Audi A1 Quattro prototype snow testing in Canada

Audi A1 Quattro Prototype was out for a run on snow and ice in Canada. The premium subcompact hatchback features Audi’s famous all-wheel-drive system, which is created to grant perfect traction even in severe road conditions.

Listed simply as a 'one-off development car' during its appearance at the ‘Fascination of quattro’ event taking place in Montreal to celebrate the past, present and future of the legendary four-wheel-drive system, which reached its 30th anniversary in 2011, the pic is the biggest hint that the car will make it to production.

The “A1 quattro” uses technology very similar to that in the A3 and TT. At its core is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for an optimized distribution of weight. Inside is a package of plates that rotate in an oil bath.

It seems likely that the Audi A1 Quattro will get the same engine as the 1.4 TFSI and come in S-Line trim. We do expect a proper Audi S1 to make the cut at some point with more like 210bhp. And when will all this happen? Our bet is quite soon. A1 sales are not as good as Auid expected, and a new halo model or two may help.




Press Release

AUDI A1 QUATTRO PROTOTYPE MAKES A CHILLING DEBUT

• Developmental version of forthcoming all-wheel-drive premium subcompact hatchback is tested on snow-laden roads around Montreal
• Newcomer will ensure quattro has full representation across the Audi range

An Audi A1 quattro prototype that brings all-wheel-drive to the premium subcompact hatchback segment for the first time is currently undergoing a baptism of fire grappling with freezing conditions on Canada's densely snow-packed roads.

The one-off development car is one of the stars of the 'Fascination of quattro' event taking place in Montreal to celebrate the past, present and future of the legendary four-wheel-drive system, which reached its 30th anniversary in 2011. It reaffirms the Vorsprung durch Technik brand's commitment, made at the 2011 Paris Motor Show, to underpin future high performance variants of the A1 with this proven driver aid.

The latest member of the burgeoning quattro family uses technology very similar to that used in A3 and TT models. At its core is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for an optimized distribution of weight. Inside is a package of plates that rotate in an oil bath.

During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine's power to the front wheels. If the front axle loses grip, the clutch can instantly transfer torque to the rear axle by forcing the plate packages together. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the necessary oil pressure.

The UK A1 range currently offers a choice of ten front-wheel-driven models powered by 1.2-litre TFSI (86PS) and 1.4-litre TFSI (122PS) petrol engines and a 1.6-litre TDI (105PS) diesel, and is priced from £13,420 OTR to £18,665 OTR.

Even before it filters into the most diminutive of Audi models, the quattro system is already a feature of over 120 variants in the Audi line-up, from the A3 hatchback through to the R8 super car.