Motor Authority - blog Tag: A1

Audi’s new A1 premium compact is expected to hit showrooms in late 2010 as a 2011 model but today we have the first spy shots of actual prototypes taken as the car was undergoing testing in Germany. Aimed squarely at other upmarket compact cars, namely the Mini Cooper, the new A1 will be available in several different variants--just like the Mini family.

The lineup is expected to be filled with the regular three-door and five-door hatchback models, but a stylish convertible and a compact MPV are likely to be launched as well.

The latest images clearly show the shape of the grille and LED detailing in the headlights. Powertrain options...

Audi’s new A1 premium compact is expected to hit showrooms in late 2010 as a 2011 model but today we have the first spy shots of actual prototypes taken as the car was undergoing testing in Germany. Aimed squarely at other upmarket compact cars, namely the Mini Cooper, the new A1 will be available in several different variants--just like the Mini family. The lineup is expected to be filled with the regular three-door and five-door hatchback models, but a stylish convertible and a compact MPV are likely to be launched as well. The latest images clearly show the shape of the grille and LED detailing in the headlights. Powertrain options will range from about 1.2- to 1.6-liters in displacement and output up to 200-horsepower in a performance ‘S’ variant. A mild hybrid model may also be offered, as previewed by the 2008 A1 Sportback Hybrid Concept. Audi CEO Rupert Stadler has reaffirmed on a number of occasions plans to boost the brand’s lineup to 40 models by 2015, as well as expanding its production facilities. Audi has already confirmed it will invest €200 million in its Brussels plant to prepare it for the new A1 range. Audi was originally planning to build around 100,000 A1s per year but with the new upgrades production can now be boosted closer to 120,000 units annually. There’s a strong chance the A1 will be arriving in North America. Last month Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s head of sales, revealed that the A1’s launch in North America could help the automaker reach its goal of surpassing BMW and Mercedes-Benz in sales in all markets by 2015. Though the A1's position as a premium compact isn't something U.S. buyers have had much exposure to, the credit crunch and subsequent curtailing of salaries may have opened the door--along with higher average fuel prices--for a feasible, if small, sales market for the car. Read More

A couple of months ago, we brought you news that Audi's all-new A1 and next-gen A8 would be skipping this week’s 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, and while there’s still no word on whether either of the cars will be revealed at the show we do have a new report claiming the A1 will eventually be sold in North America.

The information comes from German newspaper Handelsblatt, citing Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s head of sales. According to Schwarzenbauer, the A1 would be positioned as a rival to the top selling MINI range of premium compact cars. The A1’s launch in North America would also help Audi reach its own goal of...

A couple of months ago, we brought you news that Audi's all-new A1 and next-gen A8 would be skipping this week’s 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, and while there’s still no word on whether either of the cars will be revealed at the show we do have a new report claiming the A1 will eventually be sold in North America. The information comes from German newspaper Handelsblatt, citing Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s head of sales. According to Schwarzenbauer, the A1 would be positioned as a rival to the top selling MINI range of premium compact cars. The A1’s launch in North America would also help Audi reach its own goal of surpassing BMW and Mercedes-Benz in sales in all markets by 2015. Not surprisingly, Audi is also planning a range of A1 models, including the regular three- and five-door hatchbacks, as well as a sportback model, convertible, electric vehicle and possibly a mini-SUV. The A1 is scheduled for a mid-2010 European launch, which means any U.S. sale won’t be likely until around late 2010 or early 2011. Though the A1's position as a premium compact isn't something U.S. buyers have had much exposure to, the credit crunch and subsequent curtailing of salaries may have opened the door--along with higher average fuel prices--for a feasible, if small, sales market for the car. [Bloomberg] Read More

Audi’s new A1 premium compact is expected to hit showrooms in late 2010 but before that we should see a concept version of a new convertible A1, rumored to be unveiled as early as next month’s Frankfurt Auto Show. Aimed at squarely at other compact drop-tops, namely the Mini Convertible, the new A1 Convertible will follow the launch of its hard-top sibling by just several months.

The A1 Convertible will feature an automated fabric roof, but unlike the design of the Mini, where the roof folds away on top of the rear deck, the new A1’s soft-top will store neatly in the trunk when down. This design will allow for rear seats although they will...

Audi’s new A1 premium compact is expected to hit showrooms in late 2010 but before that we should see a concept version of a new convertible A1, rumored to be unveiled as early as next month’s Frankfurt Auto Show. Aimed at squarely at other compact drop-tops, namely the Mini Convertible, the new A1 Convertible will follow the launch of its hard-top sibling by just several months. The A1 Convertible will feature an automated fabric roof, but unlike the design of the Mini, where the roof folds away on top of the rear deck, the new A1’s soft-top will store neatly in the trunk when down. This design will allow for rear seats although they will be limited to only fitting small children. Audi’s CEO has reaffirmed on a number of occasions plans to boost the brand’s lineup to 40 models by 2015, as well as expanding its production facilities. Audi has already confirmed it will invest €200 million in its Brussels plant to prepare it for the new A1 range. The car will exclusively be built in Brussels and will be available in several different variations in addition to the core Hatchback model. The other variants are tipped to include a Sportback and a possible SUV-crossover. Audi was originally planning to build around 100,000 A1s per year but with the new upgrades production can now be boosted closer to 120,000 units annually. Read More

Just a few weeks ago, we brought you news that Audi's all-new A1 and next-gen A8 would be skipping the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, but a new report today puts the A1, at least, back on for the Frankfurt show.

