UP-TEMPO AUDI A1 READY FOR PARIS SHOW DEBUT

Audi will quicken the tempo of its A1 premium compact hatchback at the Paris Motor Show with the help of a new ‘dual charged’ petrol engine channelling 185PS through a standard seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. The A1 1.4 TFSI 185PS will make its world public debut in Paris on Saturday October 2, combining strong and remarkably persistent response with 47.9mpg* economy potential and CO₂ output of just 139g/km*. UK ordering will begin towards the end of 2010.

Employing both supercharging and turbocharging for the first time in an Audi road car, the new compact and lightweight four-valve-per-cylinder engine powering the A1 1.4 TFSI 185PS propels it from rest to 62mph in just 6.9 seconds*, and on to a 141mph top speed*. As the pace builds, the supercharger intervenes at 1,500rpm to increase thrust, and in most cases disengages at 2,400rpm, to be followed from around 3,500rpm by the turbocharger spooling up to provide another welcome surge. As the supercharger takes care of low-range boost, it has been possible to use a larger turbocharger designed with optimum efficiency in mind, and this is reflected in impressively strong fuel economy and low emissions.

The light and compact seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission that is fitted as standard to the top ranking A1 directs power to the front wheels. Composed of two transmission structures operated by two multi-plate clutches, it performs gear shifts in just a few hundredths of a second and with no detectable interruption of pulling power. The tall seventh gear reduces fuel consumption.

ESP with limited slip differential

McPherson strut front and torsion-beam rear suspension with separate springs and dampers and taut S line settings forms the basis for agile handling, giving keen turn in and impressive mid-corner stability and grip. Speed modulation is taken care of very effectively by ventilated front disc brakes measuring 288 millimetres in diameter and solid rear discs. Control is also safeguarded by the latest ESP stabilization program with electronic limited slip differential, which initiates very brief braking of the inside front wheel when its sensors detect an impending loss of traction during fast cornering.

The performance-oriented S line suspension forms part of the overall S line specification that will be standard for the 1.4 TFSI 185PS version, and includes features such as an exclusive S line exterior treatment, 17-inch alloy wheels and part leather-upholstered sports seats. This is in addition to the Sport equipment level which already includes remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, Driver’s Information System and a six-speaker single CD audio system with auxiliary iPod connection linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display.

Categories: A1, audi

AUDI A1 QUATTRO PROTOTYPE

An Audi A1 quattro prototype that brings all-wheel-drive to the premium subcompact hatchback segment for the first time is currently undergoing a baptism of fire grappling with freezing conditions on Canada’s densely snow-packed roads.

The one-off development car is one of the stars of the ‘Fascination of quattro’ event taking place in Montreal to celebrate the past, present and future of the legendary four-wheel-drive system, which reached its 30th anniversary in 2010. It reaffirms the Vorsprung durch Technik brand’s commitment, made at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, to underpin future high performance variants of the A1 with this proven driver aid.

The latest member of the burgeoning quattro family uses technology very similar to that used in A3 and TT models. At its core is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for an optimized distribution of weight. Inside is a package of plates that rotate in an oil bath.

During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If the front axle loses grip, the clutch can instantly transfer torque to the rear axle by forcing the plate packages together. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the necessary oil pressure.

The UK A1 range currently offers a choice of ten front-wheel-driven models powered by 1.2-litre TFSI (86PS) and 1.4-litre TFSI (122PS) petrol engines and a 1.6-litre TDI (105PS) diesel, and is priced from £13,420 OTR to £18,665 OTR.

Categories: A1, audi

AUDI A1 IS NAMED WHAT CAR? CAR OF THE YEAR 2011

The new Audi A1 scooped the top honour at the prestigious What Car? Awards last night at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane.

