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The Audi A1 Project Quattro

Posted Sunday 28th June 2009by Editor

In typical Audi fashion, the three-door four-seater car showcases new ways of heightening efficiency, dynamism and motoring pleasure with a series of visionary technical solutions.

The concept car’s styling makes it look as if it has been cast from a single mould. The basic proportions, with a high vehicle body and a flat window area bordered by a coupé-like roofline, produce a virtually classic look for a vehicle bearing the four rings.

The silhouette of the roof section is traced by two striking, sturdy aluminium arches which run along the top edge of the windows to connect the A and C-posts, further emphasising the dynamic appeal of the powerfully built, compact vehicle body. The shoulder line of the Audi A1 project quattro with its Racing red paint finish is a new interpretation of yet another trademark feature of the current Audi design. The single-frame grille with its chequered-flag look and four interlinking rings leaves no doubt as to the car’s sporty temperament, an impression that is further underlined by the aluminium finish on elements such as the grille, mirror housings, door handles, fuel filler cap and tailpipes. The design of the three-dimensional main headlights in innovative LED technology is especially eye-catching. The reflectors focus the light emitted by each diode to create a powerful, uniform beam whose white light colour barely places any strain on the driver’s eyes, even when driving for long distances at night.

Innovative hybrid technology

Characteristic Audi sportiness plus a whole new dimension in efficiency – it is all down to the novel combination of a state-of-the-art turbocharged FSI engine with an electric motor and innovative control electronics. The drive unit for the Audi A1 project quattro showcases a fully independent and innovative hybrid technology. At work under the bonnet is a 1.4-litre turbocharged FSI engine developing 150PS, whose power is directed to the front wheels by means of the S tronic Direct Shift Gearbox. A 41PS electric motor positioned on the rear axle is able to deliver up to an additional 200 Nm of torque when the vehicle is accelerating. In boost mode, in other words when the vehicle is being powered simultaneously by the turbocharged FSI unit and electric motor for dynamic performance, the study is transformed from a front-wheel drive car to a quattro, and power is transferred to the road in the most effective way possible.

Plug-in “refuelling”

Pure electrical operation over shorter distances, however, is a particularly attractive alternative offered by this vehicle that reduces running costs.

Focusing on the driver

The interior, with its four individual seats and a surprisingly generous amount of space for this class, has a tidy, no-frills appearance. The curving wrap-around element merges the doors and the sporty cockpit into a single whole. The dashboard and centre console are designed entirely around the driver. Details such as the air vents and air conditioning controls seem to be straight out of a jet plane. This same thinking was behind the soft finish of the interior’s surfaces. The round dials and the air vents, which are also circular, are reminiscent of a classic sports car cockpit à la Audi TT. The sporty seats with integrated head restraints offer levels of comfort and ergonomics that far exceed the customary standards in the sub-compact segment and live up to the expectations of a typical Audi.

Upholstery and the interior trim appeal

Ergonomics and aesthetics unite to create an ambience of clear-cut architecture and high-class appeal. This impression is further enhanced by the two-tone colour concept. The materials used for both the seat upholstery and the interior trim appeal with their high-class looks and feel. The contrasting colour scheme featuring dark panels and red stitching adds substance to the car’s overall sporty character.

The aluminium insert in the centre console comprises the mobile device as well as the start/stop button behind the gear lever. A thermos flask featuring an innovative cooling and heating system can be found in the rear portion of the centre console.

Innovative technology and security

The Audi mobile device is a portable unit that functions as an access authorisation system for the vehicle, mobile phone, navigation system and audio and video player all in one. Plus, it serves as the control unit for numerous vehicle systems, which can also be programmed from outside the Audi A1 project quattro. The Audi mobile device housed in the centre console offers the entire range of functions and exact same menu navigation as the MMI system. It integrates a host of communications devices that were previously only available separately into a single, extremely space-efficient unit.

This allows the driver to use the Audi mobile device as an MP3 player, for example, or as an address database and input tool for the navigation system. What’s more, he can switch on the vehicle’s heating if required and program the sound system to suit his personal preferences, all from the comfort of his own home. Access and start authorisation for the Audi A1 project quattro is also provided by the mobile device, dispensing with the need for a key. The unit is operated using a touch screen, whose architecture replicates the MMI standard. The touch screen is capable of recognising both Latin and Japanese characters, and is even able to decipher handwriting. The Audi mobile device and vehicle communicate via a WLAN connection. The Audi mobile device also offers the vehicle owner an extra security function: images from a camera in the vehicle interior can be received on the device’s display in real time. If the vehicle alarm is triggered, the system activates itself and warns the owner. Should the vehicle be stolen and move out of the WLAN connection’s range, the electronics automatically switch to the car phone’s UMTS transmitter to keep the owner informed of the vehicle’s current location.