This pint-sized Audi is no econobox.
Anyone who equates small cars with underpowered econoboxes better take a deep breath before checking out the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro.
Though technically a concept vehicle, the subcompact muscle car unveiled at Audi’s annual gathering in Worthersee could very well – many will hope – be a sign of things to come.
The show car starts out as a conventional Audi A1, the Volkswagen subsidiaries smallest offering. But there most resemblances end. For one thing, the Clubsport gets the signature Audi all-wheel-drive system, Quattro, which is not currently offered in the A1 line. That’s only the beginning.
The pint-sized fury 2.5-liter turbo inline-five goes through what might be called “extensive tuning.” By the time the maker’s gearheads finished up, they were able to squeeze a screaming 500 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque out of the little package, a jaw-dropping 200 hp/liter, a specific output that would be the pride of many a race team. Power is directed through a 6-speed manual gearbox to all four wheels.
The performance figures tell the story: 3.7 seconds from 0 to 100 kmh (62 mph), and 10.9 seconds from 0 to 200. Top speed? Sadly, Audi will only reveal that it is currently an electronically limited 250 kmh, or 155 mph.
To get those numbers, Audi hints to making extensive modifications in the form of turbo, intercooler, admission tract and exhaust line.
Visually, the A1 Clubsport Quattro also goes through some extensive tuning, starting with the big rear spoiler with double wings that keeps the tail glued to the Autobahn. Painted in matte white, there’s a lightweight carbon fiber roof and plenty of other aerodynamic tricks involved in the project. Twin air outlets on the hood help exhaust heat.
Another neat modification is the use of side-exit exhaust port that surfaces just ahead of the left rear wheel – those wheels and tires, meanwhile measuring 19 inches.
The A1 Clubsport Quattro has been modified for track use; the rear seat has been removed and replaced by a large crossbar to enhance body stiffness. There’s also a special storage place for racing helmets.
European buyers – there’s no A1 in the States yet – can hang tight, as an A1 Quattro is coming. But for the moment, at least, there are no plans to market the rest of the Clubsport mods. Even a rumored RS1 likely won’t come close to 500 hp. But perhaps some creative tuners will be able to pick up the slack?