S3 Sedan

Make
Audi
Segment
Sedan

The Audi S3 has received the Manhart treatment and been transformed into a spicy small sedan called the S 400 that will give the stock RS3 plenty to think about. Although the stock S3 is already very quick too, Manhart, a German-based tuner, knows how to make fast Audis look and go even better.

We've covered numerous Manhart builds, including one on the S3's bigger brother, the RS3, which makes this build all the more interesting. Manhart has managed to transform the S3 into a big car bully thanks to some tasteful engine modifications, and the end result is something you wouldn't want to mess with on the street.

The Audi S3 is one capable car from the factory. The standard configuration features a transverse-mounted turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gas engine producing 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a quattro all-wheel-drive system and an S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The result is a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 155 mph.

Manhart doesn't like to leave cars standard for long, and in the case of the S3, the company upgrades the powertrain with a new intercooler by Wagner, a carbon fiber air intake, and a bit of ECU tuning. A free-flowing Remus stainless steel exhaust system is also added. With these upgrades working in unison, the Manhart S 400, as the company likes to call it, delivers 405 metric horsepower (399 hp) and 380 lb-ft of torque. That's a mere 2 hp down on the RS3 but actually torquier by 11 lb-ft, so the S 400 could easily match or even beat the RS3's 3.6-second 0-60 time.

The engine isn't the only piece of the puzzle that gets work done as the exterior of the attractive Audi S3 also gets a few upgrades. Manhart first adds a set of H&R lowering springs that lowers the car by approximately 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). This drop perfectly frames the new set of 19-inch Manhart Concave One wheels wrapped in 235/35ZR19 tires.

Manhart can individually customize the color of the wheels and lettering according to its customer's wishes. The interior and braking system of the Manhart S 400 remain stock, but the company offers configurable upgrades for both on request. This is one classy package which brings the S3 closer in line with the RS3 in terms of performance.