An Audi for the enthusiast.
Ever year Volkswagen and car enthusiasts alike gather in Reifnitz, Austria, for the annual Wörtherseetour. The event is one of the largest gatherings of Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, and Škoda enthusiasts. As a “thank you” to all of the fans, Audi and Volkswagen debut a new, special edition, or concept model annually at Wörthersee. This year, Audi has unveiled one of their hottest hatches yet – the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro.
The new Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro is a one-off model built for adrenaline-pumping excitement. Under the hood is the 2.5 TFSI inline-five engine that recalls the famous inline-fives of Audi’s past. And while it’s based on the same unit that powers the TT-RS and RS3 Sportback, the turbocharged 2.5-liter in the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro utilizes a new turbocharger, intercooler, intake system, and exhaust to produce 503 horsepower (370 kW) and 487 lb-ft. (660 Nm) of torque.
All 503 ponies are sent to the road through a modified TT-RS six-speed manual transmission and famous Quattro all-wheel drive system. With the powerful five-pot and 3,064-lb. (1,390 kg) overall weight, the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro is capable of reaching 62 mph in only 3.7 seconds and 124 mph in 10.9 seconds. Acceleration from 50-75 mph takes just 2.4 seconds in fourth gear. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
The overall design of the one-off Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro is dynamic, powerful, and uninhibited. Glacier White matte paint covers a majority of the car, except for the gloss black pillars and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) roof. The front of the A1 is fierce, especially when compared to the “base” A1. The fascia has been modified with large air intakes, single-frame honeycomb grille with aluminum Audi badge, and dual air outlets on the hood. The headlights have also been tweaked with new matted clasps and red “wings” that devilishly stare down other drivers who dare take on the Clubsport. The doors and fenders were widened by 2.36 inches to give the A1 a more athletic stance. At the rear are a double-wing roof spoiler, tinted taillights, and a closed diffuser to create additional downforce.
The “road vehicle for the racetrack” features motorsport-oriented chassis upgrades that make it at home on the track. Four 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels in a rally-like turbine design have been fitted and are shod in low-profile 255/30 high-performance tires. In order to make it a true track superstar, Audi has installed a coilover suspension with adjustable compression and rebound damping. Bringing the Audi A1 Clubsport to a halt are perforated carbon fiber ceramic discs with six-piston calipers at the front and steel discs at the rear.
Audi redesigned the interior of the A1 with the goal of making it as light as possible. Exposed matte-finished CFRP covers most of the interior, dash, and trim. Both front seats are replaced with lightweight buckets from the R8 GT, and the rear seats have been removed and replaced with storage for racing helmets and a crossbar to stiffen the chassis. Red pulls replace the door handles, glove box, and storage compartment to showcase Audi’s dedication to weight savings. Protruding from the dashboard are three new gauges that display oil pressure, boost pressure, and voltage.
The Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro will be on display at the Audi stand at Wörthersee alongside the new Audi Q3 from June 1st to 4th. Only one example of the Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro has been produced, but Audi will introduce interior and exterior design components for the current A1 model based on the one-off model.
Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro for Wörthersee Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 2.5 liters
Number of Cylinders: Inline 5
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 503 (370 kW)
Maximum Torque: 487 lb-ft. (660 Nm)
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed manual
Drive: Quattro all-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.7 seconds
Acceleration 0-124 mph: 10.9 seconds
Acceleration 50-75 mph: 2.4 seconds (fourth gear)
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Wheels, Suspension, and Brakes:
Wheels: Lightweight 19-inch turbine style
Tires: 255/30
Brakes: Six-piston calipers, carbon fiber ceramic front; steel discs rear
Suspension: Coilover suspension with adjustable compression and rebound damping
Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro for Wörthersee Gallery
[Source: Audi]
What do you think of the one-off Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro for the 2011 Wörthersee Tour? Leave a comment and let us know!
