 3-door are 11.4 seconds and 194km/h.

Audi will begin selling the A3 1.6 TDI and the A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI in Europe in the first half of 2010 with prices said to be similar to those models already offered on the market.

Audi Brings 2010 A3 Sportback TDI diesel to the States, Priced from $29,950

The second diesel offering from Audi to be launched in the US this year after the Q7 TDI is the 2010 A3 Sportback TDI and it will begin arriving at the company's dealers in late November 2009. The base price for the front-wheel drive model with Audi's S tronic dual-clutch transmission is $29,950, but you'll have to add another $825 to that for destination charge, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbo diesel that makes 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque offering the five-door hatch a top speed of 130mph.

According to Audi the A3 TDI returns an EPA-estimated of 30mpg in the city and 42mpg on the highway. For some reason, Audi thought it would be a good idea to compare the diesel-powered A3 hatchback to the Lexus HS 250h four-door sedan in its press release saying that the Japanese model "offers similar combined fuel economy with hybrid technology, but not superlative highway mileage range."

For what it matters, the 187HP HS 250h, which starts from $34,200 in the States, received EPA-estimated ratings of 35 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway for a combined 35 mpg.

VW and Audi Models Recalled Over Two Separate DSG Problems

Volkswagen Group of America has issued two separate recall for numerous Audi and VW models equipped with its DSG dual-clutch transmission. The first recall involves 16,000 2009-2010MY cars manufactured between September 2008 and August 2009. The models affected are Audi's A3, TT Coupe and Roadster, plus VW's Eos and Jetta Sedan and SportWagen. In this case, a faulty temperature sensor could cause the DSG transmission to shift into neutral while the vehicle is being driven.

The company said that it will contact owners of the affected models so they can take the cars to local dealers for any necessary repairs free of charge.

The second recall affects approximately 43,000 Volkswagens and 10,300 Audis of the 2007-2009 model years including the VW R32, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI, Eos, as well as the Audi A3 and TT.

According to the German automaker, some customers reported transmission performance issues under certain driving conditions. Volkswagen claims that the problem was caused by a faulty component inside the Mechatronic unit. The company will repair or replace the components in the transmissions of the affected models free of charge.

Furthermore, VW said that it will extend its New Vehicle Limited Warranty to cover the DSG transmissions affected by the customer service program and the voluntary safety recall. According to the company, the extended warranty is for 10-years/100,000-miles and can be transferred to subsequent owners of the cars.

"Safety, customer satisfaction, quality and long-term reliability are top priorities at Volkswagen and Audi. We have been studying the symptoms customers have reported, and are working closely with the NHTSA," said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO, VWGoA. "We listened to our customers' concerns, and are taking action to address them. We are focused on taking all the appropriate actions to ensure the complete satisfaction of our existing customers."

New Audi A3 with 1.2-liter TSI and A4 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel to Premiere in Frankfurt

Along with the supercharged S5 Sportback, Audi's Frankfurt motorshow stand will also host the world premiere of two more new models, the A3 with a new 1.2 TFSI and the Euro-6 compliant A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro. Starting off with the A3, the 1.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct-injection produces an output of 105 HP and 175Nm (129lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm.

Initially paired with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, the small displacement engine propels the three-door A3 from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 11.1 seconds and the five-door Sportback, in 11.3 seconds. Both versions reach a top speed of 190 km/h or 118 mph) and, on average, consume 5.5 lt of fuel per 100 km which is the U.S. equivalent of 42.77 mpg.

European sales of the A3 and A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI will begin in the first quarter of 2010.

Moving on the A4, Audi is introducing to the range a 3.l0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine with a new common-rail injection system that generates up to 2,000 bars of pressure. It also comes with a new eNOX catalytic converter, integrated within the end of the exhaust system that reduces residual nitrogen oxides.

The new diesel that complies with the emission limits of the EU's Euro 6 standard, expected to become law in 2014, allows the A4 sedan to return a combined fuel economy of 6.7 lt /100km and the Avant, 6.8 lt/00km (35.1 and 34.6 mpg U.S).

Power is transferred to all wheels through a six-speed tiptronic with the A4 sedan needing only 6.2 seconds for the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint and the A4 Avant, 6.3 seconds. In both models top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h or 155mph.

*The cars shown in the article are not the A3 1.2 TSI and A4 3.0 TDI quattro as Audi has yet to release photos of the specific models

Audi Presents Updated Navigation System Plus for A3, TT and R8

Just like any other electronic product, navigation systems are continuously upgrade with better software and hardware. Audi's updated navigation system plus with MMI (Multi Media Interface) for the A3, TT and R8 models promises to offer improved route calculation speeds thanks to a latest-generation processor clocked at 600 MHz while another significant enhancement is are the 800 x 480 pixel, high-resolution graphics displayed on the 6.5-inch screen.

On the back of the display, which can be folded away at the push of a button, are two slots for SD and SDHC cards with capacities of up to 32 GB, enough to store about 14,000 songs or 700 hours of music.

Also new on Audi's updated navigation system plus is the optical parking assistant which can be combined in the Audi R8 with the rearview camera. Aside from the acoustic warning signals, the distance to the front and to the rear is now displayed optically on the high-resolution display.

The new system is available for order now with prices ranging between €2,270 and €2,565, depending on the model.

Audi: New 1.6 TDI Engines for A3 and A3 Sportback

Audi has announced a pair of new common-rail diesel engines that will join the A3 and A3 Sportback lineups. The most powerful variant of the 1.6-liter TDi produces 105HP and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque, and is combined with Audi's new start and stop, and energy recovery systems. With this engine the A3 sprints from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 11.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 194 km/h (121mph) while consuming on average 4.1 liters of diesel per 100km (57.37 US mpg). This equates to 109 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

There's also a 90HP version of the 1.6-liter TDi that propels the A3 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 12.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 180km/h (112 mph). This model, which does not feature the start/stop system or energy recovery, has a higher average consumption of 4.5 l/100 km (52.27 US mpg) with CO2 emissions of 118 grams per kilometer .

The A3 1.6 TDI is available for order in Europe with the basic price for the 90HP version set at €22,550 and for the 105HP model at €23,550. Those who opt for the 5-door Sportback model will be charged an extra €900.

O.CT Tuning Spiffs Up the Audi A4. 2.0 TDI and A3 1.8TFSI Convertible

Yet another tuner is taking a swing at the new Audi A4 and A3 Convertible models. This time its O.CT Tuning that has released new performance kits for the A4 2.0 TDI with 120HP and 143HP as well as for the A3 Convertible 1.8 TFSI. For the diesel powered A4s, a reprogrammed ECU boosts output of both variants of the 2.0 TDI to 168HP and 375Nm or 277 lb-ft of peak torque. According to O.CT, the 168HP A42.0 TDI accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 8,0 seconds versus the 143HP stock model's 9,4 sec.

Furthermore, the Austrian tuning house claims that while the standard A4 2.0 TDI needs a distance of 1,600 meters (about a mile) to reach a speed of 180 km/h or 112mph, O.CTs version hits the mark after 1,100 meters or 0,7 miles.

Similary for the A3 Convertible, , O.CT Tuning's upgraded ECU adds an extra 45HP to the 1.8 TFSI 160HP engine for a total output of 205HP that helps the car accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 7,3 seconds, or around 1 second faster than the standard model.

Even though O.CT Tuning concentrated on the A4 and A3 Convertible models, apparently the software upgrades apply on any models with the same engines.