Audi's 500BHP A1 Quattro unveiled
#1
05-31-2011, 03:48 AM
Audi's 500BHP A1 Quattro unveiled 
500 BHP Audi A1 Quattro
Audi's 500BHP A1 Quattro unveiled
Audi has created a wild 496bhp version of its entry level A1 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Wörthersee festival for Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen fans held in Austria.
Called the Audi A1 clubsport quattro, the one-off show car gains a heavy dose of rally car-inspired styling that is said to preview the appearance of a hot new four-wheel drive S1 quattro model that is being developed by Audi as a rival to the likes of the Renaultsport Clio.
At the heart of the new hatchback is a heavily tweaked version of Audi's turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder powerplant shoehorned transversely into the A1's compact engine bay.
In standard guise, as seen in the Audi TT-RS and Audi RS3, the direct-injection unit delivers a sturdy 330bhp - or 148bhp more than the most powerful production version of the A1 up to now, the 182bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder 1.4TFSI.
But for the A1 clubsport quattro, the five-cylinder engine gains added boost pressure, a larger intercooler and a redesigned exhaust among other unspecified modifications that see output rise by 166bhp to a supercar like 496bhp; enough to endow the 1390kg hatchback with a power-to-weight ratio of 356.8bhp/tonne, no less.
Torque has also risen by a substantial 229lb ft - or 47 per cent - over the standard unit, peaking at 487lb ft between 2500 and 5300rpm. Drive is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and a modified version of the TT RS's multi-plate clutch Haldex style four-wheel drive system - a set-up that is already earmarked to appear on the A1 quattro and tested by Autocar earlier this year.
Although Audi is quick to play down the relevance of the A1 clubsport quattro's engine to the rest of the A1 line-up, there's no denying its potency in a car of such compact dimensions. Factory claims put its 0-62mph time at just 3.7sec, making it faster up the strip than all of its existing production cars bar the 560bhp naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 powered R8 V10, which boasts an official time of 3.6sec.
Audi also says the extreme hatchback will hit 124mph in 10.9sec and accelerate from 50 to 75mph in fourth gear in just 2.4sec. About the only disappointing thing about the A1 clubsport quattro's overall performance is its top speed, which is limited to 155mph.
While details of the the production version S1 quattro are yet to be revealed, Ingolstadt based sources suggest it will be a significantly milder machine. Nothing's official just yet but rumours suggest it will run the same 210bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine found in a variety of Volkswagen Group offerings, including the Golf GTi.
The A1 clubsport quattro is distinguished by a comprehensively redesigned exterior and matt white paint scheme that combined to provide it with a much more aggressive air than lesser A1 models. The overall look leans heavily on contemporary world rally championship cars, with a deep front bumper, fenders that are widened by 60mm over those worn by the standard model, a clear coated carbonfibre-reinforced plastic roof, large rear wing perched high on the tailgate and a fully functioning diffuser at the rear.
The need for added cooling also sees it receive bonnet mounted ducts and two large air outlets within the trailing edge of the front fenders. Other features include a honeycomb grille insert, unique headlamp and tail lamp graphics and smaller mirror housings than those found on the other A1 models.
Mirroring the move taken with the styling of the quattro concept wheeled out at last year's Paris motor show, Audi's design team has also provided the A1 clubsport quattro with elements that lend from the original quattro produced between 1985 and 1991, including new interpretations of its signature wheel arch blisters and classic turbine style alloy wheels.
The A1 clubsport quattro rides on a heavily modified version of the Volkswagen Group's PQ25 platform featuring adjustable suspension settings, 19-inch wheels shod with 255/30 profile tyres and carbonfibre ceramic discs up front grabbed by purposeful looking six pot callipers.
Inside, the A1 clubsport quattro lives up to its name with a stripped out cabin devoid of the standard A1's rear seat. In its place is an additional cross member aimed at providing added stiffening and dedicated stowage bins for a pair of helmets.
The rally inspired hatchback also uses front carbonfibre backed seats from the R8 GT, four point harnesses, a flat bottom carbonfibre steering wheel, unique instruments and simple pull straps in the place of the standard A1's door handles.
Greg Kable
Called the Audi A1 clubsport quattro, the one-off show car gains a heavy dose of rally car-inspired styling that is said to preview the appearance of a hot new four-wheel drive S1 quattro model that is being developed by Audi as a rival to the likes of the Renaultsport Clio.
At the heart of the new hatchback is a heavily tweaked version of Audi's turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder powerplant shoehorned transversely into the A1's compact engine bay.
In standard guise, as seen in the Audi TT-RS and Audi RS3, the direct-injection unit delivers a sturdy 330bhp - or 148bhp more than the most powerful production version of the A1 up to now, the 182bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder 1.4TFSI.
