Audi boosts it A1

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AutoTrader NZ
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Published 3 September 2020

The one-off Audi A1 clubsport quattro features rally car-inspired styling that is said to preview a hot new four-wheel drive S1 quattro model being developed by Audi.

The highlight of the new hatchback is a heavily tweaked version of Audi’s turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder powerplant, sitting transversely in the A1’s engine bay.

For the A1 clubsport quattro, the five-cylinder engine gains added boost pressure, a larger intercooler and a redesigned exhaust, that see output rise by 166hp to 496hp, rivalling some supercars.

Torque has also risen by 47%, peaking at 487lb-ft between 2500 and 5300rpm.

Drive is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and a multi-plate clutch.

Audi claims put the A1’s performance at 0-100kph in 3.7sec, making it just 0.1 slower than the 560hp naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10-powered R8 V10.

The only disappointing thing about the A1 clubsport quattro’s overall performance is its top speed, which is limited to 250kph.

The look of the A1 clubsport quattro is distinguished by a deep front bumper, 60mm wider fenders, a clear coated carbonfibre-reinforced plastic roof, large rear wing high on the tailgate and a diffuser at the rear.

Other features include bonnet-mounted ducts, a honeycomb grille insert, unique headlamp and tail lamp graphics.

Inside, the A1 clubsport quattro has a stripped-out cabin with front carbonfibre-backed seats from the R8 GT, four-point harnesses, a flat-bottomed carbonfibre steering wheel, unique instruments and pull straps in the place of the standard A1’s door handles.