If you were waiting for a confirmation that Audi was indeed preparing an RS version for their latest A1 small hatchback, well here it is. The RS1 has been caught testing, not just once, but two times. The first session was during testing at the Nurburgring and the second was while it was cruising around on some of Germany’s streets. The RS1 may as well get used to the streets of Europe because, as of right now, there’s no chance it will see American soil.
Like with all the other RS models in Audi’s line-up, the new RS1 will feature a specially designed front bumper, a new rear wing, and wider side sills, as well as two fat exhaust pipes, one on each side. As for the hatchback’s engine, it is rumored that Audi will be using a turbo charged four-cylinder delivering some 250 HP, and not the same 340 HP turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine found in other hot models such as the TT RS and RS3 as we had hoped. This engine will be combined with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive.
The new Audi RS1 will make its official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show next March.
During the recent Paris Auto Show, Volkswagen Group not only confirmed that the company was preparing a new all-wheel drive PQ25 platform that will be used for the future Audi S1, but they also stated that the use of this new platform could extend to two future models: a possible Polo R and a CrossPolo.
The Audi S1 needed this all-wheel drive platform to become a proper model, but engineering costs needed to produce it cause Volkswagen to get a little jumpy at the thought. The final push for the decision came when they realized they could develop the Polo R with the same platform. The Polo R gets a chance and Volkswagen’s money is well spent. Sounds like a good compromise to us.
It was already rumored that the next Audi S1 would be offered with a 270 HP engine and Quattro system. The S1 will also get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and will come with a lowered suspension and a set of special edition 17-inch wheels. The 0 to 60 MPH sprint will be made in 6 seconds, while top speed will be limited to the German gentleman’s agreement of 155 MPH.
Audi announced a few days ago that there would be no S1 version for the current Audi A1, but that they would instead be coming out with the A1 1.4 TFSI. This a modified version of the A1 that produces 185hp and is not to be confused with the non-existent S1. Well, all of this isn’t entirely true. Audi, in addition to the A1 1.4 TFSI, will indeed bring a more powerful version of the A1. However, there is no name for it just yet. What is known about the car at this point in time is that it will come with a turbocharged engine producing 270 HP and will carry an all-wheel drive system.
Under the hood Audi will place the same 2.0 TFSI engine found in the Golf R. The S1 will also get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and will come with a lowered suspension and a set of special edition 17-inch wheels. The 0 to 60 MPH sprint will be made in 6 seconds, while top speed will be limited to the German gentleman’s agreement of 155 MPH.
The future model is expected to make its world debut next year at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Looks like Audi is bringing one more car to the 2010 Paris Motor Show apart from the already announced appearance of the new A7 luxury sedan.
Word out of the Paris Motor Show’s official website is that the Audi S1 will also be in attendance at the event, which will give us a first-hand look at the S-Line package of the Audi A1. Details are still scarce as of the moment, but from what we’ve gathered, it appears like the S1 will come with a 1.4-liter RSI engine that produces 180 horsepower. In addition to that, the S1 is going to be a front wheel drive that is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and will come with a lowered suspension and a set of special edition 17-inch wheels.
Unfortunately for us on this side of the Atlantic, we don’t get dibs on the S1 so, the only way we can enjoy this fine piece of hatch is, well, if we move to Europe.
After many stories about whether or not the Audi A1 will be coming to the US, we finally get some news on the S version of the smallest model in the lineup: the S1. The new Audi S1 is expected to be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and will come to compete with models like the Mini Cooper S and the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA.
The S version will be distinguished by chrome door mirrors, a gloss black diffuser, S1 badges, and, of course, a new set of 18-inch twin five-spoke alloy wheels.
However, the most distinguished thing about the upcoming S1 is the fact that it will be the first Audi S model to be offered in front-wheel drive only. That’s right, no quattro 4WD for the Audi. Instead, this hatchback will be sending the power to just the front two wheels.
Under the hood there will be a tuned version of the 1.4-liter supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine already available in the A1. The result is an output of 200 HP, a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds, and a top speed of 140 mph.
