Paris Show: Audi debuts A1 Sportback plug-in hybrid
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 03 October 2008
Audi has debuted the new A1 Sportback concept - a five-door plug-in hybrid interpretation of the A1 project quattro car as seen at last year's Tokyo car show and a potential precursor to a production model.
The 3.99-metre long and 1.75-metre wide study furthers the many advances made by the three-door A1 Metroproject quattro show car which debuted in Tokyo in 2007.
The A1 Sportback is powered by a 148bhp 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine developing over 210lb-ft of torque from 1,600 to 4,000rpm, twinned with a 27bhp electric motor that boosts torque during acceleration.
The A1 Sportback concept can hit 62mph in 7.9 seconds before topping out at 124mph, while returning 72.4mpg and emitting 92g/km of carbon dioxide on the combined cycle.
Lithium-ion batteries mean the A1 can run for up to 62 miles on electric power only, while a stop-start system and brake energy regeneration conserve and recoup energy. The motor can be recharged from any power socket.
Inevitable flashy gizmos include a system that allows the driver to control security, navigation and multimedia functions via a mobile phone, though sadly the car cannot be driven by remote control.
A front-wheel drive configuration is supplemented by a new ESP-controlled active front differential lock to optimise power transfer to the road and boost grip.
The A1's chassis comprises McPherson front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension, while speed-sensitive power assistance helps handling.
Audi magnetic ride, as seen in the R8 can adapt suspension to handling or comfort-biassed settings.
Two specially adapted configurations for the drivetrain, shift characteristics and magnetic ride shock absorbers can be selected, depending on driving conditions. The default setting is the 'efficiency' mode, with engine and transmission responding gently to use of the accelerator and shift paddles, while 'sport' mode is designed to produce more dynamic driving characteristics.
No word as yet from Audi on how likely the A1 is to make it to production. However, with EU emissions targets looming, all manufacturers are likely to introduce smaller, low-CO2 models to the market, making some sort of variation on the A1 Sportback likely.
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