BMW’s Mini Cooper will come under fire in 2009, when Audi introduces an entry-level A1 model, followed by a top-secret high-performance S1 model aimed squarely at the Cooper S.
Although Audi officials in the United States are mum on the project, highly placed sources in Ingolstadt say the car is being engineered for both the European and the North American market. Coupe, convertible and three- and five-door hatchback versions are all in the product portfolio.
The range-topping performance S1, shown in these illustrations, will be powered by a 180-to-200-hp version of parent company Volkswagen’s 1.4-liter Twincharger (supercharged and turbocharged) engine, coupled to a Haldex-style multiplate-clutch transmission to give it permanent all-wheel drive. A seven-speed direct-shift gearbox would be standard. Sources say the S1 will be capable of 0 to 60 mph in less than 7.0 seconds and will have a top speed of about 150 mph.
The base front-wheel-drive A1 likely will be powered by VW’s 1.4-liter four-cylinder
direct-injection engine, producing 90 hp (naturally aspirated) or 120 hp (turbocharged) in Europe, but larger engines could be offered in U.S. models. Diesel models are also in the works. The standard A1 transmission will be a six-speed manual, with the seven-speed DSG optional on higher-end models.
While styling is always a key element of an Audi’s appeal, engineers aren’t taking dynamics for granted. Early plans had the new car based on the relatively basic and cheap-to-produce underpinnings of the last-generation VW Golf, complete with a torsion-beam rear suspension. But concerns about its ability to deliver a Mini-competitive driving spirit led to the decision to use the newer and more expensive mechanical package from the next-gen VW Polo. The new suspension offers two rear layouts, including a multilink setup that permits greater individual tuning.
Look for the A1 to reach the United States in mid-2010, following its European debut in late 2009. The A1 is part of an extensive new-model push by Audi. Known internally as Route 15, the plan calls for boosting global sales beyond 1.5 million by 2015.
AutoWeek has learned the A1 is targeted for first-year sales of 100,000 to 150,000 cars worldwide.
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Marty Howard
2011 NASA SE Factory Five Challenge Champion
Track Events Logistics Coordinator - TZC/THSCC
2007 Factory Five Challenge Car.
http://www.mh-motorsports.com
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