Jalopnik: audi a1

Audi To Build Their Own VW Up!

Andrew Stoy — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

According to AutoExpress, Audi is reportedly looking to fill the city car hole in their lineup with a version of the VW up!. The UK mag's even mocked up what they think an Audi version of the sub-sub compact would look like in a color that appears to be... yes, lime green. The Audi would get the same engine lineup expected to fit under the hood of the VW up!. In fact, we're hearing there may only be one difference between the two — as always, it's what's inside that counts.

Autoexpress expects to see available gas and diesel 600-cc two-cylinder engines and the VW corporate 1.2-liter inline-three. The Audi difference will likely be most apparent on the inside, where the company's up! iteration would receive high-line trim and amenities. Of course, don't hold your breath waiting for anything equipped with a diesel two-cylinder to hit our shores anytime soon. Frankly, now that Porsche owns both companies, we'll wait for a Bruce-d up version. [AutoExpress via World Car Fans]

Electric Audi Under Development, Not A1-Based

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:40:00 EDT

According to Audi board member Peter Schwarzenbauer, speaking at last week's Paris Motor Show, the Audi group is developing an all-electric car not based on the pending Audi A1 compact. His statement bolsters Audi's claim at the beginning of the year of plans for an electric within five to ten years. Whatever this electric Audi may be, it's likely to be based on the next VW Lupo platform which first debuted in the VW Up! Concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show. At this point we might as well get prepared for the electric revolution, as everybody seems to be jumping in on the action now. [Autocar]

Audi A1 Sportback Concept Images Revealed, Paris Motor Show Draws Near

Ray Wert — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:20:00 EDT

This is the Audi A1 Sportback, set to be unveiled tonight at a special event at the Paris Motor Show and designed to bring sexyback to Audi's A1 concept series. The A1 Sportback Concept is the successor to the A1 Metroproject Quattro Concept unveiled in Tokyo last year with the obvious distinction being — a bigger back end. The A1 Sportback concept has an overall length just shy of 12 feet, leaving a sizeable gap between itself and the larger A3 sportback which comes in at just over 14 feet. But as is true with concepts from every automaker under the sun, don't expect a standard powertrain. Hit the jump for what to expect under the hood.

Power comes from a 150 HP 1.4-liter TFSI engine mated to a 27 HP (20Kw) hybrid drive that will provide the A1 Concept with an additional 110 lb-ft of torque (150Nm). Audi's coupled the powertrain to their dual-clutch S-Tronic gearbox and the A1 Sportback Concept can thrust itself from 0-to-62 MPH in just 7.9 seconds. Fuel consumption lies at an admirable 3.9 liters per 100km with emissions output a mere 92g/km. Whatever those numbers mean. Can't these foreigners use 'merican numbers like real people? [World Car Fans]

Audi Engine Strategy Through 2011 Leaked

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:40:00 EDT

Someone in the know over at Audiblog.nl has spilled forth a detailed list of all Audi brand engines for all models through the 2011 calender year — and the release dates for new models. In addition to the big engine news, the leakers claim that we'll be seeing the rumored Audi A7 model in June of 2010, as well as an S7 version following that fall, and a return to form for the next generation Audi S4. Look below for a detail look at what's coming up for Audi in the next three years.

Audi A1
Starting at the bottom of the grid, the Audi A1 will maintain the currently planned 1.4 TFSI, but will get an 86 HP 1.2-liter TFSI good for a little less power but will be quite a bit easier on European wallets.

Audi S4
It seems the B8 Audi S4 will be returning to its twin-turbo V6 roots, as early as this coming November. News of this respite from V8 shenanigans comes with virtually all positive notes, considering the engine is to displace 3.0 L but grunt out 330 HP, only 10 shy of the current iteration. Add in lighter weight and the same treatment for the Avant versions and everyone's happy.

Audi S5
In September 2010 the S5 will be dumping its current V8 mill for the same twin-turbo 3.0 L TFSI V6 in the S4. This will be a cut in power, but like we said about the S4, it's not giving up much and will lighten up that porky bottom line. What's perhaps more interesting is the introduction of an Audi RS5. It will retain the same 4.2-liter V8 in the current S5, but gets a whopping increase in power up to 450 HP. With such power on tap it's a good thing there will be a new 7-speed to keep it in check.

Audi S5 Sportback
The previously unknown S5 Sportback will be on sale as of September 2010 and will get the 3.0 L twin-turbo TFSI mated to a 6-speed manual, or a 7 speed auto. We're beginning to see a theme here with S-line engines, aren't you? Hopefully this new engine won't have many teething problems.

Audi A7 Sportback
Being called the Audi A7 "Sportback" leads us to believe this as-yet unseen and unheard of version of the A7 will have a certain wagony-goodness to it, but who knows. Perhaps it'll be a big old five door, swiping the hardware from the Skoda Superb. Anyway, we digress. The A7 Sportback gets a 2.8L FSI, a 3.0 L TFSI, and a bevy of oil burners. And now what's this? An S7 Sportback? Why yes, yes it is. And this one gets a 4.0 L TFSI with 395 HP! While that's no RS6 Avant, it's nothing to sneeze at.

Audi R8 Spyder
When we got the first images of that Audi R8 V10, we couldn't even speculate on a release date for the thing. Now we know the plan is for the hardtop version of the upgraded V10-powered R8 to roll out in June of 2009, and those wacky Germans are going to hack the top off and give you the R8 Spyder in March, 2010. The lesser 4.2 L V8 will follow a little later for the Spyder, just in case you were interested.

Audi Q7
While there's no earth shattering engine news on the Audi Q7 front, these docs report a facelift for the bulky-UV coming in August of next year. So, you know, if the looks are what keep you from taking the plunge, maybe wait a year and see if you like the changes.

There's an exhaustive breakdown of models, engines, and dates over at Audiblog, the original leakers. Good stuff fellas, now all the surprises are gone, thanks a lot (no, really). [via WCF]

2009 Audi A1 5 Door On Cover of AutoBild?

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:20:00 EDT

We're always suspicious of the covers from Autobild, they're like the National Enquirer of the German automotive press. Regardless, they've got what is claimed to be the 2009 Audi A1 on the cover and it's sporting the familiar gaping maw grille and yet even more aggressive headlights. Audi, maybe we should talk, we feel you may have anger issues, your cars used to be so nice and clean, everybody was happy (except BMW). Now, with this tasty sport hatch, you're just being mean, tempting us with forbidden fruits. [GermanCarBlog]

Tokyo Auto Show Preview: Audi A1 Metroproject Quattro Concept Car

Ray Wert — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 17:15:00 EDT

UPDATE: Our gallery issue has been fixed. So check out that A1 again. Much of the speculation is now over as Audi's just let loose some details and a slew of pictures on their new A1 concept car for the Tokyo Auto Show. It's called the A1 Metroproject Quattro, and it's the same A1 plug-in hybrid concept car we told you we were expecting to see in Japan just a month or so ago. Under the hood is a 150 bhp 1.4-liter TFSI engine with power directed to the front wheels through an S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox. But wait, here's the cool part. There's a 41 HP electric motor right atop the rear axle delivering an additional load of torque on those rear wheels when you put the foot down. This A1 is a true plug-in hybrid, with the electric motor capable of powering the concept car on its own in urban areas for up to 62 miles in pure electric mode and the motor can be recharged from any power socket. On the interior you've got a radio system that looks very much like the radio from the Camaro concept car (why? We've no idea) and a very interesting cell phone thing (more on that shortly). We're looking forward to seeing this bad boy live next week.

Because our galleries are all fubar at the moment, hit the jump for another picture.