Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro

Another level

This was the thirtieth edition of the even which sees fans of GTI motorization to gather and celebrate their love of power. And this year Audi exceeded the expectations of a Wörthersee debut with a seriously pimped A1 concept which could well play nicely in the super car league. If we were delighted at the salon in by the 408 horsepower five-cylinder turbo A3 concept car, we are now overjoyed that Audi have gone one better. They have taken the brilliant 2.5 litre power plant installed already in the TT RS and dropped it into an A1, thereby taking the little Clubsport Quattro to an exciting new level. By improving the turbocharger system, the air cooler and the intake and exhaust ducting the direct injection motor now puts out a dazzling 503 horsepower and 660 Newton metres of torque. The very reasonable weight of the car, 1,390 kilos, helps to make acceleration to a hundred in 3.7 seconds possible. A six-speed transmission with the permanent all-wheel-drive of the TT RS, both of which have been further developed, also contribute to the impressive performance of the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro. In just 7.2 seconds the car passes the 200 mark and goes on to reach a top speed of 250 when the electronic barrier falls. So that all of this power stays under control the Audi has given the concept car adjustable coilovers, six-piston brakes with carbon ceramic discs and 255/30 rubber on 19 inch alloys in turbine look. There is a hint of Rally World Championship in the air.

In the dark grey interior of the Clubsport Quattro the racing competition character is further underlined. There is neither an infotainment system nor rear seats but there are the lightweight bucket seats also installed in the R8GT with their red four-point seat-belts.

Rally ready

Speaking of rallying: The front mudguards, the doors and the rear side panels of the matte white bodywork are widened by 60 millimetres. Then there’s a front spoiler with huge air intakes, a closed rear diffuser and a remarkable roof wing with twin spoiler edges. As with the A4 in DTM trim the exhaust outlets are forward of the rear wheel arches. In the dark grey interior of the Clubsport Quattro the racing competition character is further underlined. There is neither an infotainment system nor rear seats but there are the lightweight bucket seats also installed in the R8GT with their red four-point seat-belts and a substantial cross-bar for added rigidity. Switches on the central console replace the usual buttons on the steering column or door panels. There are additional instruments to monitor oil pressure, charger pressure and electrical power and instead of handles there are red fabric loops for the doors, the glove compartment and stowage niches. For those anxious to see the monster A1 with their own eyes there is a further event from the 1^st to the 4^th of June at the Wörthersee lake where the Ingolstadt car maker will once again delight observers with this amazing Clubsport Quattro. It is said that the chances of a production series of this model are close to zero.