A1/S1 Audi A1 Sportback concept: pics & info

[Bartek S.]

re: New Audi A1 Thread Part II (Spy pics & info)

Audi planning to launch A1 family in 2010


Audi’s CEO has reaffirmed his company’s plans to boost its lineup to 40 models by 2015 and expand its production facilities, including possibly building a plant in the U.S., as well as upgrading its current European sites. Audi has already confirmed it will invest €200 million in its Brussels plant to prepare it for the new A1 minicar due in 2010.

Speaking with Germany’s Focus, Rupert Stadler confirmed that Audi was investigating U.S. production and revealed that it could simply use extra capacity a new American Volkswagen plant to be announced within months.
The upcoming A1, meanwhile, will exclusively be built in Brussels and will be available in several different variations in addition to the core hatchback model. The other variants are tipped to include a cabrio, sportback and a possible SUV-crossover.
Audi was originally planning to build around 100,000 A1 minicars per year but with the new upgrades production can now be boosted closer to 120,000 units annually.
Heavily influenced by the Audi Metroproject concept car, the A1 is being built by Audi as a direct response to new premium mini-cars being brought out. The competitors on this stage include Mercedes’ Smart brand, the Volkswagen Up!, and even a new BMW minicar currently being developed.
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motorauthority

 

[Bartek S.]

re: New Audi A1 Thread Part II (Spy pics & info)

A1 Cabriolet is out in the open
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It’s mid-summer, and Audi is celebrating in style with this: the new A1 Cabriolet.
The German supermini first broke cover last October as the Metroproject Quattro – a concept designed to showcase both the A1 and Audi’s clever electric-hybrid powertrain.
Auto Express revealed sketches of the model in Issue 981, and ever since then, the baby Audi has been casting a shadow over the car that’s set to be its main rival: the Mini.
Audi has never been one to hold back its engineers when it comes to new challenges, and it sees the premium supermini class dominated by the baby BMW as a lucrative market.
So, with an eye on the biggest possible slice of the cake, the A1 will aim to steal sales from the popular Mini Convertible. Our exclusive pictures reveal exactly how the drop-top will look when it debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009, before hitting dealers the following year.
The roof mechanism is more sophisticated than that of the MINI. It’s a powered hood which folds down electrically and is swallowed into the boot, rather than sitting on top of the car behind the rear bulkhead.
Audi bosses have put form over function with the two-seater, although as there is no rear bench the car should offer enough load space to take the weekly shopping.
This approach means it’s vital that the drop-top looks the part – and as you can see, it doesn’t disappoint. It gets a strong family shape, throwing in few surprises but oozing class thanks to clean lines and the trademark Audi grille. A sharp crease which runs from the shoulder line and around the rim of the bonnet emphasises the shape of the nose, while the flared wheelarches are reminiscent of the firm’s TT Cabriolet.
At the rear, twin integrated exhaust pipes straddle a trapezoidal bumper insert, and a strong line splits the tailgate above the lights.
Expect the cabin to be Audi’s usual array of well damped, orderly switchgear, although details such as unique interior colour and trim combinations will distinguish the A1 from the brand’s other small models. The latest Multi Media Interface (MMI) will appear, too.
A heavy quattro four-wheel-drive system was deemed unnecessary, particularly as the cabrio has extra torsional rigidity to make up for losing the roof. Under the bonnet, the cabrio will more than match the Mini, as it will be able to take its pick from the VW Group’s engine line-up. Most intriguing is the inclusion of both 140bhp and 170bhp 1.4 TSI turbo and supercharged units currently found in the Golf GT Sport. These will use a six-speed double-clutch gearbox powering the front wheels.
TSI versions are set to be sales leaders, due to their appealing combination of refinement, performance and economy. A 150bhp 1.8 turbo engine will line up alongside the clever TSI unit, and the range will also include an entry-level 1.6 with 102bhp. Two 2.0-litre TDI oil-burners will feature, rated at 140bhp and 170bhp.
Even though some of these motors creep close to MINI Cooper S territory, Audi’s trump card will be a hot S1. This gets the same engine as the 261bhp S3 when it arrives in 2011.
Chassis
Borrowing heavily from construction techniques mastered on the A2 – the car the A1 hatch replaces – the Cabriolet will be produced using steel and aluminium. This method has already been used in the TT, and helps to keep weight down.
Engines
Much is being made of the new 1.4-litre TSI unit that debuted in the VW Golf. It’s fitted with a supercharger and turbo, and also features in the Scirocco. But the A1 could get a petrol-electric motor, too – making it the world’s first hybrid cabriolet.
Roof
the electrically operated fabric top will be cut from the same cloth as that which features on the A3 and A4 cabrios. There is no chance the car will be a metal-roofed coupé-cabriolet, because the mechanism would be too bulky and heavy to fit beneath the bodywork.
autoexpress

 

[Mockenrue]

re: New Audi A1 Thread Part II (Spy pics & info)

As per usual, the Auto Express site is down.

 

[Bartek S.]

re: New Audi A1 Thread Part II (Spy pics & info)

Audi readies A1 baby - more info

Audi’s keenly anticipated Mini and Alfa Mito rival, the A1, will ride on a Spanish Seat Ibiza platform.

With global automobile consumers now in a strong purchasing trend towards smaller vehicles, the A1 is to be a key sales momentum product for Audi.