But for the A1 clubsport quattro, the five-cylinder engine gains added boost pressure, a larger intercooler and a redesigned exhaust among other unspecified modifications that see output rise by 166bhp to a supercar like 496bhp; enough to endow the 1390kg hatchback with a power-to-weight ratio of 356.8bhp/tonne, no less.
Torque has also risen by a substantial 229lb ft - or 47 per cent - over the standard unit, peaking at 487lb ft between 2500 and 5300rpm. Drive is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and a modified version of the TT RS's multi-plate clutch Haldex style four-wheel drive system - a set-up that is already earmarked to appear on the A1 quattro and tested by Autocar earlier this year.
Although Audi is quick to play down the relevance of the A1 clubsport quattro's engine to the rest of the A1 line-up, there's no denying its potency in a car of such compact dimensions. Factory claims put its 0-62mph time at just 3.7sec, making it faster up the strip than all of its existing production cars bar the 560bhp naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 powered R8 V10, which boasts an official time of 3.6sec.
Audi also says the extreme hatchback will hit 124mph in 10.9sec and accelerate from 50 to 75mph in fourth gear in just 2.4sec. About the only disappointing thing about the A1 clubsport quattro's overall performance is its top speed, which is limited to 155mph.
While details of the the production version S1 quattro are yet to be revealed, Ingolstadt based sources suggest it will be a significantly milder machine. Nothing's official just yet but rumours suggest it will run the same 210bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine found in a variety of Volkswagen Group offerings, including the Golf GTi.
The A1 clubsport quattro is distinguished by a comprehensively redesigned exterior and matt white paint scheme that combined to provide it with a much more aggressive air than lesser A1 models. The overall look leans heavily on contemporary world rally championship cars, with a deep front bumper, fenders that are widened by 60mm over those worn by the standard model, a clear coated carbonfibre-reinforced plastic roof, large rear wing perched high on the tailgate and a fully functioning diffuser at the rear.
The need for added cooling also sees it receive bonnet mounted ducts and two large air outlets within the trailing edge of the front fenders. Other features include a honeycomb grille insert, unique headlamp and tail lamp graphics and smaller mirror housings than those found on the other A1 models.
Mirroring the move taken with the styling of the quattro concept wheeled out at last year's Paris motor show, Audi's design team has also provided the A1 clubsport quattro with elements that lend from the original quattro produced between 1985 and 1991, including new interpretations of its signature wheel arch blisters and classic turbine style alloy wheels.
The A1 clubsport quattro rides on a heavily modified version of the Volkswagen Group's PQ25 platform featuring adjustable suspension settings, 19-inch wheels shod with 255/30 profile tyres and carbonfibre ceramic discs up front grabbed by purposeful looking six pot callipers.
Inside, the A1 clubsport quattro lives up to its name with a stripped out cabin devoid of the standard A1's rear seat. In its place is an additional cross member aimed at providing added stiffening and dedicated stowage bins for a pair of helmets.
The rally inspired hatchback also uses front carbonfibre backed seats from the R8 GT, four point harnesses, a flat bottom carbonfibre steering wheel, unique instruments and simple pull straps in the place of the standard A1's door handles.
Greg Kable
Source: Audi's 500bhp A1 quattro unveiled - Autocar.co.uk
#2
05-31-2011, 05:02 AM
Was just about to post this. Love it.
Press Release:
The Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a one-off vehicle built to the limits of technology for breathtaking dynamics. Audi is presenting the showcar in Reifnitz, in the Austrian state of Kärnten, at the Wörtherseetour 2011. The 30th edition of this major meeting takes place from June 1 – 4, 2011.
The heart of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a classic Audi gasoline engine – a five-cylinder unit displacing 2.5 liters with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. Compared with the version used in the Audi TT RS and RS 3 Sportback on which it is based, the output of the TFSI has been increased dramatically to 370 kW (503 hp) and 660 Nm (486.79 lb-ft) of torque. Maximum power is available between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm.
The turbocharger, intercooler, admission tract and the exhaust line have been systematically tuned for high performance. As on the Audi A4 DTM, the tailpipe is located on the left flank, just in front of the rear wheel.
Another area where the A1 clubsport quattro shines is its overall weight of just 1,390 kilograms (3,064 lb). The powerful engine catapults the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.7 seconds. From 0 to 200 km/h (124.27 mph) takes just 10.9 seconds, while the car goes from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) in fourth gear in just 2.4 seconds.
A six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, both taken from the TT RS and enhanced, deliver the power to all four wheels. Top speed is governed at 250 km/h (155.34 mph).
The Audi showcar rolls on 255/30 low-profile tires mounted on 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique turbine design. Sitting behind the wheels are large, internally ventilated disc brakes. Up front, six-piston calipers grab perforated carbon fiber-ceramic discs. Large steel discs are mounted on the rear axle. The coilover suspension of the A1 clubsport quattro features adjustable compression and rebound damping.
