Audi A1 quattro – the evolution of a successful technology

by **Jae** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 10:44 pm

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is an Audi cornerstone. Now Audi is making it even better – with new models and new technologies. Cars such as the Audi RS 3 and the Audi A1 with quattro drive are either being launched on the market now or will soon be ready for series production. quattro in an electrified powertrain represents a completely new concept for the mobility of the future.

The technology demonstrator Audi A1 with quattro drive

As announced at the Paris Motor Show back in the fall of 2010, Audi is also bringing the permanent all-wheel drive system to the premium subcompact class. Consistent traction, a high level of driving safety and exciting dynamics – the A1 with quattro drive will be the first car in this segment to power all four wheels.

The youngest member of the large quattro family uses a technology very similar to that used in the A3 and TT model lines. 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.

SOURCE: Audi AG, Ingolstadt, 08/01/11

Yeah this one was a one-off development car being tested in Canada as part of the ‘Fascination of quattro’ event taking place in Montreal to celebrate the past, present and future of the 'legendary four-wheel-drive system'.

Testing is still underway, but it is for now intended to be launched with the 185PS engine and eventually a new higher performance engine - S1 anybody?

Keep your eyes on the Geneva Motor Show in Feb...

by **Nicki** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 5:52 pm

Rumour has it that there won't be an S1 model, but that they'll just straight to an RS1...

by **Jae** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 5:57 pm

interesting rumour.

I doubt it very much, I see this happening...

1. 1.4 185PS Intro
2. Quattro introduced to 1.4 122 and 185ps versions (around September)
3. S1 introduced early next year, with 1.8 engine, pulling around 210ps
4. RS1, if it happens, would be around the middle of next year, engine, hmmmm, who knows. 2.5 5 pot as found in the TTRS and RS3? Too much power in such a light car (340ps)

Dont forget, somewhere in all of this there will be a 5 door. The interesting thing is that VW introduced the new Polo in 5 door config, then launched the 3 door some 6 months later....

by **Amirkhan2621** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 9:34 pm

What bout a diesel version to the quattro?

1.6Tdi?

will the quattro be coming out end of 2011 or beggining of 2012?

by **Jae** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 10:24 am

I don't see it, yet. Please remember this is only speculation and is based on conversations I've had with several people in passing.

by **ChrisRyu** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 5:51 pm

Jae wrote:interesting rumour.

I doubt it very much, I see this happening...

1. 1.4 185PS Intro
2. Quattro introduced to 1.4 122 and 185ps versions (around September)
3. S1 introduced early next year, with 1.8 engine, pulling around 210ps
4. RS1, if it happens, would be around the middle of next year, engine, hmmmm, who knows. 2.5 5 pot as found in the TTRS and RS3? Too much power in such a light car (340ps)

Dont forget, somewhere in all of this there will be a 5 door. The interesting thing is that VW introduced the new Polo in 5 door config, then launched the 3 door some 6 months later....

I would agree with the first part - there will be an S1 and this will come ealier in the model timeline than what is typical with the Audi range. There may not ever be an RS1.

Audi AG haven't even mentioned the A1 quattro in the plans they share with us. UK dealers haven't been told to put the A1 quattro in their plans and so it surely won't be coming this year, but next year maybe. We'll know more after this years geneva motor show...

It is likely that it will intially be released on the 1.4TFSi 185 PS, followed by the 1.6 TDI (actually quite a torque-heavy engine) and eventually the 1.4 TFSI 122PS.

The S1 is most likely to be the new 1.6 TFSI, an engine developed by the VW Group, rumoured to be in development for a return to WRC for one of the group, although that is very hush hush... With the recent release of the 185PS, don't expect to be able to order an S1 for a while. I honestly cannot see it coming with the 1.8T, as a group the focus is on reducing engine sizes and enough power can be generated from the 1.6 TFSI to (220 PS) to satisfy most desires. Once you start adding 1.8 litre turbo charged engines and quattro systems to a small car like this the weight gets too much.

As for RS1, we are some way off and it may not even happen at all. By the time it is on the cards, there maybe some new technology that makes it possible to get more power in such a small car, with no weight problems. I personally would love to see something like the second e-tron concept where we could have a 1.4 TFSI engine powering the front wheels and motors powering the rear - great concept! That would add a whole new style of handling.

One thing we can all be sure of is that whenever the S1 is released, you'll hear about it here first, on the A1-forum!