Audi A3 Clubsport TDI

Things are hotting up at Audi! The German giant is getting ready to unleash two new models – and Auto Express has all the details.

As our spies caught the stunning TT Speedster out in the open, the company officially released these pictures of a hot hatch version of the A3.

Both models preview a new line-up of Clubsport-badged cars that will deliver more driver thrills than the firm’s already rapid S and RS versions. By reducing weight, increasing power and tuning the chassis for sharper responses, these models are intended to make the brand a sure for hit with enthusiasts

It's not just the A3 and the TT that'll benefit though. Building on its success in the German touring car championship (DTM), the latest A4 will get the Clubsport treatment. This stripped-out saloon will feature a host of upgrades to enable it to go head to head with the forthcoming BMW M3 CSL.

The upcoming A1 supermini will also be getting the high-performance. Pitched against the driver-focused MINI John Cooper Works, the smallest Audi could feature a modified version of the company's turbo and supercharged 1.4-liter petrol unit. The small capacity powerplant would produce around 200bhp, but still return decent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.

Finally, buyers are likely to have the choice of a hardcore version of the R8 supercar. A potential rival for the Porsche 911 GT3, the rakish two-seater should get plenty of weight-saving carbon fibre, fade-free carbon ceramic brakes and a tweaked version of the either the existing car's V8 engine, or the soon-to-arrive V10

The first to appear is this A3. Inspired by the firm's Le Mans racers and R8 V12 TDI concept, the newcomer gets no-nonsense looks, a powerful 221bhp diesel motor and stiff chassis - and has the Subaru Impreza STi and Mitsubishi Evo firmly in its sights.

Designers have thoroughly overhauled the looks of the standard hatchback. At the front is a gaping grille which, together with two large vents set into the deep bumper, feeds cool air to the engine. The company’s trademark LED daytime-running lamps also feature. Look down the sides and you will spot the bulging, bolt-on wheelarch extensions which cover 20-inch alloys.

Move round to the rear and there is a roof-mounted spoiler plus two big tailpipes, which have been tuned to give a rorty soundtrack. Finally the A3 gets an eye-catching red and white colour scheme complete with a large '8' emblazoned on the doors, which represents the year 2008.

It’s the same sporty story inside, where there’s a leather-covered, flat-bottomed steering wheel and a six-speed gearbox with exposed metal gate – just as in the R8 supercar. Even the door release handles have been hollowed out to save weight.

Heavily bolstered racing seats for the driver and passenger, and aluminium trim on the centre console and pedals complete the look.

Under the red and white paintwork is a highly tuned version of the company’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel motor. With 450Nm of torque on tap, it makes the A3 a serious hot hatch, hitting 0-62mph in only 6.6 seconds. Yet it’s the mid-range acceleration which will leave rivals stunned. Like all Audi’s high-performance models, the A3 gets the firm’s quattro all-wheel-drive transmission, which varies the amount of power to each axle, depending on the grip levels.

Giving it an extra edge on twisty tarmac is the ‘select driving dynamics’ system, which allows you to tailor the magnetic dampers and ESP, together with steering and throttle sensitivity, to your specific needs. The Audi should also stop as quickly as it accelerates, due to big carbon-ceramic brake discs.

At present the Clubsport is merely a concept, but sources within the company suggest that a production version could arrive in 2009.