The judges were full of admiration for the premium subcompact hatchback, which “comes across as every inch a bespoke premium product“ and “oozes quality everywhere you look and from everything you touch – you won’t find better at this price.“

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of What Car?, explained: “The Audi A1 is a brilliant car: brilliantly targeted and brilliantly executed. More and more buyers are looking for smaller, more efficient cars, but with all the luxury trappings of much larger cars. That’s exactly what Audi has given them – a super-stylish, high quality small car that’s affordable and great fun, too.“

Peter Schwarzenbauer, Board Member for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG, accepted the award and said: “Our buyers can have great confidence in the A1 now that it has been voted the best by the respected What Car? experts who we know are exceptionally thorough in their testing. We know this is right up there among the very hardest awards to win from a car title anywhere in the world.“

The A1 is “top of the pile in so many ways“

The A1 has also clinched the Best Supermini title for 2011. Having been voted by What Car? readers as the Most Exciting Car of 2010 at last year’s awards, the A1 has fulfilled its promise in the eyes of the judges.

Jeremy Hicks, Director of Audi UK said: “It’s an incredible honour for the A1 to win three What Car? awards in its debut year. We were naturally thrilled when it won the Most Exciting Car of the Year award in 2010, but for it to win the Supermini category and then the Car of the Year award overall in 2011 is extraordinary.“

Prices for the A1 start at £13,420 OTR for the 1.2 TFSI (86PS) SE model, and rise to £18,665 for the 1.4 TFSI (122PS) S line model.

Categories: A1, audi, Audi A1

DUAL-CHARGED AUDI A1 1.4 TFSI GIVES UK RANGE ANOTHER BOOST

Latest version of new Audi premium subcompact delivers highest output to date thanks to combined turbocharging and supercharging

• New A1 1.4 TFSI 185PS now available to order priced from £20,705 OTR
• 1.4-litre direct injection petrol engine combines a supercharger that is active from 1,500rpm with a turbocharger that adds its influence from around 3,500rpm
• 185PS, 250Nm, 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds, top speed 141mph, combined mpg 47.9, CO2 139g/km
• S tronic twin-clutch transmission and S line specification as standard

Turbocharging and supercharging share top billing in the new Audi A1 1.4 TFSI S line 185PS, which is available to order in the UK from this week priced from £20,705 OTR. The new top-performing A1 derives its impressive performance from a potent combination of the two forced induction methods working sequentially, but nevertheless manages to maintain frugal 47.9mpg economy potential giving CO2 output of just 139g/km.

The compact and lightweight four-valve-per-cylinder ‘dual-charged’ engine powers the A1 1.4 TFSI 185PS from rest to 62mph in just 6.9 seconds, and on to a 141mph top speed. Under power, the supercharger is the first to exert its influence, intervening at around 1,500rpm to increase thrust. In most cases it then disengages at around 2,400rpm, to be followed from around 3,500rpm by a boost from the turbocharger to hasten progress yet again.

As the supercharger takes care of low-range boost, it has been possible to use a larger turbocharger designed with optimum efficiency in mind, and this is reflected in the impressively strong combined cycle fuel economy and low emissions.

The S tronic seven-speed twin-clutch transmission directs power to the front wheels as standard, and with its ability to perform gear shifts in just a few hundredths of a second perfectly suits the newcomer’s temperament. Its tall seventh gear also reduces fuel consumption.

ESP with limited slip differential

McPherson strut front and torsion-beam rear suspension with separate springs and dampers and taut S line settings forms the basis for agile handling, giving keen turn in and impressive mid-corner stability and grip. Control under pressure is also safeguarded by the latest ESP stabilization program with electronic axle differential lock, which initiates very brief braking of the inside front wheel when its sensors detect an impending loss of traction during fast cornering.

The performance-oriented S line suspension forms part of the overall S line specification that is standard for the 1.4 TFSI 185PS, and includes features such as an exclusive S line exterior treatment, 17-inch alloy wheels and part leather-upholstered sports seats. This is in addition to the Sport equipment level which already includes remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, Driver’s Information System and a six-speaker single CD audio system with auxiliary iPod connection linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display.

