All posts tagged audi a1
Audi A1 quattro confirmed
Audi has confirmed that a quattro A1 version will soon be available, with the company claiming that it marks the first time an all-wheel drive model will appear for this segment. Given the confirmation, we expect that A1 S and RS models will have all-wheel technology and not front-wheel drive as previously rumoured.
Audi Quattro technology should appear on the more powerful engine options in the A1 range, and it is expected that the models will have the same system as the Audi A3 and TT 4×4 models. Haldex electronic control should therefore be included, with front and rear distribution to be adjusted in various driving conditions. We could see the Audi A1 Quattro released as early as this year.
Audi e-Tron videos and production news
Audi is using the e-Tron badge for different electric vehicles in its range and will bring its Audi R8 e-Tron to market before the A1 e-Tron. We’ve already seen the former model with its four electric motors on each wheel producing some impressive performance numbers, and production plans are for it to get to market in late 2012. As an electric supercar it will compete with others like the Mercedes SLS AMG E-cell and its technical stats should be nothing short of revolutionary: 308 hp and 1,600 kg.
Audi is also performing testing on its other e-Tron family member - the Audi A1 e-Tron. It might sound odd, but while the A1 e-Tron will never be as exclusive as the R8, we’re more excited by it. Why? Because Audi’s hot minicar in an electric version will be all the more accessible than the R8 and therefore a more useful innovation.
The A1 e-Tron is not strictly speaking an all-electric vehicle. It’s a range-extending one which includes both a tiny Wankel 250cc rotary engine with 20 hp, and an electric motor fed by 12 kW lithium ion batteries that produces between 61 and 102 hp. Torque is measured at 150 Nm in normal conditions, reaching 240 Nm in maximum performance. Videos after the jump.
Audi A1 vs Mini video drive
We have soooo been waiting for this: the Audi A1 challenges its declared rival, the Mini, in this video from AutoExpress. We’ll admit that we’ve heard good things about the A1 style, interior, quality finishes and the rest, but we had our doubts that it could get as fun as the Mini on the road.
We’ll also say that describing the A1 as ’solid and secure’ is probably not the description we had expected of a car meant to be funky for the younger generation. In fact, despite a weird and wonderful marketing campaign, the Audi A1 still looks too much like it belongs to the family of my Dad’s A3 for my liking.
AutoExpress itself admits that the clincher is the fun factor in a car like one of these. And the Mini has all that wrapped up. But going back to our initial point, the Audi does quality finish just so well that the Mini, in comparison, apparently feels a bit ‘tacky’….! See whether you’d go for quality finish over ride fun in this neat little video after the jump.
Audi S1 to get 270 hp?
As the Audi S1 that we had hoped to see at the 2010 Paris Motor Show became the A1 1.4 TFSI, it has served only to increase speculation of when we will see the S1 appear. And more to the point, just how much horse power it might have. AutoBild has revealed that according to them the S1 will have 220 hp and an all-wheel-drive system, but other, more elaborate news is coming from elsewhere.
Other reports from the Netherlands have the Audi S1 at anything up to 270 hp. This calculation comes from the knowledge that the 1.4-litre TFSI with no Audi Quattro technology is not quite what one would expect of an Audi ‘S’ model. In addition, the RS1 project uses a 2.0-litre TFSI with 270 hp, but the thinking is that it has been cancelled and the S1 will take its place. For the moment, we’re happy to check out the A1 1.4-litre model at Paris as we wait for more news.
Source | AutoWeek.nl
Audi A1 S Line and Competition Kit available
After the news that Audi will present its new Audi A1 1.4 TFSI model at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, it seems the new Audi citycar is really taking off with the A1 Competition Kit and S-Line packages also now available. The Competition Kit focuses on changes to the exterior body work totalling 1,865 euros and the interior comes second at 670 euros of new accessories.
Starting on the outside, there will be a new front spoiler, side skirts, chrome exhaust and rear extractor, while the inside features new air outlets for the air conditioning, changes to the central console and door handles and embossed car mats. The Competition Kit is clearly about aesthetics but not without reason - it’s inspired by the Audi quattro model driven by Walter Röhrl.
The Audi A1 S-Line package costs about 1,900 euros extra and has 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and exterior logos. Internal finishes are slightly different including grey stitiching for the seats, steering wheel, gear stick and handbrake, imperial black dash and three spoke sports steering wheel in leather. The new 1.4 TFSI will clearly be available with a either six-speed manual gearbox or the automatic DSG transmission.
Continue reading: Audi A1 S Line and Competition Kit available
Audi A1 gets 185 hp: still not the S1
Audi will present its new 1.4-litre TFSI engine for the Audi A1 at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in what will be the top-of-the-range A1 model. It’s characterised by more of a sports design, including a lower wheel base. The 185 hp is combined with 250 Nm of torque and the top speed is 227 km/hr. Acceleration to 100 km/hr occurs in 6.9 seconds and fuel consumption is declared at 5.9 litres per 100 km with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.
The A1 1.4 TFSI will be available with the Ambition kit only and with S Line features it also gets dedicated 17-inch alloy wheels. The new engine model also offers the S tronic gearbox with seven speeds, front disc brakes measuring 288 mm, full LED lights and on the inside a Bose audio kit with 14 speakers (how can they fit that many in?!). German pricing for this top-end A1 starts at 24,250 euros.
