OCT. 17 UPDATE: Production of the Cabriolet was announced today in a press release from Audi and will begin immediately in Győr, Hungaria, the same facility as the Audi TT.
Over the weekend, the Audi A3 Cabriolet was revealed, and it certainly delivered on the promised amazement. Being a bit larger than the Cabriolet we remember, almost a foot longer and slightly wider, it still managed to shave off 110.23 lbs, regardless of the added reinforcements within the body for safety. With all the changes, the new A3 truly shows an innovative future for the large German manufacturer.
The new Cabriolet is trimmed with luxury. With an aluminum windshield frame and trim surrounding the entire exterior and flat LED headlights, the A3 Cabriolet gives a distinct compact luxury look that only Audi can produce. The soft top is designed with a magnesium-steel to be stronger, but lighter, and opens in less than 18 seconds via an electro-hydraulic system after the simple push of a button. Audi reduced the weight of the vehicle with an aluminum hood, and changes made to the engines offered and to the interior ensured a more lightweight design.
The elegant drive of the new Cabriolet is made possible with newly available assist systems, such as Audi side assist, adaptive cruise control, camera-based traffic sign recognition and much more. Infotainment systems bring the driver closer to home wherever they go by providing internet services, such as access to Facebook and Twitter, through Audi Connect, as well as provide MMI Navigation through WLAN hotspot WIFI.
The engines offered have a large range, as promised, including the same 300 horsepower 2.0 TFSI engine in the S3 that will be released after the A3 hits showroom floors this November. Engine variety with an optional magnetic ride and multiple wheel sizes give the new A3 not only a sporty look, but also an excellent drive that takes compact convertibles to a new level.
(Source: Audi)
