Back in the 1980s an Audi S1 garnered a legendary reputation - it was the car
that would see the brand dominate the World Rally Championship in its day. Now
the abbreviation is coming back - but this time as a road-going version: the
Audi S1 and the S1 Sportback constitute the new flagship models in the compact
A1 model line, adding an entry-level version to the Audi S model portfolio.
The Audi S1 is
the new flagship models in the compact A1 model line and is powered by a 2.0-liter
turbo engine which develops 231 hp (170 kW) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. The quattro
permanent all-wheel drive and the extensively revamped suspension put the power
effortlessly down onto the road.
The main rivals of the new Audi S1 will be the
MINI John Cooper Works Coupe,
Renault Clio RS and the Ford Fiesta
ST.
"The Audi S1 offers all the virtues of a sports car, great performance, direct
handling and permanent quattro drive that puts the power to the road in a
superior way," says Prof. Dr. Hackenberg, Audi Board Member for Technical
Development, adding: "The quattro drive has a large following of fans, which is
sure to become even larger thanks to the offering in this segment."
The price of the Audi S1, which will be available at dealers in Germany in the
second quarter of 2014, will be 29,950 EUR or $40,000. The S1 will not be
available in the US.
Audi S1's Aggressive Exterior Design
The 2015 Audi S1 is instantly recognizable as the flagship
models in the A1 model line. Its xenon plus headlights are all-new while the
LED rear lights come with new, horizontally structured graphics. A host of
details - particularly on the front and rear bumper, the side sills and the
exhaust system - boast more striking styling. Four new exterior colors
supplement the available paint finishes. The optional quattro exterior styling
package hones the look further, courtesy of features such as a large roof
spoiler.
Dark, Sporty Interior
The interior of the 2015 S1 is finished in dark tones; black
dominates, including on the air vent sleeves. The instruments feature S-specific
dark-gray scales; the pedal caps are made out of brushed stainless steel. As an
alternative to the standard sport seats, Audi fits the S sport seats with
integrated head restraints. The quattro interior styling package can be selected
as an option to add striking color accents.
The extensive standard equipment can be supplemented with optional
high-end features such as the convenience key, the MMI navigation plus with
fold-out color monitor or the Bose surround sound system. The Audi connect
module including car phone provides a connection to the Internet, allowing
passengers to access the Internet and send e-mails on their mobile devices via a
Wi-Fi hotspot, while the driver enjoys in-car access to tailor-made services
from Audi connect.
