When Audi->ke14 introduced seven concept versions of the A1 at the 2010 Wörthersee Tour in Austria, it marked the A1->ke1729'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.

2011 Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro
  • Engine/Motor: five-cylinder TFSI engine
  • Horsepower: 503
  • Torque: 486.79
  • Transmission: six-speed manual transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

To make it stand out from the rest of the Worthesee crowd, Audi dressed up the A1 Clubsport Quattro in a Glacier White matte paint finish, the kind that completely draws attention to itself the moment you see it. The white paint finish is a sharp contrast to the high-gloss black roof that Audi made out of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). Also noticeable is the more aggressive detail of the car, highlighted by the large, split air intakes with carbon struts that have been integrated into the equally modern-looking front skirt. The radiator grill comes as a single-frame black honeycomb design with the headlights distinguished by matted clasps and a red "wing".

Audi also widened the car's front fenders, doors, and rear side panels by a total of 60 millimeters to give it a more aggressive look, forming horizontal "blister" edges similar to the ones found in the Ur-Quattro. The car's air outlets are also integrated into the rear ends of the fenders with the newly-designed trim strips on sills made of exposed CFRP.

Over at the rear, there's a roof spoiler that comes with a double wing, providing enough downforce to keep the car the car as steady as can be while darkly toned rear lights and a large closed diffuser comprise the entire profile of the A1 Clubsport Quattro's rear. Last, but not least, is the set of striking 19" allow wheels wrapped in 255/30/R19 low-profile tires.

Interior

As for the interior, the A1 Clubsport Quattro doesn't come with a rear bench. Taking its place is a body-stiffening crossbar and enough storage space to make room for racing helmets. The interior also comes with large doses of exposed, matte-finished CFRP, including in areas like the tubes of the air vents, the "stern of the yacht" in the lower section of the center console, and the walls at the back of the car. This particular CFRP material is also used on the car's leather-covered, open-spoked sport steering wheel. Meanwhile, the center console and the seats of the A1 Clubsport Quattro have been dressed up in fine leather upholstery with tone-on-tone stitching. Aluminum was used on the selector level, while stainless steel was used on the caps of the pedals and the surface of the footrest. Rounding out the details are red loops that replaced the door handles, the glove box, and the compartment covers.

Performance

The A1 Clubsport Quattro is configured as a Quattro-permanent all-wheel drive and is powered by a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder TFSI engine with a total output of 503 horsepower and 486.79 lb/ft of torque. This setup is then mated to a six-speed manual transmission. This translates to performance numbers that include a 0-62 mph time of just 3.7 seconds, a 0-124 mph time of 10.9 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 155.34 mph.

Pricing

Unfortunately for all of us, the A1 Clubsport Quattro is merely a show car and no plans are underway to make it a production car. But even if we can only love this car through the benefit of photos and videos, we can still scoop up a 'regular' Audi A1 anywhere from £13,145 ($21,693) to £18,280 $30,152).

Competition

We'd love to see the A1 Clubsport Quattro line against something a high-powered BMW 1-Series->ke313 or even a MINI Cooper->ke629. Unfortunately, the juiced up RS1 is nothing but a show car so any hope of seeing it in action against the BMW 1-Series M Coupe is a far cry from reality. Even if they do square off, the latter's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 340 horsepower is still no match for the A1 Clubsport Quattro's 500 ponies.