Dynamic and brawny: the exterior
Sporting a very dynamic appearance and an exquisite finish, the showcar makes no secret of its potential. The body has a Glacier White matt paint finish, with accents provided by many add-on parts. The roof arch in high-gloss black supports a roof made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and the four rings at the front of the car are solid aluminum.
Large, split air intakes with carbon struts are integrated into the distinctively modified front skirt. The single-frame radiator grille sports a black honeycomb design, and the headlights feature matted clasps with a red “wing.” Heat from the engine compartment is dissipated via two large air outlets in the hood.
The front fenders, the doors and the rear side panels of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro have been widened by a total of 60 millimeters (2.36 in). They form horizontal “blister” edges, like those found on the Audi Ur-quattro. Air outlets are integrated into the rear ends of the fenders, and the newly designed trim strips on the sills are made of exposed CFRP. Sleek side mirrors are reminiscent of the Audi R8 high-performance sports car.
The rear of the showcar is dominated by the roof spoiler, which features a double wing to provide for sufficient downforce. Darkly toned rear lights and a large, closed diffuser hone the rear view of the A1 clubsport quattro.
Designed as a road vehicle for the race track, the showcar has no rear seat. In its place are a large crossbar to further stiffen the body and storage for racing helmets. A weight-optimized starter battery used in racing is mounted in the rear below the two storage compartments. The strict high-performance concept left no room for an infotainment system, an MMI monitor or even a loudspeaker. The lightweight bucket seats are taken from the Audi R8 GT and feature a chassis made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. Red four-point belts secure the driver and passenger.
The interior of the showcar is a study in dark gray. Large areas are covered with exposed, matt-finished CFRP, including the walls in the rear section of the car, the tubes of the air vents and the “stern of the yacht” in the lower section of the center console. The CFRP material used on the open-spoked sport steering wheel is covered with leather. Rocker switches on the center console replace switches on the control stalk and in the door panels. Three additional instruments indicate the oil pressure, boost pressure and electrical system voltage.
The center console and the seats are covered in fine leather upholstery with tone-on-tone stitching. The selector lever is made of aluminum; the caps of the pedals and the surface of the footrest are made of stainless steel. Red loops replace the handles on the doors, the glove box and the covers of the storage compartments.
Experience the Audi A1 clubsport quattro interactively
The Audi A1 clubsport quattro can also be experienced exclusively in Need for Speed ??World (Need for Speed World - Introduction), where it will be available to all players as a free in-game rental car from June 1 – 4. Need for Speed ?World is the Play4Free online PC racing game from EA, in which players take part in races in a giant multiplayer world.
The Audi stand at Wörthersee
Joining the A1 clubsport quattro on the Audi stand at the GTI meet are 17 production vehicles from the current Audi model lineup. Among the vehicles that the brand is presenting to its fans at the Wörthersee is the new Audi Q3. The public can also take a close look at the Audi TT RS in Ibis White and an RS 3 Sportback in Misano Red. Another model is the new Audi A6, which is on display next to an A7 Sportback in Misano Red.
Fans and guests making the trip to the Wörthersee from June 1 – 4 have the opportunity to present their tuned Audi in a worthy manner by driving it past the Audi stage at the company’s Wörthersee stand.
New accessories for production models
Many of the features of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro will soon show up in the accessories program for the A1 family, which Audi is steadily expanding. Adhesive film decals in the contrasting colors Amalfi White, Ice Silver, metallic and Daytona Gray, pearl effect for the vehicles’ shoulders are available immediately.
Another option is the union square lifestyle kit. It comprises exterior decals and design elements for the interior, both with a diamond pattern. Audi is presenting both this and the A1 aerodynamics competition kit at the Wörtherseetour. The customer can order this add-on kit painted either in the body color or in a contrasting color. The same applies to the Audi A1 roof spoiler competition kit.
Photos:
Audi A1 clubsport quattro - a set on Flickr
Press Release:
The Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a one-off vehicle built to the limits of technology for breathtaking dynamics. Audi is presenting the showcar in Reifnitz, in the Austrian state of Kärnten, at the Wörtherseetour 2011. The 30th edition of this major meeting takes place from June 1 – 4, 2011.
The heart of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a classic Audi gasoline engine – a five-cylinder unit displacing 2.5 liters with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. Compared with the version used in the Audi TT RS and RS 3 Sportback on which it is based, the output of the TFSI has been increased dramatically to 370 kW (503 hp) and 660 Nm (486.79 lb-ft) of torque. Maximum power is available between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm.
The turbocharger, intercooler, admission tract and the exhaust line have been systematically tuned for high performance. As on the Audi A4 DTM, the tailpipe is located on the left flank, just in front of the rear wheel.
