Mini Cooper killer? Audi A1 Metroproject Quattro Tokyo show concept
When Audi said it wanted a car to do battle with the Mini Cooper in the subcompact category, we got excited. Word on the street was that an A1 entry-level model would be built and entered in the low-to-mid $20,000 segment in the U.S., offering a real alternative for enthusiasts looking for a small, sporty Audi that’s also easy on the bank account. When we heard this car might be coming to Tokyo later this month, we couldn’t wait to see it.
Now, ahead of Tokyo, the wait is over. Images and details of Audi’s newest concept are out. Labeled the Audi A1 Metroproject Quattro concept, the vehicle is a three-door, four-seat hatch with an outwardly aggressive attitude and stance. Audi’s bold, deep front grille is present along with glaring, narrow-eyed headlamps and deep lower air intakes. Aluminum accent trim adorns the pillars and roofline of the car and the coupe-like profile is neat and tidy. At the rear, two largish exhaust tips slot through the rear valance and a subtle roof spoiler is fitted.
The Audi A1 Metroproject Quattro is said to be a hybrid, with a 1.4-liter TFSI engine that produces around 150 horsepower for the front wheels, while a 41 horsepower electric motor is mounted on the rear axle - good for 7.8 second 0 to 60 mph runs and a top speed of just over 124 mph. As a full hybrid, the concept is able to be powered by the plug-in electric motor alone, which runs off lithium-ion batteries. All the standard hybrid technologies such as engine start/stop and brake regeneration are present, and a range of 62 miles is available on battery power alone before needing a recharge. An S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox gets the power directed to its destination and although the concept is a hybrid, gasoline and diesel options ranging from 1.2- to 2.0-liters are said to be adaptable.
Keeping with the concept’s sporting nature, the A1 Metroproject Quattro will get the magnetic ride shock absorbers as found on Audi’s own R8 and TT and 12.3-inch brake rotors tucked behind 18-inch wheels. Inside, the interior is somewhat reminiscent of the Audi TT, with a sporty, flat-bottomed steering wheel, protruding air vents, lots of aluminum trim, paddle shifters, and a clear instrument display with a large tachometer and speedometer. A red engine start button resides on the center console between driver and passenger and red accent stitching adorns otherwise black upholstery. Especially cool are the individual bucket rear seats and, in a “Gee, whiz” sort of way, the battery compartment, visible in the rear cargo area through a plexiglass cover. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the cell phone that comes with the A1 Metroproject Quattro — it’s a portable, remote version of Audi’s MMI in-car interface, key fob, sat-nav unit, audio and video player, and remote car security camera all in one device. Take that iPhone!
Expect a production version of the A1 to arrive sometime in 2009, with multiple engine options and in two, three, and five-door configurations. A convertible edition and S1 performance variant, possibly with the automaker’s quattro, are almost certainly assured as well.
All in all, we’re impressed and can’t wait to see the Audi A1 Metroproject Quattro concept in the flesh at the Tokyo Motor Show, October 24-25. Of course, you’ll want to keep it tuned to Motor Trend Online for all the latest updates live from the show floor on this and other concept debuts.
[source: Motor Trend]
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