Audi A1 clubsport quattro

The larger-than-life A1 clubsport quattro is capable of out-running supercars in a 0 to 62mph sprint – a sprint that it demolishes in just 3.7 seconds.

At the heart of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a classic Audi petrol engine – a 503PS version of the RS 3 Sportback’s turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine – which dispatches 0-124mph in a mere 10.9 seconds. The engine displaces 2.5 litres with turbocharging and direct fuel injection and has been heavily modified to develop 660 Nm of torque. Top speed is governed at 155mph.

But it’s not all about power. Another area where the A1 clubsport quattro shines is in its overall weight of just 1,390 kilograms. Its lightweight, coupled with the six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive from the TT RS, helps the re-engineered A1 to achieve it supercar levels of performance.

The one-off showcar wowed the crowds on its debut at Austria’s 30th annual Wörtherseetour meeting for fans of VW Group models in June 2011 with its stunning design touches. The clubsport quattro rolls on 255/30 low-profile tyres, which are mounted on 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique turbine design. Sitting behind the wheels are large, internally ventilated disc brakes. Up front, six-piston callipers grab perforated carbon fibre-ceramic discs. Large steel discs are mounted on the rear axle. The coilover suspension of the A1 clubsport quattro also features adjustable compression and rebound damping.

The body has a Glacier White matte paint finish, with accents provided by a number of body kit parts. The roof arch in high-gloss black supports a roof made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and the four rings at the front of the car are solid aluminium.

Large, split air intakes with carbon struts are integrated into the distinctively modified front skirt. The single-frame radiator grille sports a black honeycomb design, and the headlights feature matted clasps with a red “wing.” Heat from the engine compartment is dissipated via two large air outlets in the bonnet.

The front wings, the doors and the rear side panels of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro have been widened by 60 millimetres. They form horizontal “blister” edges, like those found on the Audi Ur-quattro. Air outlets are integrated into the rear ends of the wings, and the newly designed trim strips on the sills are made of exposed CFRP.

The rear of the showcar is dominated by the roof spoiler, which features a double wing to provide for sufficient downforce. Darkly toned rear lights and a large, closed diffuser hone the rear view of the A1 clubsport quattro.

Designed as a road vehicle for the race track, the showcar has no rear seat. In its place are a large crossbar to further stiffen the body and storage for racing helmets. A weight-optimized starter battery used in racing is mounted in the rear below the two storage compartments. The strict high-performance concept left no room for an infotainment system, an MMI monitor or even a loudspeaker. The lightweight bucket seats are taken from the Audi R8 GT and feature a chassis made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer. Red four-point belts secure the driver and passenger.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk