BluKoo
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Registered: 8th Apr 02
Location: Stonehaven (Scotland)
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I like the look of this!
AUDI A1 QUATTRO REVEALED
Limited production 256hp A1 Quattro gives the baby A1 serious Vorsprung
Audi has moved one step closer to launching the much anticipated RS1 version of its A1 supermini by unveiling a limited edition Quattro model making 256hp. Effectively a concept you can actually buy, the A1 Quattro is a statement of intent, according to the firm.
Thought the A1 was too cute? "Look at the RS2 in the early 90s," says Audi technology communications manager Josef Schlossmacher, speaking exclusively to Pistonheads. "That was another example of a small-scale series that gave a lot of technology to other cars. It became predecessor of all later RS models."
Limited to just 333 cars, the new model proves Audi can cram in the 2.0-litre direct injection turbo petrol engine powering the S3 under the A1's bonnet. And just as importantly for future hot A1s, it shows that the Haldex Quattro system can also be made to fit.
Schlossmacher wouldn't confirm that an RS1 (or S1) were in the pipeline, but strongly hinted we can expect them. "Before doing an RS1 why not first do a different thing?" he asks. "There is always the chance to transfer something special into a large-scale series."
As an appetite whetter, the A1 Quattro certainly does the job. The claimed 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds just pips the manual S3 to the line by a tenth of a second, before going to hit a top speed of 152mph.
Bolstered by a intercooler, the turbo'd four-cylinder makes its 256bhp at 6,000rpm and doles out 258lb ft of torque between 2500-4500rpm.
Ronal-style wheels are a neat touchPower is sent to the front wheels until slip is detected, when the special clutch engages the rear drivetrain to instantaneously bring the back wheels into play. Any slip then is controlled by an electronic diff braking the individual wheels, rather than using the ESC. That bit you can't see, but bystanders will certainly notice the new rear wing and twin 100mm tailpipes.
In fact, the A1 Quattro makes its presence felt quite effectively. The only colour scheme is Glacier White with a gloss black roof while the design of the 18-inch white alloys brings to mind rally specials of the 80s.
Inside sombre black is lifted with plenty of signs you're driving something special, including white needles on the dials, a red tachometer and brushed stainless steel pedal caps. The backrest covers have Quattro badges and the seats are upholstered in Silk Nappa leather - the good stuff.
As you've probably figured, this is no stripped-out lightweight track car. So there are all the creature comforts, including a 14-speaker Bose stereo, rear parking sensors, cruise, sat-nav and Audi's Internet system that piggybacks off your phone's 3G signal.
The bad news? They're not making a right-hand drive version.
"At the moment there aren't plans due to the development costs for small scale production," says Schlossmacher. "Normal A1 is made for just front-wheel drive, so there was lots of work to be done on axles and drivetrain, also things like the packaging of the fuel tank and safety aspects."
Audi UK has said it'll consider bringing in some left-hand-drive cars if there's the demand. That'll depend on the price, which hasn't been announced but is expected to be north even of the £31,625 it costs to buy the Audi S3.
Deliveries start in the second half of next year. Watch this space for the first drive.
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adiohead
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Registered: 28th Sep 01
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Fuck, I love that!
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Adam_B
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Registered: 13th Dec 00
Location: Lancashire
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They could of finished painting it before they took photos.
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Nath
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Registered: 3rd Apr 02
Location: MK
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Audi UK has said it'll consider bringing in some left-hand-drive cars if there's the demand. That'll depend on the price, which hasn't been announced but is expected to be north even of the £31,625 it costs to buy the Audi S3.
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sc0ott
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Registered: 16th Feb 09
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Thought they were ronal turbos in the first pic
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Matt L
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Registered: 17th Apr 06
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i dont mind the normal a1 tbh but that looks horrible imo, wheels looks rank, spoiler looks ridiculous and black panel at the bank looks like unfinished paint job, also dont like the black roof either, weirdly reminds me of citroen c3
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nathy_87
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Registered: 14th Aug 08
Location: West Mids. Drives: koda Fabia VRS 5J
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Love that except the wheels, look like they've pinched them off the Fiat 500.
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Tom
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Registered: 3rd Apr 02
Location: Wirral, Merseyside
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If the roof was the same colour as the rest of the car i'd love that!
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chrisritch
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Registered: 2nd Sep 08
Location: Northants Drives: V40
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Would rather buy an S3
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Tomnova16
Premium Member
Registered: 21st Jan 06
Location: Gerrards Cross Drives: Porsche 911
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have always liked the A1
they dont need a black lower tailgate gate though
http://www.lemass.co.uk/ for all your automotive/bodyshop needs
Located in Chalfont st Peter
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adiohead
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Registered: 28th Sep 01
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There are some vids of it too.
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LeeM
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Registered: 26th Sep 05
Location: Liverpool
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bet that will cost a lot north of 31k, probably £50k+ if it makes it here
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MarkSport
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Registered: 22nd May 09
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wheels look amazingly shit!
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mwg
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Registered: 19th Feb 04
Location: South Lakes
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Audi have lost their way with their new models. The RS front bumpers look like the carzone kits you used to be able to get about 10 years ago.
Interior looks as good as ever though.
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Hammer
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Registered: 11th Feb 04
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Interior looks quality, the rest terrible.
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Ben G
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Registered: 12th Jan 07
Location: Essex
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mad pricing but i love the a1 s line so this will be even better.
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Graham88
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Registered: 16th Apr 07
Location: South East Kent Drives: E46 M3
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Wheels & spoiler look shit, I like the interior though
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MarkSport
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Registered: 22nd May 09
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Its all about this
http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/06/04/503-hp-audi-a1-clubsport-quattro-hints-at-audi-rs1/
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Baskey
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Registered: 31st May 06
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What bhp per ton is it?
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3CorsaMeal
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Registered: 11th Apr 02
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looks like corsa_dale had a fiat 500 and some audi lights imo
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adiohead
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Registered: 28th Sep 01
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Agree ^^^^^^ It's very Abarth
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smcGSI16V
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Registered: 26th May 03
Location: Farnborough Drives: Thurlby 888 CDTi No.98
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I bet it will be bland and boring to drive and will allow for no driver involvement at all. Much like most things from the VAG group.
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Robin
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Registered: 7th Jan 04
Location: Northants Drives: Clio 182 Cup
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<3
Absolutely love the A1, this looks amazing!
I quite fancy a 2.0 TDi one but they're just a little too pricey
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gez bay
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Registered: 14th Feb 08
Location: South Wales drives: Vxr
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That is and looks amazing!!!
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mwg
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Registered: 19th Feb 04
Location: South Lakes
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quote: Originally posted by Robin
<3
Absolutely love the A1, this looks amazing!
I quite fancy a 2.0 TDi one but they're just a little too pricey
They don't do a 2.0 TDI A1
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