2019 Audi A1
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It’s Sharper, It’s Sportier, It’s Better!
The second-generation Audi A1 is finally here. Initially launched as a small-sized, three-door, entry-level ‘Sportback’ in 2010, Audi then went on to give it five doors in 2011. The A1 has been a successful product for Audi, and is targeted to customers who prefer an “ideal companion for an urban lifestyle." After six years, the second-gen makes its debut, and it definitely looks fresh and sharper than ever.
Latest Audi A1 news and reviews:
Audi Will RS Almost Everything, Including SUVs, As Long As It Doesn’t Have a Four-Cylinder
If there’s anything we’ve all been itching to see from Audi, it’s a hotter version of the A1 Sportback – an RS1 to be exact. With the second generation kicking of in 2018, we were hoping that after being fully established on the market, Audi’s resident supermini would finally get the hot hatch treatment that it deserves. Unfortunately, Audi has come right out and said that, despite the fact that it’s going to go all out on RS-badging its SUV lineup, the A1 will always be an A1. There won’t be a warmer S1, and there definitely won’t be a hotter RS1.
This Widebody Audi A1 Sportback is a Thing of Dreams
Anyone who knows ABT Sportsline knows that the German tuner isn’t the type to roll out tuning programs that border on obscenity. It’s not Mansory. It’s not TopCar. Heck, it’s not even Brabus. ABT Sportsline sits on the more refined side of the tuning fence, but every so often, it’s not afraid to let it’s hair down and go stir crazy. Such episodes can result in something like this: a “1of1” wide-body Audi A1 that’s going to make Tony Stark blush with envy. There’s absolutely nothing that’s refined about this particular Audi A1. It’s the kind of program you’re more likely to see at SEMA than at the Geneva Motor Show. There’s nothing wrong about it, though, and, in some ways, it speaks to a wild side that ABT Sportsline rarely gets to show. Judging by how raunchy this A1 looks, we’re not opposed to seeing ABT Sportsline’s alter ego more often.
2019 Audi A1 citycarver
The Audi A1 citycarver — yep, no caps here — is living proof that automakers will go to any lengths to attach the words “crossover” or “SUV” to their models. The result is the creation of sub, sub-lines born out of sub-lines born out of main model lines. It’s confusing on a lot of levels, but that’s the nature of the beast in the auto biz these days. On the surface, the A1 citycarver looks like a more rugged version of the A1. While there is some truth to that, appearances can be deceiving, too. The A1 citycarver is slightly higher than the A1 and it also comes with suspension tweaks aimed to make it more appealing to rugged urbanites who are looking for more adventures with their A1s. Most of the bits though come directly from the A1, so it is classified as a different version of Audi’s hatchback, the A1 citycarver is just an A1 wrapped in tighter clothing. The Audi A1 citycarver goes on sale this month in Europe at a yet-to-be-determined price tag. There’s no word yet whether it makes the trek to America or not.
The 2019 Audi A1 Looks Good on Paper, but How Good is it in the Real World?
Audi is hot on the trail of the MINI Cooper with its all-new A1 supermini, a radical design departure over the outgoing model, which is a bit unusual. The manufacturer usually very conservatively evolves its models from one generation to the next, but the new A1 is quite revolutionary compared to its predecessor. With that in mind, how does the new A1 fare in the hands of those who have driven it?
2020 Audi A1 Allroad
Audi looks set to increase the number of Allroad models it sells with its smallest offering, the A1 Allroad, which was caught testing under camouflage around the Nurburgring Nordschleife. The car in the photos is definitely an A1, but it has a raised ground clearance and what looks like plastic cladding around the lower part of its body.
It will be based on the second generation A1 which debuted this year at the Paris motor show and if we look at what Audi has chosen to hide with camo are a different front grille and bumper, as well as the rear bumper.
2019 Audi A1 Looks Bigger And Better in Paris
The first-gen Audi A1 was launched in 2010. Since then, the car has earned a reputation for getting better with tiny tweaks and additions added every now and then. Eight years later, the Audi A1 is back with an all-new iteration. It has improved in every aspect over the 2010 A1. The next-gen Audi A1 was revealed at the Paris Motor Show.
2019 Audi A1
The second-generation Audi A1 is finally here. Initially launched as a small-sized, three-door, entry-level ‘Sportback’ in 2010, Audi then went on to give it five doors in 2011. The A1 has been a successful product for Audi, and is targeted to customers who prefer an “ideal companion for an urban lifestyle." After six years, the second-gen makes its debut, and it definitely looks fresh and sharper than ever.
Xtomi Imagines the Audi A1 Allroad Quattro, RS1, Clubsport Quattro, and the Avant
Creating hype about a certain product is an inevitability in a tiresome process of developing a brand. I believe that amateur car renderings do play a role in that field and they also provide the car manufacturers with an easy way to sense the pulse of the market and test some ideas.
As it turns out, X-Tomi Design is definitely one of the most respected in this field. Some wait to see his digital works on new cars almost as eagerly as the actual new car photographs. While he really tries to do his best on every new car that comes out, it seems that his imagination went wild with the latest Audi A1. X-Tomi honored us with the cool A1 Allroad Quattro, the exceptional RS1, the really nice Clubsport Quattro and even the Avant.
The new Audi A1 may be the angriest small car ever. Not only is it the opposite of cute, adorable or whatever, but its build has undoubtedly been heavily influenced by some of the maddest Audi cars from history. In its press release, Audi mentioned Ur-Quattro and Sport Quattro five times which are clear innuendos about their newest small car. It should be a dynamic masterpiece rooted in the success stories of amazing Audi rally racers from yesteryear. Throwing so many “Quattro” signs around led me to think that they actually launched a version with Quattro AWD, but I was wrong. They did not. At least not yet.
It’s the little-known goal of all corporations big enough to pursue it — put competitors out of business as often as possible. It’s not intentional, it’s just a natural outgrowth of expanding into occupied markets. Right now, from Audi’s perspective at least, the biggest problem with aftermarket accessories is that they’re just that: after. After you leave Audi and wind up at Pep Boys, or your local speed shop, or an online marketplace.
