Fans of the Volkswagen Group get together every year at the Wörthersee festival, held in Reifnitz, Austria to share their passion about cars. The show is held on such a big scale that the VW Group’s brands leave no stones unturned and spend huge amount of money to develop dedicated one-off models for the event. Audi’s star attraction at this year’s Worthersee Tour (held from June 1 to 4, 2011) which celebrates its 30th anniversary, is the killer A1 clubsport Quattro.
The one-off show car is a rally-inspired A1 hatch that is using a heavily modified version of the 2.5 liter turbocharged five cylinder petrol engine that can be found in the TT RS and the RS3 Sportback. Whereas the engine normally generates 340 horsepower and 450 Nm or 331.90 lb-ft of torque, output has been boosted to 503 horsepower and 660 Nm or 487 lb-ft of torque courtesy the systematic tuning of the turbocharger, plus the addition of new features such as an intercooler, induction tract and the modified exhaust.
On board is a six speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive system that transfers power to all the four wheels. Both the systems have been borrowed from the TT RS and duly enhanced by Audi’s engineers before fitting on to the A1 Clubsport Quattro.
As for the car’s take off capabilities, the A1 clubsport quattro can do the 0 to 100km/h or 62mph in 3.7 seconds while the 200km/h or 124mph from rest is reached in just 10.9 seconds. The 50-70 mph (80-112km/h) overtaking can be completed in fourth gear in 2.4 seconds while the top speed that this car is capable of is an electronically limited 250km/h or 155mph. All these despite a weight of 1,390 kilograms or 3,064 pounds.
With all the high speed capabilities of the car, it is also imperative for the car to also have enough stopping power. Towards this, Audi engineers have equipped the special A1 with a high-performance braking system that comprise of six piston callipers that cling on to a perforated carbon fibre-ceramic discs up front and large steel discs at the rear. The car rides on 255/30 low-profile tires mounted on bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels and an adjustable coil over sports suspension.
From outside, the A1 clubsport quattro looks great in a Glacier White matte paint finish that compliments the high-gloss black roof arches with the roof itself made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The front wings, the doors and the rear side panels of car have been widened by 60 millimeters. Other features the car comes with includes a new front bumper and grille assembly, a vented hood, side exhaust outlets, a large roof wing, a bespoke rear bumper with a diffuser and unique mirrors.
As far as the interiors are concerned, the rear seats has been done away with and in its place has come a large crossbar aimed at providing strength to the body as well as two racing helmets. There are two lightweight bucket seats borrowed from the Audi R8 GT that feature a carbon fibre chassis and four-point belts. There are quite a few areas that are covered with exposed, matte-finished carbon fiber. Further, so as to reduce weight, Audi has removed the infotainment system while simple loops have been used to replace the handles on the doors, the glove box and the covers of the storage compartments.
While Audi has no intentions to come up with a production version of the show car, it is believed that the A1 clubsport quattro is perhaps the early indication of an upcoming high-performance version sporting either the S1 or RS1 badge.
Source: carscoop