Categories: A1, audi, Audi A1

503PS AUDI A1 CLUBSPORT QUATTRO

A larger-than-life 503PS version of the smallest Audi to date makes its debut this week at Austria’s 30^th annual Wörtherseetour meeting for fans of VW Group models. The one-off A1 clubsport quattro uses a heavily modified version of the RS 3 Sportback’s turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine to deliver electrifying performance which is headlined by figures including 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and 0-124mph in just 10.9 seconds.

The heart of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a classic Audi petrol engine – a five-cylinder unit displacing 2.5 litres 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 503PS and 660 Nm of torque. Maximum power is available between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm.

The turbocharger, intercooler, induction 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 in its overall weight of just 1,390 kilograms. This helps it to catapult from 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds, and from 0 to 124mph in just 10.9 seconds. The 50-70mph overtaking surge can be dispatched 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 155mph.

The Audi showcar rolls on 255/30 low-profile tyres 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 callipers grab perforated carbon fibre-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
Visually, the exquisitely finished show car makes no secret of its potential. The body has a Glacier White matte paint finish, with accents provided by many add-on parts. The roof arch in high-gloss black supports a roof made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and the four rings at the front of the car are solid aluminium.

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 bonnet.

The front wings, the doors and the rear side panels of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro have been widened by a total of 60 millimetres. They form horizontal “blister” edges, like those found on the Audi Ur-quattro. Air outlets are integrated into the rear ends of the wings, 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 urther stiffen the body and storage for racing helmets. A weight-optimised 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 fibre-reinforced polymer. Red four-point belts secure the driver and passenger.

The interior of the showcar is a study in dark grey. Large areas are covered with exposed, matte-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 centre console. The CFRP material used on the open-spoked sport steering wheel is covered with leather. Rocker switches on the centre 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 centre console and the seats are covered in fine leather upholstery with tone-on-tone stitching. The selector lever is made of aluminium; 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.

Categories: A1, audi, Audi A1

AUDI A1 CLEANS UP EVEN MORE THOROUGHLY

The price of progress in the Audi A1 1.6 TDI falls even further from this week as an even more fuel efficient version of the frugal premium sub-compact hatchback shrugs off road tax and the London congestion charge through a lower 99g/km CO₂ output. Improved 74.3mpg economy potential, and unchanged OTR prices for the SE, Sport and S line models ranging from £14,480 to £17,865, also help to make the thriftiest A1 an even more desirable proposition.

Further optimisation of the fuel system and engine management unit has reduced the CO₂ output of the A1 1.6 TDI from 105g/km to 99g/km, and boosted its official combined economy figure from 70.6mpg to 74.3mpg. As before, the achievement of these outstanding figures is aided by engine start-stop and energy recuperation systems.

The performance delivered by the turbo charged and directly injected common rail unit also remains as keen as ever. The A1 1.6 TDI with five-speed manual transmission sprints from rest to 62mph in 10.5 seconds, and where conditions allow can reach a top speed of 118mph.

The advantage held by the revised 1.6 TDI won’t only be felt at the filling station. With CO₂ dipping below the 100g/km mark it is exempt from the London congestion charge, and also from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) from year 2 onwards as the duty bandings currently stand. The majority of A1 models, including the 1.6 TDI, are already duty-free in the first year of ownership.

The A1 1.6 TDI with 99g output can be ordered in all three UK A1 trim levels – SE, Sport and S line. Features common to all include alloy wheels, remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors and a six-speaker single CD audio system with auxiliary iPod connection linked to a 6.5-inch retractable display.

This efficiency standard bearer is far from the exception to the rule for Audi. The Vorsprung durch Technik brand offers an exceptional range of models that champion the cause, the most notable being the three-door A3 1.6 TDI which can also offer 99g/km and 74.3mpg capability, the A4 TDI Saloon with 120g/km and 61.4mpg, the new A6 2.0 TDI saloon with 129g/km and 57.6mpg and the TT TDI quattro with 53.3mpg and 139g/km. Later in 2011, another highlight will be launched in the shape of the front-wheel-drive A8 3.0 TDI luxury saloon, combining 204PS with the potential to cover up to 47.1mpg while emitting just 159g/km of CO₂.

Categories: A1, audi, Audi A1