Okay, maybe it’s not quite as cynical as that. Audi is a good brand, and its customers are some of the most loyal on Earth. Stands to reason that the average Audi customer would be happy to find the four rings on every gadget and doodad the well-equipped motorist might need or want. Get ready to lose your market share, Pep Boys — the Germans have landed.
Continue reading for the full story.
Introduced for the 2011 model year, the Audi A1 is one of Ingolstadt’s newest creations; a supermini designed to go against the likes of the Ford Focus and the Mini Cooper on the European market. Launched in both three- and five-door body styles, the A1 is the smallest and most fuel efficient Audi to as of 11/4/2014 thanks to its small-displacement, four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines. Initial engine options included 1.2 and 1.4 TFSI units and a 1.6 TDI. Later on, the Germans also introduced a more powerful 1.4 TFSI with 182 horsepower and a 2.0 TDI with 141 ponies. As we venture into the 2015 model year, the A1 receives its first-ever facelift, which brings minor visual tweaks and more significant changes under the hood.
The revised A1 is a bit sportier than its predecessor thanks to a couple of exterior bits borrowed from the S1, but the more important modifications occurred under the hood. A couple of brand-new, three-cylinder engines have been added to the lineup, while the rest of the units gained a few extra ponies. Read more about these changes after the jump.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Audi A1.
A lot of people have been waiting for the Audi RS1 for a couple of years now, so expect to collective groan after Quattro GmbH technical director Stephan Reil told Top Gear that Audi isn’t planning to build the car anytime soon. According to Reil, building the RS1 isn’t realistic at this point because it doesn’t make sense to build one from a financial point of view. His opinion might run contrary to Audi’s expansion pursuits, but it does make some sense considering that small cars don’t exactly make up the bulk of Audi’s sales. If you have one too many options to choose from, that’s going to compete against its own line, specifically the S1.
Speaking of competition, Reil also made that point while discussing the difficulties in putting an RS1 model on top of the S1. Doing so means that the RS1 would have a distinctive advantage in power and that doesn’t make any sense because it’s going to get too close to the Audi S3. That would create, as Reil describes, an “intra-company competition”.
So the Audi RS3 will be the entry-level model of the RS family, and Audi’s not planning to give it more than its rumored 360-horsepower output, even though the company has shown that the RS3 can accommodate as much as 525 horsepower in the Clubsport Quattro Concept. Doing so again creates the possibility of one model cannibalizing sales of another model. A 525-horsepower would immediately make the RS4 and the RS5 redundant, and that makes no sense for the company.
From the looks of things, Audi’s sticking to this position unless something dramatic happens. So if you’re looking for an RS1, don’t hold your breath on the chances of seeing Audi build it in the near future.
Click past the jump to learn why we won’t get to see an Audi RS1.
The Audi S1 is a spunky little sports hatchback, isn’t it? I like to think so, especially after Audi spent a great deal of time and resources promoting the model to anyone willing to listen. Well, I listened pretty intently and yes, the S1 is all sorts of awesome. But there are some folks, like German aftermarket company ABT Sportsline, that think being merely awesome isn’t good enough. So it did what any self-respecting tuning firm would do when presented with a car like the S1: it built a tuning kit for it.
ABT Sportsline’s work on the S1 follows a long list of impressive programs the tuner has created for Audi. Sure, it doesn’t have the same amount of unconscionable power as the R8 or the supreme luxury of the A7, but the S1 does brim with the kind of confidence that attracts customers from all over the world to it. For its part, ABT sought to make the S1 more confident in its own skin. That’s why the German tuner prepared a comprehensive tuning kit for the sports hatch that includes new aerodynamic components, improved suspension capabilities, and an engine upgrade that increased the car’s output by an impressive 34 percent.
This is the kind of upgrade that ABT Sportsline has made a living developing. It’s got the perfect balance of style and substance that can bring out the untapped potential of a hot hatch like the S1. As if it needed it to be any hotter, this ABT-tuned S1 now has the makings of a scorcher on the road, just the way ABT intended it to be.
Click past the jump to read more about the Audi S1 by ABT Sportsline.
Audi has been working on a facelift for the A1 for almost a year now, and it appears the revised hatchback is almost ready to make its public debut. Our spy photographers caught the supermini on the move somewhere in Southern Europe, where the Germans are testing the final tweaks operated on the vehicle’s drivetrain and chassis.
Although the A1 is still hidden under swirly camouflage, most of its visual updates are obvious and it seems we’re looking at the milder version of the hotter S1. Our paparazzi weren’t able to take a peek inside, but don’t expect to see major improvements in that department save for some additional trim options and maybe a slightly revised center console.
Same goes for the engine lineup, which will mostly remain unchanged, with only minor improvements as far as power, fuel efficiency, and CO2 emissions go. Expect it to arrive with the same 1.2-liter TFSI, 1.4-liter TFSI, and 2.0-liter TDI in showrooms, although the range-topping version might carry a turbo 1.8-liter with 192 horsepower under its hood. We will find out more about that when the 2014 Paris Motor Show kicks off in October.
Click past the jump to read more about the revised Audi A1.
Audi has rolled out a suit-and-tie-dressed A1 Sportback at Worthersee, highlighting the enormous customization potential the German automaker is putting on its Genuine Accessories lineup. This particular A1 with Audi Genuine Accessories successfully combines a nice shade of black with splashes of yellow trim, creating a distinct two-tone look we rarely see from the A1.
Audi traditionally rolls out these kinds of products at Worthersee and its nice to see that the German brand still understands the importance of being a major presence in the annual event. The customized hatchback also shines a nice light on what’s possible when customers use Audi Genuine Accessories on their vehicles.
That’s the real good thing about being able to have a say in what your car is going to look like. A1 owners get a number of colors to choose from and you can style and trim it any manner you see fit. There might be some misses along the way, but as Audi has shown with this A1 with Genuine Accessories, there’s a lot owners can work with by taking advantage of the company’s aesthetic personalization program.
Click past the jump to read more about the Audi A1 With Audi Genuine Accessories.
The inaugural FIA World Rallycross Championship is set to open its season this weekend at Montalegre, Portugal, and just ahead of the start of this new series, one team has already dropped teasers on the car it plans to use for the year. EKS is competing in the World RX Championship and its got a driver in Mattias who has won just about everything he’s competed in. More importantly, Ekström and EKS are preparing a hellacious race car in the name of the EKS Audi S1 Supercar.
