2011 Audi A1 flips on halfpipe--copyright Corelio Publishing

2011 Audi A1 flips on halfpipe--copyright Corelio Publishing

In the past Audi has driven cars up slippery ski ramps to demonstrate the prowess of its engineering skills, and for its latest A1 “premium compact” the stunt driving keeps coming. This time around Audi decided to take the new A1 on a skateboard halfpipe in Brussels to show off the car’s cart-like maneuverability.

Unfortunately, things all came undone when the car flipped onto its side during one of the attempts and smoke started billowing out from the engine bay. Audi staffers needed to push the car back onto its wheels before the stunt driver could escape and the aftermath quickly covered up--not before these shots were taken, however.

Audi understandably tried to cover up the occurrence but with the Internet being what it is, it was only a matter of time before the shots were leaked.

It doesn’t really matter because we’re unlikely to see the new Audi A1 on local roads anytime soon. Audi thinks the country's car-buying populace just isn't ready for its A1 premium subcompact, despite the popularity of cars like the MINI Cooper.

[Autoblog.nl, Image copyright Corelio Publishing via Het Nieuwsblad]