Audi A1 Tokio Hotel video
The Audi A1 continues its high profile marketing campaign, this time completing a video with Germany’s pop-rock band, Tokio Hotel. With that and the Next Big Thing videos with Justin Timberlake, Audi certainly hasn’t saved on its marketing and creating a specific and slick image for the A1. Obviously aimed at younger people, throwing off its ‘another German premium car’ roots, Audi has invested heavily in making its A1 appeal to exactly who it wants it to.
What’s more, the aggressive and sophisticated campaign could be bearing fruit, with official sales kicking off in August amongst announcements that Audi has already planned A1 production increases. An extra note on the German thing - having chosen a local musical group to help in its promotion, this could be exactly the kind of German car that young locals back. It’s got nothing that indicates it’s the kind of thing your father would buy, thus giving the next generation something cool but German to cruise in.
Audi A1 available outside Europe but US to wait for second generation
The Audi A1 compact continues its road to success with Audi announcing that the new model will be sold outside of Europe by 2011. The A1 was originally planned as a European-only model but with demand increasing and interest from other markets, Audi could join Mini in its mass international appeal as a small car. The Fiat 500 will be trying to keep up with its appearance on the US market at the end of this year.
Contrary, though, the Audi A1 will not be available in the US and China, with those markets to wait for a second model for the US and a date later than 2011 for China. The A1 has still yet to prove its sales record in Europe as it won’t go on sale until tomorrow, August 27 but so far the interest (merging on hype) generated is such that Audi has a very positive outlook for its smallest offering.
The Audi A1 provides a premium offering in the compact sector, competing with Mini (but without the retro image), the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes A-Class. It will go on sale in Germany at about 15,800 euros for the entry level 1.2-litre engine. While Audi had originally planned an initial 100,000 units, the A1 website has indicated international interest from about another 150,000 visitors.
Continue reading: Audi A1 available outside Europe but US to wait for second generation
Audi A1 tuning: the ABT AS1
The ABT AS1 is the first Audi A1 tuning to reach the market. The ABT package is a complete kit designed to allow for an infinite number of personalised options. It features new aerodynamics, exhaust, suspension, wheels and performance upgrades. If you want to be noticed, there are three new colours: “Kleks” red, “Aloha” white and “High Voltage” black, which can be combined with ‘Z’ 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels.
The three new colours come with decorative elements with the red featuring white paint splashes, the black taking on a mean “toxic skull” design and the white “Aloha” as the name suggests, features Hawaiian style hibiscus flowers. The Audi A1 engines get power upgrades. The 1.2 TFSI gets another 29 hp, taking it to 115 hp and the 1.4 TFSI also gets the same boost, reaching 150 hp. The 1.6 TDI in both its 90 and 105 hp gets another 20 hp.
Video: Audi A1 evo test drive
The start of this video seems out to prove that the Mini has it all - it’s cute, trendy, stylish, great to drive, an every man status symbol, retro cool etc etc. So how is the Audi A1 going to beat all of that? Will it be both funky and fun to drive? We sat through six Justin Timberlake videos (that’s right, SIX) not to get any closer to answering this question. And so here’s EVO to the rescue.
The big question is whether it will nail the same ‘cracking’ drive that Mini’s got. The style debate with the Audi A1 is a big one and I’m with Evo on this one, perhaps for different reasons. The A1 is small, it has the compact cute appeal but for me, it’s still an Audi. My father owns two Audis so you can understand that when I saw the A1, particularly the distinctive Audi front end which is remarkably similar to most other Audis in the range, you can imagine I wasn’t so convinced that this was a vechicle marketed to people in my age group.
Big news is that not even the Mini is as well built as the Audi A1, but the latter is not “playful”. In fact, it’s more sophisticated than exciting (back to my Dad). The same discussion on quality must be carried over to the drive feel. Clearly the Audi A1 is a good car but it lacks pizazz. It’s no Mini Cooper despite a good feel from the 120 hp. If you like polished and sophisticated then the A1 could be for you. But if you like your car a little rough around the edges, perhaps you stick to a Mini. Check it all out in the video.
Please step off the Facebook bandwagon: tuned ABT Audi A1 to be revealed
These days it seems before you’re allowed any pictures, news, juicy gossip or announcements of new products, you have to first sign up as a friend or fan (what happened to foe??) on a Facebook group. From the auto world, tuning house ABT seems to be the latest to indulge in a social networking campaign to launch its new Audi A1 by ABT.
The ABT A1 will be presented in August and will include the usual engine tuning to get more power, and sports accessories including alloy wheels and new suspension components. New designs for the A1 from ABT can be chosen by Facebook fans on the site from July 28 to August 11. We don’t even have a picture to show you at this stage, not having signed up as a fan yet, but we’ll be bringing you more news when we don’t have to befriend ourselves first.
Video: Audi A1 construction
This video shows how the Audi A1 gets built at the Bruxelles production plant. The new Audi city car, created as a rival to Mini, looks like it’s going to be a success from day one and it will be interesting to see how its fortunes pan out over the next year. The company has certainly put the effort in, at least on the marketing front with the Justin Timberlake movies, which have put some funk into the German brand. The A1 goes on sale in September this year.
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