The car itself is based on the Audi S1, except that this one has been modified and customized for the sole purpose of turning it into a powerful race car. Preparations to turn the EKS S1 Supercar into a full-fledged racer are already underway, and the early returns are nothing short of incredible. One of the details that has been divulged about the S1 is its powertrain, which comes in the form of a 2.0-liter turbo four with 600 horsepower, all-wheel drive and a 0-to-60-mph time of 1.9 seconds.
Ekström will be debuting the S1 Supercar in time for the World RX stage of Great Britain, the second race of the World RX season. The Swedish driver is going to compete against an impressive lineup of drivers that include Tanner Foust, Ken Block, and Jacques Villeneuve. But with a car like the EKS S1 Supercar at his disposal, we’re confident that Ekström and EKS will field a competitive team in the first season of the World RX Championship.
Click past the jump to read more about the Audi S1 Supercar By EKS.
Every now and then, a car brand comes out with a model that surpasses the standards we set for it. That’s the case with the Audi S1, and looking at this video of this high-powered version of the hatchback, you would think that the vehicle was built specifically to tackle the snow.
See, the 2014 S1 quattro makes it look really effortless. When other cars would be slipping and sliding their way into potential doom and gloom, the S1 Quattro never flinches, blasting along the winter roads like it was the summertime.
The quattro AWD system is working in full effect there, allowing the S1 to remain in control, while its 231-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine does the rest.
We gotta say, the S1 looks like it’s just playing around the snow there; imagine what its capable of on a clear piece of road, right?
It’s been a while since we last caught the upcoming Audi S1 out and about testing, but today our spy photographers managed to spot it somewhere in on public roads in Germany and inside an Audi facility. Unlike the previous prototypes, this one dropped some of the camouflage and is getting closer to the final product.
The prototype caught testing today by our spy photographers is powered by a gasoline engine, most likely the 2.0-liter TFSI engine with somewhere in the 220- to 250-horsepower area. The power will be sent to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro system.
The new S1 will be offered to those customers interested in a sport hatchback, but whom haven’t had the chance to buy one of the 333 A1 Quattro units. The S1 will offer similar performance figures, but a milder and less extreme body kit.
The new Audi S1 is expected to be unveiled in early 2014 in both three- and five-door configurations.
Click past the jump to read more about the Audi S1.
At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show Audi expanded its lineup with the addition of a new small, city car: the A1. Initially offered in a three-door version, the model was soon followed by a five-door variant called the Sportback. Since then, the model remained basically unchanged, except the addition of some special editions, like the A1 Amplified.
The A1 measures less than 4 meters (157.5 inches) in length, making it the perfect car for today’s crowded cities. In fact, the A1 was already voted best-in-class by several German magazines. Despite its compact sizes, the A1 features powerful engines and an agile chassis making it the sportiest car in the segment. The A1 also offers enough interior room for five adults.
The A1 is offered with a choice of seven engines - four TFSI and three TDI units - all of them combined with start-stop system.
On the European market, the A1 is priced from €15,800 - roughly $21,000 at the current exchange rates. Unfortunately, the model is still not offered on the U.S. market.
Click past the jump to read more about the Audi A1.
While the TT ultra quattro concept will no doubt be the star at Audi’s stand at the 2013 Wörthersee meeting, the company is also coming with a few other models that also made quite a sensation.
One of them is the Audi A1 updated with a competition kit inspired by the look of the successful Audi R18 e-tron quattro racecar. Of course, do not expect the A1 to look as extreme as the R18, but still, its look has been reinterpreted for the Audi A1, and the competition kit R18 can be ordered in either gray or red.
The new competition kit includes red plus (or optional gray) decals for the body, new front lip and side skirts, a stylish roof spoiler at the rear and a silver sticker. The car sits on special wheels, while the center console also received a matching color trim.
Click past the jump to read more about the standard Audi A1.
The Audi A1 is all set to get a much needed facelift for the 2014 model year, but that’s not all that will be happening with Audi at that time. According to a report from “sources within Audi,” the A1 facelift will also bring about the introduction of the S1 – a higher-performance variant of the compact hatch.
We expect this hot hatchback to come equipped with a 2.0-liter TSFI engine that is tuned to pump out 220 to 240 horsepower, but nothing is confirmed just yet. We also assume that the S1 will feature Audi’s famed quattro all-wheel-drive system. This would likely translate out to a 5-second run to 60 mph and a top speed nearing 155 mph.
Now it’s time for the bad news. Also reported by these supposed “insiders” is that the Audi RS1 is officially off the table. This 300-plus-horsepower hatchback is said to be a no go because officials think it would be too expensive to market in the compact hatchback realm. We can certainly see where this could be an issue with the Focus ST dominating the class at just over $20K, but there is definitely a market for a $30K-plus high-performance hatchback in our opinion. We’re willing to bet that the S1 will test the market and if it performs well, the RS1 will launch.
We’ll see what happens.
Though it looks like a 3-D representation of the sold-out A1 Quattro, rumor has it that this hot-looking hatchback will be called the Audi RS1.
With an aggressive looking body kit and a powerful turbocharged engine, this car definitely ticks the boxes for slapping an RS badge. We think…
The Audi A1 Quattro was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that developed 256 horsepower. This engine is in the cards for this RS1, but rumor has it that engineers are also considering a de-tuned version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine from the TT-RS. Rest assured, both engines will bring plenty of driving pleasure, so we don’t mind which engine powers this mini beast.
If produced, the Audi RS1 will enter the competitive segment of mini hot hatches that include the likes of Fiat 500 Abarth, MINI Cooper JCW and the newly announced Fiesta ST.
That all the speculation we have in store for now, but we’ll get you more information ASAP.
Image Courtesy of WorldCarFans.com
General production Audi models aren’t the only cars that ABT Sportsline loves to tune. Turns out, they’ve set their eyes on limited edition models too, including the A1 Quattro.