Another area where the A1 clubsport quattro shines is its overall weight of just 1,390 kilograms (3,064 lb). The powerful engine catapults the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.7 seconds. From 0 to 200 km/h (124.27 mph) takes just 10.9 seconds, while the car goes from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) in fourth gear in just 2.4 seconds.
A six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, both taken from the TT RS and enhanced, deliver the power to all four wheels. Top speed is governed at 250 km/h (155.34 mph).
The Audi showcar rolls on 255/30 low-profile tires mounted on 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique turbine design. Sitting behind the wheels are large, internally ventilated disc brakes. Up front, six-piston calipers grab perforated carbon fiber-ceramic discs. Large steel discs are mounted on the rear axle. The coilover suspension of the A1 clubsport quattro features adjustable compression and rebound damping.
Dynamic and brawny: the exterior
Sporting a very dynamic appearance and an exquisite finish, the showcar makes no secret of its potential. The body has a Glacier White matt paint finish, with accents provided by many add-on parts. The roof arch in high-gloss black supports a roof made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and the four rings at the front of the car are solid aluminum.
Large, split air intakes with carbon struts are integrated into the distinctively modified front skirt. The single-frame radiator grille sports a black honeycomb design, and the headlights feature matted clasps with a red “wing.” Heat from the engine compartment is dissipated via two large air outlets in the hood.
The front fenders, the doors and the rear side panels of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro have been widened by a total of 60 millimeters (2.36 in). They form horizontal “blister” edges, like those found on the Audi Ur-quattro. Air outlets are integrated into the rear ends of the fenders, and the newly designed trim strips on the sills are made of exposed CFRP. Sleek side mirrors are reminiscent of the Audi R8 high-performance sports car.
The rear of the showcar is dominated by the roof spoiler, which features a double wing to provide for sufficient downforce. Darkly toned rear lights and a large, closed diffuser hone the rear view of the A1 clubsport quattro.
Designed as a road vehicle for the race track, the showcar has no rear seat. In its place are a large crossbar to further stiffen the body and storage for racing helmets. A weight-optimized starter battery used in racing is mounted in the rear below the two storage compartments. The strict high-performance concept left no room for an infotainment system, an MMI monitor or even a loudspeaker. The lightweight bucket seats are taken from the Audi R8 GT and feature a chassis made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. Red four-point belts secure the driver and passenger.
The interior of the showcar is a study in dark gray. Large areas are covered with exposed, matt-finished CFRP, including the walls in the rear section of the car, the tubes of the air vents and the “stern of the yacht” in the lower section of the center console. The CFRP material used on the open-spoked sport steering wheel is covered with leather. Rocker switches on the center console replace switches on the control stalk and in the door panels. Three additional instruments indicate the oil pressure, boost pressure and electrical system voltage.
The center console and the seats are covered in fine leather upholstery with tone-on-tone stitching. The selector lever is made of aluminum; the caps of the pedals and the surface of the footrest are made of stainless steel. Red loops replace the handles on the doors, the glove box and the covers of the storage compartments.
Experience the Audi A1 clubsport quattro interactively
The Audi A1 clubsport quattro can also be experienced exclusively in Need for Speed ??World (Need for Speed World - Introduction), where it will be available to all players as a free in-game rental car from June 1 – 4. Need for Speed ?World is the Play4Free online PC racing game from EA, in which players take part in races in a giant multiplayer world.
The Audi stand at Wörthersee
Joining the A1 clubsport quattro on the Audi stand at the GTI meet are 17 production vehicles from the current Audi model lineup. Among the vehicles that the brand is presenting to its fans at the Wörthersee is the new Audi Q3. The public can also take a close look at the Audi TT RS in Ibis White and an RS 3 Sportback in Misano Red. Another model is the new Audi A6, which is on display next to an A7 Sportback in Misano Red.
Fans and guests making the trip to the Wörthersee from June 1 – 4 have the opportunity to present their tuned Audi in a worthy manner by driving it past the Audi stage at the company’s Wörthersee stand.
New accessories for production models
Many of the features of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro will soon show up in the accessories program for the A1 family, which Audi is steadily expanding. Adhesive film decals in the contrasting colors Amalfi White, Ice Silver, metallic and Daytona Gray, pearl effect for the vehicles’ shoulders are available immediately.
Another option is the union square lifestyle kit. It comprises exterior decals and design elements for the interior, both with a diamond pattern. Audi is presenting both this and the A1 aerodynamics competition kit at the Wörtherseetour. The customer can order this add-on kit painted either in the body color or in a contrasting color. The same applies to the Audi A1 roof spoiler competition kit.
Photos:
Audi A1 clubsport quattro - a set on Flickr
#5
05-31-2011, 09:00 AM
I really wish manufacturers would make limited runs of these wild show cars and offer them to the public. There have to be 20-30+ people who would pay the necessary $100K for this to see the light of day...
Felt the same way about the Volkswagen W12 
