Remember that awesome looking Audi A1 from earlier in the year? Well those nice people at Audi have decided to build a limited run of 333 examples. Available in LHD only the 256PS, 2.0-litre TFSI also delivers 350Nm of torque meaning 0-62mph is dealt with in just 5.7 seconds and will carry on all the way to a dizzy 152mph.
Getting the power down wont be an issue as this is of course a Quattro, the first time Audi’s all-wheel-drive system has been used in the A1.
For the clever people here’s some blurb from the press release (translated: 6 speed manual box, sport mode, nice handling) Power is channelled via a quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, the heart of which is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch whose package of plates rotates in an oil bath.
During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If traction decreases there, the clutch can transfer torque steplessly to the rear axle in just a few milliseconds by forcing the packages of plates together by a defined amount. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the oil pressure. If a wheel on one of the axles starts to skid, it is braked by the electronic differential lock (EDL). The electronic stability program (ESP) also includes a sport mode which sets a higher threshold for intervention, and can be switched off entirely for track use.
The chassis of the Audi A1 quattro has been adapted to suit the dynamics of the drivetrain, and the multi-plate clutch has also been positioned on the rear axle in the interest of optimum weight distribution. The front suspension is a McPherson strut construction, while a four-link set-up is used at the rear. Responsive and efficient electrohydraulic power steering with a direct 14.8:1 steering ratio complements this taut and well balanced configuration.
The A1 Quattro will be available in mainland Europe during the second half of 2012, UK imports will depending on customer interest, so pipe up people!