As stunning as the car is to look at it, ABT Sportsline left any kind of improvements on the A1 Quattro’s looks alone. What they did was take the car’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and tweak it to give the sports hatchback an increased output without having to compromise on the car’s fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
After going under the ABT Sportsline knife, the A1 Quattro’s output has been spiked from the standard 256 horsepower and 258 lb/ft of torque figures all the way up to 307 horsepower and 295 lb/ft of torque. The improved output nets a faster 0-62 mph time of 5.4 seconds, as opposed to the standard model’s 0-62 mph time of 5.7 seconds.
Talk about giving more reason to fall in love with the A1 Quattro, ABT Sportsline has one for us.
The 2012 London Olympics is now in full swing and German automaker is lending its support to the German National Team by providing a special edition, one-off A1 E-Tron model to serve as the company’s exhibition model.
We all know that the A1 E-Tron carries an internal combustion engine that charges the car’s batteries and can produce a total of 102 horsepower with a 0-60 mph time of 10 seconds and a top speed of just over 80 mph. Clearly, the A1 E-Tron isn’t exactly a rubber smoker, but nevertheless, it does make for a good celebratory piece for the German National Team at the Olympics. As an official partner of Germany’s Olympic Sports Confederation and the National Paralympic Committee Germany, Audi has even sent 60 A1 E-Tron models to London where they are being used as a shuttle service running between the MS Deutschland cruise ship and the German House.
As for the A1 E-Tron Germany Olympic Team Edition, the car carries the colors of Germany loud and proud in its support of its athletes. The one-off model also sports black bezel headlamps, ’2012’ in scripted on the side mirrors and roof, a new set of white multi-spoke wheels with touches of Germany’s national colors, and an exclusive interior trim with the same patriotic highlights reserved only for this particular model.
When Audi expanded its A1 line-up to include the five-door Sportback version, it was only a matter of time before ABT Sportsline took the bait and built a program for the new variant. It turns out that the German tuning company has already done so, much to our "non-surprise."
According to ABT CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt, the AS1 Sportback will come in three different design wraps that are all available upon request. "There is the chilly ALOHA in its Hawaii look, the charming and funny KLECKS or the waspish HIGH-VOLTAGE with its martial Skulls," he said.
The photos don’t say a whole lot about these wraps, but the tuner also says that the program comes with an aerodynamic kit that includes a tone-in-tone front lips, side skirts, wing inserts, rear skirt inserts and a spoiler – in brushed aluminum...or grass-green...or lavender. Interesting choice of colors, huh?
Other modifications on the A1 Sportback include a two-pipe-exhaust system, 18" DR wheels, or a choice of either 17" or 18" Z Titan alloy wheels.
From there, it’s all about the engine modifications, something ABT Sportsline has proven to be really adept at. Since the car comes with a number of engine variants, the German tuner decided to give different modifications. For the base 1.2-liter engine that develops 86 horsepower, ABT managed to increase the output to a tidy 110 horsepower. Meanwhile, the 1.4 TFSI model, which produces either 112 horsepower or 185 horsepower, output has been increased to 160 and 210 ponies, respectively. Then there are the two diesel variants - the 1.6 TDI and the 2.0 TDI - who now sport outputs of 125 horsepower and 170 horsepower, an increase from their standard 105 and 143 horsepower outputs.
At the end of last year, Audi unveiled the special edition A1 Quattro - a model limited to only 333 units and powered by a 256 HP 2.0-liter TFSI powertrain. Now, new spy shots suggest that the company is working on a new model that will be placed just under this sporty Quattro model.
The spy shots reveal a prototype wearing the quad exhaust pipes usually found on the S-Models, making us think that we are actually looking at a new Audi S1. On the other hand, the requests for the A1 Quattro were beyond expectation, so it is very possible that this car will match the A1 Quattro in performance, have a milder and less extreme body kit to fulfill the demands of the customers.
Whichever name this car is bestowed, this prototype is powered by a 2.0 liter TFSI delivering somewhere around 220-250 HP. The power is sent to all four wheels via an Audi Quattro system.
Any ideas on whether this is the Audi A1 Quattro or the Audi S1? Hit us up in the comments section below.
Even if the Audi A1 isn’t being sold in the US - we’re still not happy about that, by the way - the German automaker has taken the steps to ensure that customers enjoy the car even further.
Recently, Audi announced that the A1 will get a facelift of sorts, one that is designed to give the German hatchback a sportier touch. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Audi A1 Amplified.
The upgrades will be offered in three different levels and are set to be available for both the A1 three-door and A1 Sportback five-door.
The first level, called Amplified, will include a matte, transparent film for the engine hood, roof, and rear hatch, a high-gloss black roof line, an S line roof spoiler, exterior mirror housings, a single-frame grille, and a new set of 17" alloy wheels in five-arm design with black inserts. Meanwhile, the upgrades on the interior feature special black-trimmed sport seats with contrast stitching and air vents that share the same colors as the car’s body.
From there, the second level is called amplified plus. This program includes a number of new aerodynamic kit components, LED taillights, and a comprehensive interior program. These new interior digs feature a black headliner, an LED interior light package and a color coordinated ignition key, which we’re not too sure what that’s all about. Stainless steel caps for the pedals and foot rest are also part of the program, as is a center console and rearview mirror housing that have been painted with the same color scheme of the exterior.
The highest level of the program is called Amplified Advanced, which is only reserved for top-of-the-line A1 models. In this program, you’ll get a full boat of interior modifications for Audi’s S-line. S sports seats with black upholstery in Silk Nappa leather with matching contrast stitching in Parade Red or Dark Silver highlight this program. Outside, the Audi A1 is treated to a large rear wing, xenon headlights, and a new set of 18" wheels.
If you’re interested, you’re going to need to shell out a minimum of €1,990, which is around $2,500. Not that it matters because America isn’t getting their hands on this car, let alone its program, anytime soon.
Audi has been experimenting with the electric-car market for a few years and officially unveiled plans for the A1 e-tron and an electric-powered A2 recently. It does not look like either one is going to happen any time soon, according to a report from Car.
