- Audi says production of its new compact performance flagship, the 252-horsepower A1 Quattro, will be limited to just 333 units in 2012.
- Deliveries to European customers will begin in the second half.
- The A1 Quattro accelerates from zero to 60 in less than 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 152 mph.
INGOLSTADT, Germany — Audi says its new compact performance flagship, the 252-horsepower A1 Quattro, will be mighty exclusive: Production for the European market is limited to just 333 units, with deliveries to begin in the second half of 2012.
Audi has fitted the 2.0 TFSI engine, a turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder unit that produces 258 pound-feet of torque and drives all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Zero-to-60 acceleration is achieved in less than 5.7 seconds and top speed peaks at 152 mph.
The A1 Quattro's livery is distinctive. Only a single exterior color, Glacier White, is offered, with the roof and trim painted a contrasting high-gloss black. The 18-inch turbine-design alloy wheels also are painted Glacier White and wear 225/35R18 performance tires. Additional highlights include a roof-mounted spoiler, tinted LED taillamps and twin polished exhaust pipes.
Befitting its position at the top of the A1 range, the A1 Quattro comes loaded with standard features, including a 465-watt Bose audio system, LED interior lighting, rain and light sensors, rear parking assist, automatic climate control and xenon headlamps.
Sporty touches include a flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum shift knob, white-needle gauges, brushed-stainless-steel pedal caps and leather seats with contrasting red stitching.
Inside Line says: Would make a great image leader for Audi in North America.
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cardesigner82 says:
05:51 PM, 12/23/2011
Of course this model will be more expensive than a regular Mini, due to its limited production run. However, it will price similar to a John Cooper Works. The fact of the matter is the A1 in all forms should be here stateside.
ttbuyer says:
08:28 PM, 12/22/2011
This is going to be vastly more expensive than a MINI. It's a specialty model limited to 333 units.
Of course, another reason it's limited to 333 examples is explained by P.T. Barnum's famous axiom "you can fool some of the people all of the time."
smallfield says:
07:13 PM, 12/22/2011
Front looks cool mainly because it is exactly like every other Audi model. The back looks like a Civic Si hit by a big ugly stick.
I think they'd have to be around 30K to sell them in the US. I'll bet they can't do that, so stays EU.
300zxguy says:
02:14 PM, 12/22/2011
something tells me this would cost a lot more than a Mini. Not surprised they won't try to sell it in the US.
cardesigner82 says:
01:07 PM, 12/22/2011
Audi definitely missed out on an opportunity in North America. This may have been the BEST challenger to the Mini and may have actually taken over market share. I'd definitely consider this OVER a Mini. I agree with you 100% @ jscion
@ttbuyer
The Aston Martin Cygnet is a Japanese made (Toyota/Scion iQ). Aston sourced it speficically for the CAFE standards, since it is no longer owned by Ford (which in all likelihood it would not have been produced due to the new Ecoboost range). So, Aston needs small cars to balance its fuel economy.
@carsgalore
Yes, I remember the original Audi Quattro...but this cannot be its homage because Audi made a Quattro Concept as homage to the original...its pretty neat.
carsgalore says:
10:31 AM, 12/22/2011
Does anybody remember the original Audi Quattro? This is a nice honmage to the original but better laid out. Kudos, just bring it stateside!!
sniperruff says:
08:39 AM, 12/22/2011
Wonder how it stacks up against the BMW 1-M. Personally I think that looks better.
roscoe108 says:
07:53 AM, 12/22/2011
VRRROOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!!!
ttbuyer says:
07:17 AM, 12/22/2011
Looks like a Japanese "super deformed" toy car.
This awkward box would never sell in America much less be an "image leader".
Almost as stupid as the Aston Martin Cygnet.
jscion says:
07:16 AM, 12/22/2011
Audi is as dumb as the day is long for not making this car available to North America. This car is absolutely gorgous when it comes to small cars. I'd buy this over any Mini anyday!!!