mike
01-03-2009, 05:06 AM
Audi's A1 Sportback concept is designed to take on the Mini, very popular in the Euro markets, and with the A2 retired, something Audi doesn't have an answer to. So far. What you get is the A1, but with four proper seats, rather fetching metal work and the latest generation Audi multimedia set-up that uses the driver's mobile phone to integrate communication, navigation and entertainment functions. Under the concept's hood is the A1-litre TSI engine that is both turbo- and super-charged and managed to make 152PS. The dual clutch gearbox gets an almost 30PS boost from an electric motor with Li-ion batteries that will handle stop-go traffico Production debut is expected early next year though sales will start by November.
408
The motor will also add its ISONm of torque to full-bore acceleration, so the Al should be plenty interesting to drive. In full electric mode, Audi claims a 100km range with plug-in recharging. Audi says the car will hit 100kmph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 200kmph. The theme inside is clean rather than full-on luxurious. The gear lever only pops up into the traditional position in dynamic (sport) mode. The rest of the time it sits flush and you simply push buttons on it to select drive modes. The sus¬pension set-up has MacPherson struts up front mated to a four¬link rear independent set-up.
408
The motor will also add its ISONm of torque to full-bore acceleration, so the Al should be plenty interesting to drive. In full electric mode, Audi claims a 100km range with plug-in recharging. Audi says the car will hit 100kmph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 200kmph. The theme inside is clean rather than full-on luxurious. The gear lever only pops up into the traditional position in dynamic (sport) mode. The rest of the time it sits flush and you simply push buttons on it to select drive modes. The sus¬pension set-up has MacPherson struts up front mated to a four¬link rear independent set-up.