The A2 electric was slated to be released in Europe, where high-efficiency diesel and gasoline engines that get upwards of 60 mpg reign supreme. These markets are tough enough to crowbar in an electric model, but add in the fact that the A2 was expected to carry a €40,000 ($50,000) price tag, and you get a model that was bound to fail in the European marketplace. Combine that price point with the fact that the Nissan Leaf, with its far lower €25,990 ($32,500) price tag, only saw 3,000 units leave showroom floors in 2011, and Audi wisely saw this as a fruitless journey.
The entire A2 line will likely continue as expected, sans the electric model. This leaves a gasoline and diesel model as the only drivetrain options.
The A1 e-tron reportedly is meeting a similar fate, but for different reasons. The A1 e-tron is being axed due to extravagantly high production costs. This car was planned to be similar to the Chevy Volt, as it was going to have a gasoline engine to extend the range of its electric motor by charging the batteries via a Wankel (rotary) engine.
Though this is a tragic way to abruptly cease the development phase for an electric lineup, we cannot blame Audi for its choice. Electric cars just are not selling well in the European markets and having one priced nearly double its closest competitor and another one with climbing production costs just isn’t smart business.
Rumors about a possible Audi A1 Convertible were circulating even before Audi dropped the standard A1 hatchback on the market, but now British magazine Autocar is offering the first real details on the future model. According to Audi boss, Rupert Stadler, a full-blown cabriolet version of the A1 won’t be offered because it will be too expensive. However, Audi sources have confirmed that a semi-open-air version of the compact hatchback will indeed be offered.
Audi has already provided an early design study of the three-door A1, with a retractable cloth roof panel. Of course, this step has sparked many speculations. It is believed that the new A1 Cabrio will feature a "large, electric-powered cloth panel, covering an area described as being up to 80% of the total roof area." The roof will be opened at the push of a button and it will automatically retract back and be gathered in above the rear hatch.
It didn’t take long for the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro to be transitioned into an actual production vehicle, did it?
Give some thanks to Audi because they’re about to release the Audi A1 Quattro, a special edition model that takes the A1’s already impressive looks and turns them into a design masterpiece.
Not only does the A1 Quattro look stunning - special props to the red handlebar ’wing’ lights - but it’s also got some serious ponies under its hood. It’s not in the level of what the 500-horsepower A1 Clubsport was capable of, but it certainly packs a meaner punch than a lot of factory-built A1 models out on the market these days.
Creative and evocative design matched to an impressive 2.0-liter TFSI powertrain and the use of Audi’s very own quattro all-wheel drive has turned the Audi A1 Quattro into a serious must-have. The only downside is that Audi will be limiting the release of the car to just 333 units with prices still to be announced. But we like it so much that even if we don’t know how much it’s going to cost, we’ll be saving up for a chance to get a piece of this super duper hot hatch.
UPDATE 02/20/12: Audi has released a pretty interesting video of the A1 Quattro doing some sick drift moves...in the snow! The video is a little over eight minutes, which means that you’re going to get your money’s worth for watching it. Check out the vid after the jump!
UPDATE 01/29/13: A new video of the Audi A1 Quattro has been released by Audi featuring DTM pilot Filipe Albuquerque showing us what the car is capable of. Check out the video by clicking on the photo above.
Find out more about the Audi A1 Quattro after the jump
Audi is further expanding itsA1 line-up with the addition of the new A1 Sportback version that will go on sale in early 2012. The model will be offered as a five-doors only version and in Europe will be offered with three TFSI gasoline and three TDI diesel engines with power ranging between 86 HP to 185 HP. Prices will start from €16,950 (about $23,000 at the current exchange rates) for the 1.2 TFSI version and from €19,050 ($25,800) for the 1.6 TDI one.
The new A1 Sportback continues with the same design language as the standard A1, but it can get the roof line, the roof arch, the roof and the roof spoiler in one contrasting color. Audi will also be offering an option S Line package that will add even more sportiness to the car. The model will be offered with four seats as standard, but a fifth one can be added at no extra cost.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Audi A1 Sportback.
In the middle of all the concept debuts and race prototypes being unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, one car that’s neither of those things is fetching some serious attention.
The car is a special one-off Audi A1 that’s inspired by the Japanese National Soccer Team. Affectionately called the A1 Samurai Blue, the one-off car has been dressed in the official colors - blue and white - of the Samurai Blue, the nickname given to the country’s soccer team. Complimenting the two-color exterior paint finish is a red color - the same hue as that of the Japanese flag - that was used on the rear spoiler and the set of 18" wheels provided. The exterior also sports the logo of the Blue Samurais on both sides of the car, as well as on the roof.
The interior equipment of the A1 Samurai Blue has been dressed in black with contrasting blue stitching. Colorful accents are also found on various parts of the interior, including the air vent nozzle, the inlays, the center console, and the floor mats.
Under its hood, no performance enhancements were done on the car so the A1 Samurai Blue is powered by a standard 1.4-liter TFSI engine that produces 122 horsepower. No surprise there.
The whole purpose of the A1 Samurai Blue is for Audi to sell the one-off model and have part of the profit donated to charity. So if you happen to have a heart of gold and fancy a one-off Audi A1 like this, you might need to get to stepping and be the lucky one to go home with this ultra exclusive piece of A1 eye candy.
In a very short time, the Audi A1 has become a very successful model. So it’s not surprising that Audi is trying to keep their customers interested in every possible way. For that, Audi has launched both the A1 Contrast and A1 Black Editions on the British market. These models can be combined with a 2.0 liter TDI engine - the most powerful TDI engine offered for the A1 - for the first time in the A1 line-up.
The A1 Contrast Edition was named as such because of the color contrasts found on the car. There’s a contrasting color for the roof line and for the aerodynamic body styling elements, as well as in the new set of larger 17-inch "five-arm"’ design bi-color alloy wheels. The final elements is a double-blade roof spoiler, also in a contrasting color that can be added at extra cost.
The Black Edition includes black styling treatment for the single frame grille surround and number plate holder, dark tinted rear privacy glass, 18-inch five-arm rotor design alloy wheels in a titanium finish, and Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime-running lights. Inside, it brings full electronic climate control as an enhancement to the S line model’s manual air conditioning and the Audi Sound System speaker upgrade giving 180 watts of output.
The new 2.0 TDI engine available with these two new special editions delivers a total of 143 HP and 236 lb-ft of torque. It will sprint the cars from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds and up to a top speed of 135 mph.
