Audi creates limited edition, 252-hp A1 Quattro



Christmas just came a few days early for Audi fans with the announcement of the A1 Quattro, a high-performance, limited-edition version of Audi's subcompact hatch.

As its name would imply, the A1 Quattro comes equipped with the automaker's legendary all-wheel-drive system, with power provided by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder used in the S3. The reworked mill puts out 252 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm – a boost of more than 70 hp and 74 lb-ft over the standard 1.4-liter A1.

A six-speed manual shuttles that power to a Haldex AWD setup and on to center-locking 17-inch wheels that ape the original 80s-era Quattro's style. There's no word on weight, but Audi claims the hi-po A1 will match the S3's 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds and top out at 152 mph.

In addition to grippy 225/35 R18 rubber, the wheel wells are filled with a modified MacPherson strut suspension in front and a multi-link setup out back, while the braking hardware has been upgraded with larger discs at all four corners with black painted calipers. The electromechanical steering has also been tweaked to provide a 14.8:1 ratio, the ESP has been modified for high-performance duty and a new electronically controlled differential lock will keep wheelspin at bay. Although Audi decided to keep the rear seats in place, the AWD components have reduced trunk space to 7.4 cubic feet – or 2.1 cubes less than the standard model. Not that you care.

The exterior speaks for itself, drawing cues from past Audi concepts and a few bits from the S and RS lines, while the interior receives a new instrument panel, aluminum pedals, seriously bolstered buckets and black leather with red contrast stitching.

The A1 Quattro is an S1 in everything but name, and it's set to go on sale later next year with only 333 units on offer. And naturally, the U.S. is left out. We're as irritated as you. Get even more disappointed by reading all the details in the press blast below the fold.

 

Hmmmm - Looking at all the photos posted with the press release, I can only find two doors - ridiculous!
And, they apparently had to cut back on seating and storage because of the addition of quattro - absurd!
I wonder if they had to cut back on the gas tank size as well - unacceptable!

 

Now THOSE are interesting HP and torque numbers

 

At what price, 65k?

 

We won't ever see it.

 

I'm not trying to be rude but I liked the pic above the article but when I went to the photo gallery this thing is (in my opinion) butt ugly. I mean it looks like a cross between an old Mazda GLC and Dodge Colt from back in the 80's. The front is cool but the side and back!?! What are they thinking? Again, not trying to be negative...just my 2¢

 

I looks like it's come straight of a stage form a WRC tarmac rally, this is the look MINI should go for with the JCW CM, they need to ditch the cheap add ons, go with completely new bumpers and give it some wide arches, plus as I've been saying all along 220hp is not enough, 250hp should be the minimum, with AWD it should have 300hp. This may well be a limited edition but I bet it will morph into the S1 once the first batch has been sold. I'd love one but in Norway this will easily be a 100k USD car, out of my league for a second car.

 

how many cupholders

 

That was my exact first thought when I saw the pic!! No way am I cramming the kiddos through the passenger side door or worse yet, through the driver's side!!

In fact, I probably wouldn't even have the MINI had they not introduced the extra doors!

 

Completely agree, the picture on the top post is hot but the others are pretty boring, it looks like a stretched Fiat 500...

 

And do cups fit in them. One of the few things I do not like about my CMs is the cup holders.

 

Its an OK looking car. But those wheels are horrid and would be a real pain to keep clean.

 

Drink from cans or buy smaller serving sizes from the drivethru, MINI are clearly thinking about the weight issue in North American and are doing something about it with there small cupoholders

 

the extra doors sold me also. i love the extra room and so does any passengers

 

Well there is a 4-door/5-door variant of the A1 -- it's just not hopped up like this one... Yet. :D

Audi reveals A1 Sportback five-door

 

If it comes to the US, I might consider one.

 

Very interesting car. If you read the full press release, it's pretty obvious that the MINI is the primary target for this car, right down to the contrasting roof option. The pricing, converted to U.S. dollars makes it head to head competitive with the MINI. It certainly sounds like it would be worth a look and I like the styling. It may not have all of the MINI's personality, but it's a good looking, distinctive car. I think this is a good thing for MINI and MINI owners. Stiff competition might make them less complacent about the little annoyances and fit and finish issues that we deal with now. Even if the Audi takes off, though, it will be some time before there is the extensive aftermarket for parts, accessories and upgrades that exists for MINI.

 

USA never get the good stuff

 

+1

 

i like it, don't think i'll get one though as i would probably not be able to afford it. not willing to give up travels and great meals for any car. also, i doubt this car will hit our shore. and i agree with the others, MINI should drop the CM JCW and just go on ahead and make a street version wrc variant, it is more fitting IMO.

 

Nice Car, but my Mini is paid for. With a few grand I could get more hp and better handling, or wait for the JCW ALL4.

 

I wonder how much it weighs?