Audi A3 Sportback by Oettinger (8P, from 2004)

·November 26, 2004

What: Oettinger tuning program for the Audi A3 Sportback
Model Family: A3
Market / Zone: Germany at presentation
Conversion Supplier: Oettinger
Documented Appearance: 2004 Essen Motor Show, November 26–December 5, 2004
Year: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Number Produced: Undocumented
Model / Generation Code(s): 8P A3, 8PA Sportback, launch specification
Body Style: Five-door Sportback
Engine(s): 2.0 TFSI quattro, 1.9 TDI and 2.0 TDI
Transmission(s): Undocumented in the Essen release

SUMMARY

Oettinger presented a tuning program for the new Audi A3 Sportback at the 2004 Essen Motor Show. It combined a body kit designed around the Sportback’s Singleframe grille with engine upgrades, a stainless steel exhaust, coilover suspension, larger front brakes and RH alloy wheels. The headline gasoline upgrade was a proposed Stage I calibration for the 2.0 TFSI quattro, rated at 169 kW (230 PS) and 340 Nm.

BACKGROUND & DEVELOPMENT

The Sportback arrived in 2004 as the first A3 to wear Audi’s Singleframe grille. Oettinger developed its package for this original 8PA front end, which distinguished the five-door at launch from the earlier split-grille 8P three-door. Essen also featured ABT’s AS3 Sportback, giving the new five-door two distinct aftermarket interpretations in its first year.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Oettinger’s body kit comprised a front apron, side skirts, rear apron and roof spoiler. The front apron was shaped around the Singleframe grille, which Oettinger referred to in its release as the “Rosemeyer grille.” The company planned to make the body kit available in January 2005.

CHASSIS & MECHANICALS

The Stage I upgrade for the 2.0 TFSI quattro raised quoted output from 147 to 169 kW (200 to 230 PS) and torque from 280 to 340 Nm. Oettinger claimed 0–100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph). The upgrade was priced at €1,200 and was still undergoing approval at the time of the Essen announcement.

Oettinger also offered a €1,490 stainless steel cat-back exhaust for the 2.0 TFSI, with center and rear silencers. The chassis program included coilover suspension and a front brake upgrade with 322 mm drilled and ventilated discs. RH light-alloy wheels were offered in sizes from 17 to 19 inches.

PRODUCTION & VARIANTS

Oettinger described the Sportback program as a range of upgrades that customers could select individually. The Essen release gave no production count or fixed allocation.

Upgrades for the 1.9 TDI and 2.0 TDI had been available since October 2004. Oettinger quoted 130 kW (177 PS) and 380 Nm for the upgraded 2.0 TDI Sportback. For the 2.0 TFSI, the company also outlined Stage II and Stage III upgrades for early 2005, with a target of up to approximately 300 hp. Those higher stages were still pending approval when the program was presented at Essen.