Audis are always constant subjects of tuning companies and that doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon, especially since the German automaker has no shortage of ’tunable’ vehicles.
Even Audi’s little sports hatch, the A1, has become a tuning favorite, thanks in large part to a successful blend of wonderful styling and impressive performance capabilities. The latest aftermarket company to take a stab at modifying the beloved A1 is Eibach Tuning, which released a comprehensive modification that features added styling, a tweaked suspension and improved performance.
The first notable upgrade done on the A1 1.4 TFSI involves the addition of new B12 Pro-Kit struts courtesy of Bilstein. These struts have lowered the car’s ride height by 40mm with dampers also being added, allowing the drivers the freedom to adjust them. In addition to that, Eibach also added a new set of 18" multi-spoke Borbet XA wheels that have likewise been mounted on 12mm Eibach spacers.
Under the A1’s hood is a 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged engine that produces 122 horsepower. But thanks to an ECU remap and a new Remus exhaust system, Eibach Tuning was able to improve the sports hatch’s output to an impressive 157 horsepower.
Audi unveiled today at the Geneva Motor Show an electric version of their newly launched A1. The e-tron concept is equipped with an electric drive system similar to the one on Chevrolet Volt. The e-tron has an autonomy of 50 kilometers when used only in electric mode.
The internal combustion engine that charges the batteries can deliver a total of 102 hp in short bursts when the sprint from 0 to 60 mph is made in just 10 seconds. Top speed is more than 80 mph. Continuous output is rated at 61 hp and 150 Nm of torque. The electric motor sends its power to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission that can be switched between "Drive," "Reverse," and "Neutral".
The A1 e-tron concept car has a Wankel engine as a range extender. It has a chamber volume of 254 cc and runs at a constant 5,000 rpm and can be switch on and off as necessary with the push of a button. It produces produces 15 kW of electric power and weighs only around 154.32 lb. It can extend the concept’s range to 130 miles.
UPDATE 07/21/11: The Audi A1 e-Tron was a surprise participant at the Silvretta E-Auto Rally. Together with the other Audi electric car in attendance, the Q5 HFC, which managed to place sixth in the entire proceedings, the A1 E-Tron made a good showing of itself a year after another one of its big brothers, the R8 E-Tron, went and wowed the entire event. Check out the video Audi posted to see how the A1 E-Tron performed.
UPDATE 06/05/2012: We’ve just learned from our friends over at CAR that the A1 e-tron is being axed due to extravagantly high production costs. This car was planned to be similar to the Chevy Volt, as it was going to have a gasoline engine to extend the range of its electric motor by charging the batteries via a Wankel (rotary) engine.
Press release after the jump.
Typically, when we hear about vehicles climbing up to speeds of over 200 mph, we think of high performance vehicles like the Bugatti Veyron or the SSC Tuatara. Not once have we ever thought of a small car like the Audi A1 achieving such a feat. It was probably this assumption that led tuning firm, MTM, to completely make over the A1 so that it became a snarling speed machine, capable of hitting a top speed of 201 mph at the Nardo Highspeed Test.
Every year, modified supercars head on over to the Nardo test track to see what they are capable of, but this year, MTM’s Audi A1 decided to crash the party and show the 9FF Porsche 911 GT3, MKB McLaren SLR, G-Power BMW M3, and SpeedArt Porsche Cayenne Turbo just how it’s done. With an MTM tuning package consisting of various upgrades, the A1 delivers a total of 500 HP and 442 lb-ft of torque. 500 HP! When equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential, the car will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of the aforementioned 201 mph.
Adding a few more bells and whistles to the heart-thumping power, MTM gave the small car a new set of 18" MTM bimoto rims with a 9-spoke race design, a new set of MTM-Spacers (20 mm per axle), upgraded brakes, and a lowered suspension.
And to think, just one year ago, MTM released their new package for the A1 that had no type of engine upgrades. It may have taken them a year to get the engine tweaks just right, but the result was certainly worth the wait. That is, if anyone plans on racing an Audi A1 anytime soon.
Anyone?
ABT Sportsline has made tuning projects of the Audi A1 in the past, but their latest program for the German automaker’s sports hatch figures to be one of the most powerful A1’s this side of Audi’s out of this world, 500-horsepower A1 Clubsport Quattro.
Dressed in three unique color schemes - the Aloha, Klecks, and High Voltage - the 2011 iteration of their A1 package also comes with a prominent engine upgrade. Incidentally, these three color schemes also came with the 2010 ABT program, but that’s not the important thing. What’s new and different about the 2011 version is the powerful engine upgrade the A1 received that saw its output increase past the 200-horsepower mark.
All that was possible when ABT Sportsline gave the A1’s 1.4-liter TFSI engine an ECU remap, while also adding a dual-pipe exhaust system and a new sports muffler. All these modifications and changes bumped up the A1’s output all the way to 210 horsepower - a rarity for an A1 - while also giving it performance numbers that include a 0-62 mph time of just 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph.
Other aerodynamic components added to the Audi A1 include a new aluminum brushed front lip, side skirts, rear wing insets, rear skirt inset, a new rear spoiler, and a set of 17" or 18" ABT ZTitan wheels.
When Audi introduced seven concept versions of the A1 at the 2010 Wörthersee Tour in Austria, it marked the A1’s introduction into the world of show cars. This year, the German automaker won’t be bringing as many concepts to Austria - the site of this year’s tour - but they are bringing one that effectively blows away just about every Audi A1 we’ve ever seen before.
Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro.
As a one-off show car, the A1 Clubsport Quattro is about the most powerful A1 we’ve ever laid our eyes on. Just how powerful is this vehicle? Try in excess of 500 horsepower under its hood. Yikes, indeed.
In addition to the monster engine under its hood, the A1 Clubsport Quattro was also designed as a preview model of the company’s new adhesive film decals that’s set to be released as future accessories for the A1 and all of its offspring models.
While we’d love to see this car out on the road - or the track, perhaps - in the future, it’s highly unlikely that it’s going to make it there considering its status as a one-off showpiece. But if the reaction to this car is what we expect it to be, we figure that Audi just may be tempted to get a production version out in the future. Unlikely, but hey, we can all dream, right?
