We have already seen a demonstration of the superb diesel engine technology which was born from the world of motorsport in the Audi R8 TDI Le Mans Concept. Now the German premium manufacturer presents us its latest concept – the A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro which once again displays awesome diesel power but this time in a model that the “average joe” can realistically think about attaining.

Despite the looks of a pimped A3, what you see here is a high tech sports, lets start with the hub of the concept – under the hood. Closely related to the R8 TDI Le Mans Concept, a 2.0-litre, common rail fuel injected TDI unit provides the power with a maximum output of 224 horsepower and 450Nm of torque. It is mated to six-speed transmission which drives the power to the 20 inch wheels with the quattro all-wheel drive system, stopping power is provided by six-piston brake calipers and ceramic discs on the front wheels. These impressive figures are well matched with its performance figures, 0-62mph is achieved in just 6.6 seconds, top speed lies at 149mph.

To compliment this powerful TDI engine, Audi have a number of technologically advanced systems incorporated with the highlight being the Audi drive select driving dynamics system which allows the driver to vary the throttle response characteristics of the exhaust sound, the level of power assistance for the steering and the cut-in thresholds for the ESP stabilization system. The dampers also deploy a magnetic ride technology which allows the system to react to changes in driving situations in lightning speed.

The exterior gets an extremely aggressive body kit which certainly gets the attention with the powerful front fascia with huge vents and the Audi signature grille whilst the rear gets a DTM-style rear spoiler and check those bolt on wheel arch extensions.

Audi describe this concept as a one-off show car, but considering we have just seen what looks like a production version of the completely unproducable (or so we thought) TT Clubsport Concept, we wouldn't be surprised to this one follow the same route.

audi has finally confirmed what's been rumored since last fall's cross-country mileage marathon. The a3 tdi is indeed coming to america later this year. A pair of a3s were included in the marathon group and achieved mileage figures that regularly topped 50 mpg. The a3 will use the same 140 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel current motivating the volkswagen jetta tdi. Getting 40 mpg or more with the a3 tdi shouldn't be difficult in normal driving, and adding the powerful and efficient diesel should help the slow-selling a3 get more of a foothold in the us market. Hit the jump for all the details.

press release

2010 audi a3 2.0 tdi clean diesel: Quick reference: Usa data

info is subject to change
key summary points
• the freshened audi a3 launched in september 2008 (2009 my).
• the 2009 model year freshening expanded the a3 lineup with quattro all-wheel drive on the efficient 2.0 tfsi engine (200 hp / 207 lb-ft torque).
• audi a3 moves into a market space presently unoccupied in the luxury segment, that of a highly efficient diesel small luxury car.
• audi's tdi clean diesel technology expands the a3 lineup in the direction of efficiency, providing over 40 mpg highway.
• a3 holds a unique position in the audi family, targeting buyers who need a small but versatile package without sacrificing luxury and sportiness.
• a3 2.0 tdi is audi's second u.s. Tdi clean diesel announcement. Audi q7 tdi is expected to be on sale at u.s. Dealers around april 2009.
• a3 is already rated a "top safety pick" by the iihs for top frontal/side/rear crashes (source iihs.org).

market
• key competitors are bmw 1-series, mini cooper s, volvo c30 and s40, and now toyota prius and honda insight.

design
• audi signature led daytime running lights with optional xenon lights.
• unique tail lights with led light guides
• enhanced exterior and interior design, new wheel program.
• versatile interior design, providing unmatched utility for urban environments.

dynamics
• sporty mcpherson front suspension and multilink independent rear suspension for high lateral rigidity.
• speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering
• high rigidity due to the use of tailored blanks for adapting steel grade and thickness to the material stresses.

powertrain
• 2.0 tdi clean diesel engine with s tronic (dual clutch) and front-wheel drive
o specifications: 140 hp, 236 lb-ft torque, in-line 4 cylinder turbocharged clean diesel with common rail direct injection and piezoelectric injectors
o 50-state legal, with no after-treatment system required
o exclusively with s tronic (dual clutch) transmission with front-wheel drive

standard equipment features
• hill-hold assist (already standard on s tronic models)
• sirius satellite radio - standard on all
• leather seating surfaces - standard on all
• leather steering wheel - standard
• aux audio input – standard
• dual-zone climate control
• 17" alloy wheels

launch timing and pricing
• usa audi a3 2.0 tdi clean diesel goes on sale by the first quarter of 2010 as a 2010 model year vehicle. Pricing is expected to be released close to the time of the u.s. Launch.

market
• key competitors are bmw 1-series, mini cooper s, volvo c30 and s40, and now toyota prius and honda insight.

A little over a year ago, German media reports suggested Audi might be working on a sedan version of its compact A3. At the New York Auto Show on Tuesday, an Audi representative seemingly confirmed the rumors. Given the success of the BMW 1-Series coupe, this seems like a logical move.

The German automaker is working on an entry-level sedan to be slotted below the A4, an Audi official told BusinessWeek. The company is also working on a convertible version of the car, according to the report. Both variants are likely to boost U.S. sales of the A3 considerably, since Americans are far more accepting of small sedans and convertibles than they are of pint-sized European hatchbacks.

In many ways, and A3 sedan fills the gap that has formed with each generation of the A4, which has grown seven inches in wheelbase since the original 1994 model. This was the thinking behind the 1-Series, too, which gave BMW a new entry-level sedan that could be though of as a successor to the 3-Series of yore.

We expect to see the new A3s introduced next year for the 2011 model year.