Audi S3 May Get Manual Transmission For U.S.: Report

The 2015 Audi S3 is a 300-horsepower, all-wheel-drive turbocharged luxury sport sedan—and soon, it may get a manual transmission, for the U.S. at least.

The news comes by way of Fourtitude, citing an interview of Audi of America chief Scott Keogh by Radio Le Mans legend John Hindhaugh.

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As usual, issues of costs, low demand, and dealer relevance are a concern, but Keogh reportedly says Audi of America is “looking very closely” at adding a manual transmission option to the 2015 S3. It’s not clear if that includes both the sedan and cabriolet version.

For the enthusiast, that’s a no-brainer. Audi’s dual-clutch gearbox is great, and the S3 is a hoot to drive, too, as well as very nicely equipped for a relative bargain price. But adding a manual transmission option to the mix, in a turbo all-wheel-drive luxury car would make the S3 a bit of a unicorn.

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Will Audi of America actually be able to make the business case for a manual S3? We’re certainly hoping so, but it’s far from a done deal.

Source: Motor Authority

By: Nelson Ireson