UPDATE 06/03/2011: The Audi A1 ClubSport Quattro has been created officially for Need for Speed World fans and will only be available as a free in-game rental from June 1 until June 4, 2011. If you are interested in testing the car, log-in or register on Need for Speed World and go to the car dealer. Select Tier 2 and click on Audi for your 24 hour rental. Also, we have added a pretty cool video presenting the development of the car. Hit the jump to watch it.
Details on the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro after the jump.
A couple of weeks ago, we caught sight of a nice upgrade Pogea Racing did for the Audi A7 Sportback, which they so affectionately dubbed, ’Seven Sins’. Well from the looks of things, it’s beginning to look like Pogea Racing is trying to run through the whole gamut of Audi models after the tuning firm launched a separate upgrade program for the Audi A1. The name for this program? The ’A Force One’. Catchy.
Aesthetic and aerodynamic upgrades done on the A1 were left at the minimum with Pogea opting to add few items, including a set of ultralight OZ Racing Alleggerita HTL alloy wheels that are wrapped in ET35 Sport Contact 3 Continental tires. Apart from that, Pogea also added a new exhaust system that comes with some fancy 76mm laser engraved tailpipes.
In terms of performance, this is where the tuning company did the brunt of their work. Pogea Racing’s tuning program for the Audi A1 comes in two stages with the first stage increasing the car’s output from the stock 122 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque to an angrier 156 horsepower and 266 Nm of torque. The first stage engine upgrade also bumps the top speed to 152 mph. Meanwhile, the Stage 2 upgrade doesn’t get get any performance enhancements. Instead, Pogew Racing adds additional air cooling and adapted electronics, together with a new coil-over suspension from KW and a set of Brembo brakes with perforated discs.
All told, the ’A Force One’ upgrade on the A1 looks refreshingly off-the-chains. Extra props for the sick rims, too.
Aznom in cooperation to Audi Lombard Motors has created two special editions Audi A1: one dedicated for men - Blade version and one for women - Goldie version. The two models feature valuable technical materials such as carbon and leather with damask print.
The Goldie version is based on the 1.4 TFSI S-Tronic and is characterized by a combination of two color: white body with a matte gold color with purple metallic reflections on the roof, mirrors and the details of the front and rear bumpers. On the interior the seats and the door panels are covered in white leather with a special fabric alternating gold, but what distinguishes Goldie is the calf leather with a special damask print in shades of purple and beige.
The second version, Blade, and frankly our favorite, features the same two-tone paint exterior, but this time red combined with dark gray metallic. The exterior mirrors are covered in genuine carbon fiber. On the interior, the seats are now covered in black leather with red stitching, with the central part of the seats made of black Alcantara Starlight framed by red leather details.
Senner Tuning has already had their way with the Audi A1 once before when they put together a tuning package for the model sporting a 1.6L TDI engine. Apparently that wasn’t enough for them because they have gone back to change up the look and power of the smallest vehicle in this family: the 1.4 T-FSI version.
Thanks to a new Chipbox performance-enhancing module, the engine’s output has been increased from a standard 122hp to 156 HP and the peak torque has also gone up from 200Nm to 250 Nm. There is also a new stainless steel exhaust system in the right / left version which includes a silencer and tailpipes, each 90 millimeters in diameter.
Next to the engine upgrade, the package also includes sports springs that lower the car’s height by 35mm, rebound and compression adjustment, some carbon elements in the interior, and LED rear lights. The final element of this package is a new set of 8Xblack-polish 18" Corniche Monza rims and S1 Evo tires from Hankook.
Prices for this package start at €4,590 ($6,150 at the current rates).
After ABT and Senner Tuning wrapped their hands around the recently launched Audi A1, German tuner, MTM, decided to have a go with it as well. And even if this first kit does nothing for the hatchback in terms of power, we are pretty confident that MTM will not leave it untouched.
So far MTM has only revealed a set of images for their package, but in these images you can easily see an exterior paint job similar to the one from the MTM Audi RS6 Clubsport, along with a series of subtle modifications. These modifications include a new set of 18" MTM bimoto rims with attractive 9-spoke race design in flawless finish, a new set of MTM-Spacers 20 mm per axle with wheel screws, upgraded brakes, and a lowered suspension.
The tuner has also promised that a series of modifications will be made under the hood ranging from an optimized reprogramming of the control electronics through to the complete conversion of the engine unit.
UPDATE 07/20/2011: It may be a year after this package has debuted, but MTM has finally upgraded the engine for the Audi A1, and it’s a beaut! Every year, modified supercars head on over to the Nardo test track to see what they are capable of, but this year, MTM’s Audi A1 decided to crash the party and show the 9FF Porsche 911 GT3, MKB McLaren SLR, G-Power BMW M3, and SpeedArt Porsche Cayenne Turbo just how it’s done. With the new engine upgrade in the MTM tuning package, the A1 now delivers a total of 500 HP and 442 lb-ft of torque. 500 HP! When equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential, the car will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of the aforementioned 201 mph.
UPDATE 12/27/11: MTM’s 500-horsepower Audi A1 is a bonafide hatchback rocket, but how is it going to fare when you line it up against a pair of iconic sports cars in the form of the Porsche 911 and the BMW M3? Check out the video after the jump and find out why the MTM A1 is considered about as explosive as any tuning program we’ve seen in a while. In a word: wow.
The Audi A1 is a non-performance car, there’s no doubt about that. With an output ranging from 86 HP to 122 HP, it’s more like an every-day use car than a sports car. But with the right updates, the A1 can be easily improved. HS Motorsport is preparing an engine update that raises the output with 25 HP.
For that, the tuner has installed an additional module that generates and extra 25 HP and 50 NM of torques, but also an Alpine sound system with navigation unit and a snappy Brembo braking system.
For the exterior there is a modified bumper, which appropriately houses the R32-look tailpipes, a full-throated sporty rumble and 18" ASA GT2 alloy wheels with seven double spokes. The package also includes a coilover suspension system that lowers the car’s ride by 55 mm at the front and 60 mm at the back. The interior gets two Recaro Sportster CS lightweight bucket seats in carbon.