But the Frankfurt appearance will be more than just a debut - it will be a launch, reports French site Le Soir. Full production of the A1 is scheduled to start in October, and unlike many of the best small cars in recent times, the U.S. might not be skipped this time around - despite Audi of America's president Johan de Nysschen's comments to the contrary.

Though the A1's position as a premium mini-car isn't something U.S. buyers... Just a few weeks ago, we brought you news that Audi's all-new A1 and next-gen A8 would be skipping the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, but a new report today puts the A1, at least, back on for the Frankfurt show. But the Frankfurt appearance will be more than just a debut - it will be a launch, reports French site Le Soir. Full production of the A1 is scheduled to start in October, and unlike many of the best small cars in recent times, the U.S. might not be skipped this time around - despite Audi of America's president Johan de Nysschen's comments to the contrary. Though the A1's position as a premium mini-car isn't something U.S. buyers have had much exposure to, the credit crunch and subsequent curtailing of salaries may have opened the door - along with higher average fuel prices - for a feasible, if small, sales market for the car. Three-door, five-door, electric and hybrid versions have all been discussed, though only the conventional models are expected to be launched later this year. Another angle that might get Audi to bring the A1 to the U.S. is the impending return of Fiat vehicles to America via its new connection with Chrysler. With the Fiat 500 on its way, Audi may want to lay the groundwork for the premium small car segment to help pave the way for future sales. For more on the A1 and its many variants, check out our previous coverage. Via: TheCarConnectionAudi A1 Sportback Concept Read More

Audi is working on a handful of new models set for launch over the next 12 months but despite the prominence of the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show two of the key models won’t be appearing. The cars are the all-new A1 minicar and next-generation A8 flagship.

Both cars are expected to be revealed in production form before the end of the year but this September’s Frankfurt event won’t be used, reports Automobilwoche. Instead, the event will likely be used for the world debut of new A5 Sportback.

We won’t have to wait until September to see the A5 Sportback however, as the car is expected to be revealed for the first... Audi is working on a handful of new models set for launch over the next 12 months but despite the prominence of the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show two of the key models won’t be appearing. The cars are the all-new A1 minicar and next-generation A8 flagship. Both cars are expected to be revealed in production form before the end of the year but this September’s Frankfurt event won’t be used, reports Automobilwoche. Instead, the event will likely be used for the world debut of new A5 Sportback. We won’t have to wait until September to see the A5 Sportback however, as the car is expected to be revealed for the first time on the 16th of this month at the company’s centenary celebration taking place in Germany. While the launch dates of the A1 are still up in the air, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler has previously stated that the A8 will actually be unveiled in November and available in showrooms only in the second half of next year.2011 Audi A8 renderingsAudi A1 family renderings Read More

The minicar segment is about to explode, with new models planned from most of the major carmakers including, for the first time, premium labels such as Audi. While most are heading down the budget road Audi will be launching an upmarket model to tackle the Mini Cooper and a possible BMW version. Audi’s new model will be based on the A1 Metroproject and the subsequent A1 Sportback concept vehicles, and will be available in several variants including three and five-door hatchbacks, a sleek sportback and possibly a cabrio.

This latest rendering gives us an accurate look at what to expect for the entry-level three-door hatch, revealing... The minicar segment is about to explode, with new models planned from most of the major carmakers including, for the first time, premium labels such as Audi. While most are heading down the budget road Audi will be launching an upmarket model to tackle the Mini Cooper and a possible BMW version. Audi’s new model will be based on the A1 Metroproject and the subsequent A1 Sportback concept vehicles, and will be available in several variants including three and five-door hatchbacks, a sleek sportback and possibly a cabrio. This latest rendering gives us an accurate look at what to expect for the entry-level three-door hatch, revealing designers will be sticking to the lines of the concept car. Some of the elements from the show cars that are unlikely to make production include the exposed aluminum arches, 18in alloys and LED headlights. The A1 will share its platform with the new 2010 Volkswagen Polo and will be available as standard with FWD, though there will be performance models with quattro AWD. The new platform also means the A1 will be available with VW Group’s new low-cost DSG with seven gears in total. Engine options will range from a series of low capacity TSI and TDI units ranging from 1.4 to 2.0L, and a new mild hybrid model may also be offered. The design will use a small electric motor integrated into the drivetrain, which kicks in during high-load situations. The full hybrid system with lithium-ion batteries as previewed by the Metroproject Concept is unlikely to enter production. The five-door model should debut around the middle of next year and will be followed by the three-door shortly after.2011 Audi A1 variants2011 Audi A1 three-door preview Read More