If you're mad about the fact that Audi won't be bringing its new A1 to the United States, you'll want to look away – our spies have captured the hotter S1 version of Audi's pint-sized hatch. This prototype may only look like an A1 in S-Line trim, but our spies point out that the larger tailpipes and heartier exhaust note are a dead giveaway of this car's heightened sporting intentions. A five-door A1 is reportedly in the works, but the S1 will likely only be available in the three-door body style. Power is expected to come from a turbocharged, 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine which will be tuned to crank out around 180 horsepower, and Audi's seven-speed S-tronic gearbox will send that power to the front two wheels. That's right, folks – no Quattro versions of the A1 (or S1) are planned, so front-wheel drive it is. This shiny red prototype looks to be nearing the final stages of development, which means we could see the production car as early as this year's Paris Motor Show. The S1 will certainly be a hot little number, and you can see the high-res spy shots for yourself in the gallery below.
I'm in the same boat...in terms of styling, I'm not sure if I love it or hate it. The lack of AWD is a total downer...and deal breaker IMO.
In Belgium, you can drive quad bikes on the streets. Very cool. I wish we could all just drive go-carts on the streets. How wicked would that be?
I have a giant 3/4 Dodge with the Cummins, 4x4, everything on it. The only thing I've ever hauled is my road bike. :headbang:
I think this car is less cute then the Fiat 500. Visually, I think the A1 is ok. All small cars have a 'cute' factor anyhow. Id drive a 70's rustbucket Ram into the ground before Id ever buy a small fwd car, especially a small fwd luxury car that you will pay alot to own. I have no interest in any Audi unless it has quattro.