Press release after the jump.
Suspension experts Eibach have released their celebrated Pro-Kit for the compact Audi A1.
Being a new platform and the smallest Audi to date, the A1 is a very inviting prospect for aftermarket modification. The reasons are simple; there have a multitude of engine options available, being compact means it’s cheap to run and insure, and of course, the A1 features legendary Audi build quality. As is the philosophy with tuners, everything that comes from the factory can be made better and unique, to suit the taste of the person driving it. You can’t really fault that mentality.
What better way to start customizing your A1 then with a set of Eibach Pro-Kit springs and wheel spacers. The springs lower the car and thus the center of gravity, aiding in handling performance. Aesthetics are covered too, with the new, slightly more menacing stance that’s sure to give the little runabout more street cred. Slap on a set of their billet wheel spacers and the overall track increases for better response and stability while carving up your favorite mountain road. Quality with Eibach is never in question - the German manufacturer is TUV approved so you know their million mile warranty is worth every penny you spend.
When Audi unveiled the A1 1.4 TFSI at the Paris Auto Show, everyone believed that this was in fact the S1 version. Not true. Audi announced that a real S version will be revealed in the near future and that it will feature Audi’s now famous quattroall-wheel-drive system. The next S1 will also be offered with Audi’s torque vectoring rear sport differential from the S4 and RS5 that offers an agile handling.
As for the engine, Audi hasn’t made a final decision yet, but the two engines being taken under consideration are a 2.0 liter engine from the Golf GTI or a new 1.6 liter unit. However, no matter what choice makes the cut, the S1 will deliver around 240 HP. This will help it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6 seconds, while top speed will be limited to 155 mph.
The S1 version will be distinguished by a unique, deeper front bumper, more pronounced wheel arches to fit larger alloys, a gloss black rear diffuser and special badge, and, of course, a two-tone paint job.
ABT Sportsline have enlisted the help of sexy Carolin Winter to take you on a user-controlled virtual tour of the ABT facility. The tour itself is based on a choice of sneaky espionage or formal introductions. The former allows you, through Carolin, to sneak around the building and scope out areas previously never seen. On the way you’re likely to bump into the likes of the ABT Audi R8 GT and other serious metal, or maybe even sit down for an Espresso at the ABT Sportsbar. No matter which choice you make, the goal is to locate all three versions of Carolin’s dream car; the ABT A1 Klecks, A1 High Voltage, and A1 Aloha.
The A1 is Audi’s take on a compact car, and is also the smallest car they make. From the outset, the brief was to make the A1 as appealing as it could possibly be to the younger market. This meant it had to be cool, funky, and to a degree, customizable. This ensured it as a competitor to the likes of the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500. Audi clearly had their work cut out for them. ABT Sportsline has taken the customization aspect of the A1 to new levels, with three versions of the car for three different driver personalities. They call this the ABT A1 Reality Movement and forms ABT’s most affordable line yet.
Check out the first video after the jump. Depending on the direction you choose, the next link will pop up to continue your journey!
Inspired by the huge success the newFord Fiesta had on the US market, Audi is also taking under consideration the next-generation A1 compact car on the US market. "Consumers are asking for small cars, and there is the likelihood that the second generation of the A1 will come to the U.S.," Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi AG’s board member for sales and marketing said at the Paris Auto Show.
A final decision will be made in the next 18 months, but chances to get the A1 in here are quite high. The company is currently registering a huge success on the US market with the A3 compact car, but also with small diesel engines. This show that consumers will consider smaller vehicles and alternative engines. And Schwarzenbauer believes the same could happen with the A1. The A1 was originally built to sell only in Europe but will be expanded to more markets in the next few years, including China after 2011.
Here’s a nice little twist none of us saw coming. Remember when we reported the story about Audi bringing the S1 to the Paris Motor Show a couple of weeks ago? Well, it turns out that while they are bringing the car, the car may not be called the S1.
It turns out that Audi just announced a ‘modified’ A1 that will come with a dual-charged 1.4 TFSI engine that produces 185 horsepower and 184 lb/ft of torque. Creatively enough, the folks from Ingolstadt have christened this model as the Audi A1 1.4 TFSI.
We’re not entirely sure if this is the same model that the organizers of the Paris Motor Show were talking about, although it does make us wonder if Audi intentionally released this model days ahead of the Paris Motor Show while also bringing another version to the event. Maybe it’s their way of diverting attention to the cars they’re bringing to Paris with them.
Continued after the jump.
Audi has teamed up with E.ON, the Munich municipal utility company Stadtwerke München (SWM), and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) - try saying that three times fast - to prepare an onslaught of Audi A1 E-trons as part of a testing program for the electric city car. The fleet of 20 Audis is set to roll out on the streets of Munich by mid-2011 with about 200 new charging stations available for "refueling" their vehicles.
The A1 E-tron features an internal combustion engine that charges the batteries and delivers a total of 102 hp in short bursts allowing the sprint from 0 to 60 mph to be made in just 10 seconds. However, the continuous output comes in at 61hp and 150Nm of torque with top speed being set at more than 80mph. The electric motor sends its power to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission that can be switched between "Drive," "Reverse," and "Neutral".
Full story and press release after the jump.
Audi has spared no expense in thinking up ways of promoting their new premium hatch, the A1. First, they tabbed Justin Timberlake to be on-hand for the car’s official debut. Then, they used the pop icon to star in an oddly unsettling mini-series starring, well, the A1.
This time around, Audi opted to take an even more perplexing route in their A1 promotion by bringing in 22 low-riding classic cars, a slew of cameras, two customized A1s, and two members of the band Tokio Hotel – Tom and Bill Kaulitz - for a nice warehouse photo shoot.
Quite frankly, we don’t really see the point of the whole video other than its supposed to be another marketing promotion for the A1. Whether Audi is banking on the celebrity appeal of Tokio Hotel as much as they did with one Mr. Timberlake is a mystery to us, although we’re pretty certain that, in all fairness to the band, their name doesn’t exactly scream worldwide superstar as much as the former *NSync star.
Then again,Audi’s not really marketing the band as much as they are the car, and in that scenario, they did a pretty good, albeit weird, job doing so.