It will also feature “an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for an optimized distribution of weight.”

Audi declined to comment on when a quattro would be added to their A1 lineup, but they did hint it would be introduced in “future high performance A1 variants.”

Source: WCF

The German auto maker got together with the Technical University of Munich to begin testing a fleet of twenty A1 e-Trons. E.ON and Stadtwerke München, German utility companies, are planning to install 100 electric filling stations across Munich.

The Technical University of Munich will be “…responsible for comprehensive data collection and evaluation of mobility behavior.” In order to accomplish this with ease, the team developed their very own mobile phone app, which can document participants behavior.

The A1 e-Tron is a range extended plug-in hybrid, featuring a 75 kW (101 horsepower) electric motor. This allows for travel up to 31 miles on electricity-only, before its lithium-ion batteries are depleted. Once this occurs, A1′s compact internal combustion engine recharges them. e-Tron can go 124 miles on a single-regenerative charge.

According to Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management at Audi, “Electromobility means more to us than just electrifying conventional cars. Instead we are dedicated to a holistic approach to all aspects of the topic. We hope that this fleet trial will enable us to gain broad insights into the behavior but also the expectations of our customers regarding their dealings with electric cars.”

Source: Audi | WCF

Audi’s smallest car may not be making the trans-Atlantic swim, but we’re entitled to a little green-eyed ogling of the hotter S1 version of the 2011 Audi A1, spied testing almost completely undisguised in these photos. The peppier S1 is expected to make its debut in Europe later this year or early next as a 2011 model.

In terms of appearance, the S1 looks rather like an S-line A1, though Audi may be holding back on the aggression a bit to save some money and keep the S1 from stepping on the A3/S3′s toes.

From The Motor Authority

The unique Audi A1 has been spin painted by the artist in his studio in Gloucestershire, and is fully driveable and road legal.

“This is one of the most exciting auction items we have ever had for White Tie,” said Elton John, pictured with partner David Furnish in front of the Hirst Audi. David adds: “Audi has been a wonderful partner with us, and this year they have really produced something fantastic.

I am sure it will be a huge hit with our guests.” As part of the same Lot, the car will be auctioned with a 6ft diameter canvas spin painting, which Hirst completed at the same time.

The A1 is so new it will not be seen on UK roads until November 2010, and this special artwork has been created even in advance of the car’s mainland European launch dates. The uniquely finished example of the premium compact hatchback was produced in close collaboration with Audi AG in Germany, which has been engineering the production for more than six months.

2010 is the eighth year Audi has supported EJAF with special auction lots. The A1 art car is the most remarkable and exclusive donation Audi has ever made. Bidders on the night will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own this piece of Hirst’s exceptional work.

“We are enormously proud to support Sir Elton John’s remarkable fundraising ball for the eighth year in succession with the donation of a priceless and unrepeatable work of art for auction,” commented Audi UK Director Jeremy Hicks.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) was established in 1993. It is amongst the 10 largest AIDS grant making organisations in the world, currently managing over £14 million in programmes across 15 countries supporting thousands of men, women and children with life saving medication, as well as information, nutrition, education, shelter and support.

via gaycarfans

Audi A1 – The Next Big Thing – Part 1

Audi A1 – The Next Big Thing – Part 2

Source: Motor Authority

Rupert Stadler, president of Audi, announced that Sir Timberlake will oversee all U.S. relations having to do with their new roadster, A1. I wonder how Jason Statham took the news?

Timberlake was the star of Geneva’s stage as he stood next to an all new Audi and proclaimed in his mighty voice A1 is a “cool, environmentally friendly and perfectly suited to his crazy urban lifestyle.” Justin didn’t say much about his future plans as the ambassador of A1, but judging by the crowd that gathered around him after the press conference, plenty of people seem to care. You think he’s want something a little fancier like the R8, but who are we to judge.

Source: Inside Line

Audi’s been keeping their A1 concept under wraps for months, dribbling out video teasers, which only showed a few angles of the ride. Even a recent test drive video pixelated the car out! Well, A1 was officially revealed last month, and not our first look at its real life model was seen in Barcelona, Spain:

The A1 is set to debut with three VW-sourced engines on offer. Those would be two gasoline engines, a 1.2 and 1.4 liter, and a 1.6 liter diesel. The suggestively named site “AutoGeSpot.com” is responsible for snagging the pic.

Audi also has some leaking issues, with the RS5 concept that is. These concept sketches and photos popped up on websites, featuring a sporty two door coupe in red. “Speculation over which powerplant will drive the RS 5 has ranged from a massaged 3.0-liter supercharged V6 in the S4, 4.2-liter V8 and 5.0-liter V10 in the RS 6 to the range topping 5.2-liter V10 from the R8.”

There’s no doubt Audi fans will LOVE the A1 – but then again they love pretty much anything Audi releases. The trick will be to tackle a market for small car nuts, who like their vehicles simple, easy to drive & maintain. Audi has not gone over the top with this redesign, but did retain some of the more noticeable, flashier benchmarks, such as their spaceship-esque headlights, Audi grill and rims.

But the rear end of A1 needed an all together new look – Audi has built wagons before, but a two-door hatchback? Treading on new ground. The slight bump on the A1′s back gives the vehicle a small “shelf” which adds ample trunk space for a ride that technically doesn’t have a real trunk, just what they call a storage space.

Audi is giving birth to the new model with four 4-cylinder engines: two TDI and two TFSI gasoline power plants, producing between 86 and 122 hp. All engines substitute turbocharging for displacement and draw their fuel through direct injection units. A1 impresses environmentalists with a MPG rating between 43.56-61.90 US, and all of the engines come equipped with a recuperation system, allowing them to recover energy during braking.

The interior is “spacious and airy.” The instrument panel “is suggestive of an airplane wing; its four round air nozzles are reminiscent of the turbines of a jet.” This is where Audi also retains some of their fancier design theories – when you site in A1, even if it’s smaller then the A6, you know what brand of car it is.

Starting price for an A1 will begin around $16,000.00 EUR / $21,766.25 USD. Keep an eye out for the A1 on US lots hopefully next year.