Better suspension

Although many thought the radical looking A1 – featuring a characteristically oversized Audi grille – would warrant its own mini-platform, the Spanish VW subsidiary Seat have donated their new Ibiza as a common platform for the new A1.
The new VW Polo will utilise the same platform, codenamed Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) by VW and Audi company insiders.

Following the newly launched Ibiza, the A1 should feature a MacPherson strut front suspension arrangement but a four-link independent rear suspension instead of the Ibiza twist beam rear set-up with trailing arms.

Hybrid drive

TFSI engines in various states of tune and a hybrid option will power the A1 – which goes on sale late in 2009.

A 1.4-litre turbocharged direct-injection (TFSI) four-cylinder engine producing 110kW and 240Nm and driving through the new seven-speed S tronic DSG gearbox will be the primary powerplant.

Internal combustion drive is augmented by a 30kW electric motor, which thrusts out 200Nm of torque, and is positioned on the rear axle. This unit drives the car exclusively at lower speeds or provides extra muscle (and all-wheel drive) under full throttle.

The concept's lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged from a standard electric plug, will keep the Quattro Metroproject (as the A1 is grandiosely named) moving for about 100km.

Economy minded buyers can choose between a 1.2-litre 63kW petrol, and diesels ranging from 1.6-litres and 66kW to 2-litres – all with common rail direct injection.

Buyers requiring more spirited performance should have a 125kW option available in the 1.4 TFSI engine available to them too.

Audi drive select – already available in South African on the latest A4 – and magnetic ride should endow the smallest of Audi’s with very tidy ride and handling capabilities.
wheels24

 

[Poverty]

re: New Audi A1 Thread Part II (Spy pics & info)

will the A1 definetly have independant rear suspension?

 

[SKY]

re: New Audi A1 Thread Part II (Spy pics & info)

What is going to be the price of this car?, i am havin Ibiza and Alfa Mito in mind, hope so.

 

[Centurion]

re: New Audi A1 Thread Part II (Spy pics & info)

What is going to be the price of this car?, i am havin Ibiza and Alfa Mito in mind, hope so.

It should be a little bit more than the MiTo since the quality of the car will be more premium as well being offered with a line of superb engines.

 

[Poverty]

re: New Audi A1 Thread Part II (Spy pics & info)

mi.to interior sucks.

 

[Bartek S.]

re: New Audi A1 Thread Part II (Spy pics & info)

 

[Tarek]

re: New Audi A1 Thread Part II (Spy pics & info)

A four door? same size as VW polo?

 

[Tumbo]

Audi A1 Sportback concept: Official pics & info

First images:



Power comes from a 150hp 1.4-liter TFSI engine which is combined with a 20Kw (27hp) hybrid unit that will provide the A1 Concept with an additional 150Nm of torque. Couple these with Audi's dual-clutch S-Tronic gearbox and the A1 Sportback Concept can thrust itself from 0-100km/h in just 7.9 seconds. Fuel consumption lies at an admirable 3.9 liters per 100km whilst emissions come in at 92g/km.

 

[Tumbo]

re: Audi A1 Sportback concept: pics & info

0-100km/h 7.9 seconds 3.9 liters per 100km 92g/km.....

I'd buy one tomorrow!!!

 

[Merc1]

re: Audi A1 Sportback concept: pics & info

Interesting concept....

M

 

[PanterroR]

re: Audi A1 Sportback concept: pics & info

Wicked!

 

[Zafiro]

re: Audi A1 Sportback concept: pics & info

So this is the so called Mini killer?

 

[martinbo]

re: Audi A1 Sportback concept: pics & info

Yes, interesting enough... but the same wide-mouthed-frog-in-a-hockey-mask frontal persona. Stuck in a rut Audi? Or is this building on brand identity? I'm not qualified to say...

Try this at home - put on your best cross face, pull your mouth wide at the cheeks and say "Grrr..." that's what this looks like to me.

I'd also prefer a more upright C-pillar with less of a slope to the rear windscreen.

Technically though - seems impressive; torque must be what? 350 Nm when combined with the output of the electric motor? In a car that gets sub 4l/100km consumption? Roll-on the hybrid age...

 

[EnI]

re: Audi A1 Sportback concept: pics & info

OMG! I'm I seeing that right????

They are finally moving away from trapezoid-shaped single grille, to hexagonal-shaped single grille.



Although they "stole" it from VW ... First seen on Iroc Concept. As they did with the cut Mitsubishi-like headlights.
Remember: when came to VW top positions, da Silva & Winterkorn issued a directive to redesign Sirocco & Golf IV - axing the single shaped grille, since that being "Audi design trademark". So, now we see Audi using the solution first proposed on VW. Eh ...

Also the traditional soft Audi lines seem to be gone forever. In the front & in the back.
Much more hard geometrical lines being used. Yet this definitely may lead to less classiness if not done right. Think Acura.


Also: although this car is based on A1 platform, the design speaks new A3 to me. We have already seen how the A1 will look like (Audi Metroproject Concept), and I don't expect 5dr version of A1 to differ so much from the 3dr version. IMO the design of this Concept showcases the next A3.


I have to say this design has some potential - for Audi to finally bring their design at least one step further.

 

[PanterroR]

re: Audi A1 Sportback concept: pics & info

the same wide-mouthed-frog-in-a-hockey-mask frontal persona.

Lol, man you're unbelievable...

 

[martinbo]

re: Audi A1 Sportback concept: pics & info

^ p!ss off!

Edit: Ok, ok -maybe first generation cylon then? Just invert it...

 

[PanterroR]

re: Audi A1 Sportback concept: pics & info

Lol...