Audi announced today that its 2009 Audi S3 and S3 Sportback are now available with S-Tronic dual-clutch transmissions. Both models are now available at European dealerships with pricing starting at €38,900 for the S3 and €39,800 for the S3 Sportback.

Both are powered by a 2.0 TFSI unit that makes 265-hp with a maximum torque of 258.15 lb-ft. Mated to S tronic dual-clutch transmission, that allows for a 0 to 62 mph time of 5.5 seconds for the S3 and 5.6 for the S3 Sportback. Fuel-economy is improved to 28 mpg for both models.

The S tronic dual-clutch with twin multi-plate clutch has the capability to simultaneously preselect two gear, thus allowing shifting from one gear to the next in a split second.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2009 Audi S3:

The 2009 Audi S3 and S3 Sportback will be getting Audi’s much-praised S-tronic 7-speed twin-clutch transmission starting tomorrow. Both models will get the S tronic twin-clutch transmission which quickens shifts and reduces fuel-consumption.

Power for the 2009 Audi S3 comes from a 2.0 TFSI unit that produces 265-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 for the S3 comes in 5.7 seconds and 5.8 for the Sportback. However, with the S-tronic 7-speed twin-clutch the three-door S3 does 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Fuel-economy is reduced to 28 mpg.

The S-tronic twin-clutch will be available to order starting Oct. 1st for an extra cost of £1,450 ($2,610). Of course, it’s only available to the Europeans.

2009 Audi S3 5-Door:

Press Release:

AUDI S3 BOXES CLEVER WITH NEW S TRONIC TRANSMISSION OPTION

Acclaimed double-clutch transmission’s rapid fire changes perfectly complement fast-paced 265PS sports hatch

- S tronic seven-speed twin-clutch transmission available to order at an extra cost of £1,450 from October 1st for S3 and S3 Sportback models
- S3 three-door including optional S tronic £28,920 OTR, S3 Sportback including optional S tronic £29,420 OTR
- 265PS @ 6,000rpm, 350Nm from 2,500 ““ 5,000rpm, 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds (three-door), top speed limited to 155mph, combined mpg 33.2, CO2 198g/km
- Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping available at extra cost
- New faster-reacting quattro four-wheel-drive system

The Audi S3 is now not only available with five doors, but also with seven speeds courtesy of the much lauded S tronic twin-clutch transmission, which not only quickens shifts compared with the continuing manual version, but also slows down fuel consumption. Available to order from October 1st at an extra cost of £1,450, the super slick transmission takes OTR prices for the first ever ‘two pedal’ S3 models to £28,920 for the three-door and £29,420 for the five-door Sportback. UK deliveries are expected to start in mid-December.

Equipped with S tronic, the three-door S3 can touch 62mph from rest in 5.5 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than the manual version with which it shares its governed top speed of 155mph. Equally impressively, S tronic actually boosts the S3′s combined fuel economy figure from 33.2mpg to 34mpg ““ a feat which the majority of conventional torque converter automatic transmissions couldn’t match. As a result, CO2 output in the S3 S tronic falls from 198g/km to 193g/km.

Advanced electro-hydraulic controls and the alternate use of two clutches enable the S tronic gearbox to deliver lightning fast automatic or manual shifts with virtually no interruption of the engine’s power delivery across its seven ratios, and to offer changes via steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for the first time in the S3′s nine-year history. The first of the two clutches serves the odd-numbered gears and reverse, and the second the even-numbered gears, so when the S3 is being driven in third gear, for instance, fourth is already pre-selected in anticipation. As soon as the shift command is given, the first clutch is disengaged and the second engaged in just a few hundredths of a second, virtually seamlessly.

Upgraded quattro four-wheel-drive

Also faster reacting in this latest S3 model is the renowned quattro four-wheel-drive system. Its central hydraulic multi-plate clutch now responds even faster when the engine’s 265PS and 350Nm need to be redistributed between the front and rear wheels to maximize stability and traction.

Standard equipment for the S3 includes 18-inch parallel 5-spoke ‘S’ design alloy wheels, ‘S’ body styling and interior detailing and ‘S’ sports suspension. Heated and Silk Nappa leather-upholstered sports seats and Xenon Plus head lamps with LED strip daytime running lights are also part of the package.

S tronic shifts into Audi S3 – The Audi S3 is now not only available with five doors, but also with seven speeds courtesy of the much lauded S tronic twin-clutch transmission, which is available to order from October 1st at an extra cost of £1,450. Equipped with optional S tronic, the S3 and S3 Sportback cost £28,920 OTR and £29,420 OTR.