So much for those high hopes.

The A3, Audi’s entry-level vehicle for North America, has run into a brick wall–figuratively speaking.  Audi had hoped to invest more resources in the upscale hatch, beginning with worldwide distribution of its 2.0 L diesel four, then bringing new bodystyles and trim levels for US buyers.  Sadly, that’s been put on hold due to a global downturn in sales.

Edmunds is reporting that production at the main factory in Ingolstadt will be temporarily halted due to the drop in demand.  Germany’s cash-for-clunkers program ran its course and is being blamed for the sudden drop-off in sales.  As Leftlane was quick to put out, the A3 is a pretty old vehicle by today’s standards.  With fresh compact competition coming from Japan to Audi’s native Germany, a new A3 is overdue.

We’d still welcome an RS3 on these shores.  We don’t know how much that’d do for Audi’s bottom line, but it’d make us happy.

VW’s Scirocco R TSi is ready for its fall release–in Europe only, of course.  The R borrows the Golf V GTi two-liter I-4 powertrain, with an added turbo boost to push out 265 hp and 258 ft.-lbs. of torque.  Offered for drivers is either a semi-auto twin-clutch gearbox or a traditional six-speed manual shift.  Unlike the Golf R32, the Scirocco R will only be offered in its regular front-drive form.  VW engineers wanted to keep weight down as much as possible, which explains the R’s mere 2,900 lbs.  Combined with a new spoiler-laden aero kit and a lowered stance, the R can hit sixty in just six-and-a-half seconds.  Also part of the joyous package are 18″ five-spokes, upgraded brakes, and a new differential taken from the GTi.  So, Europeans get have VW performance and we get a Jetta TDi.  Anyone bothered by this?

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