Audi recently took the covers off its limited edition A1 Quattro, which combines the automaker’s trademark all-wheel drive system with a 188 kW 2.0-litre turbo four, guaranteeing it instant cult status.
While only 333 examples of the A1 Quattro are destined to be built, the uber-hatch isn’t the only high-performance A1 variant Audi has up its sleeve. The guys at ‘What Car?’ are now reporting that this S1 is due for launch in around 18 months. It would share much in common with the A1 Quattro, including the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, though output would almost certainly be detuned to saner levels. Expect the final number to lie somewhere between the 188 kW of the A1 Quattro and the 136 kW of the A1 1.4 TFSI model.
While the A1 Quattro is only being offered in left-hand drive, the S1 would offer both left-hand and right-hand drive configurations. It will also be built in much higher volumes.
Interestingly, an Audi spokesman has also revealed that a RS1 model hasn’t been ruled out yet. He explained that while the A1 Quattro is the current range-topper, no decision has been made on whether things will stay that way. Pictured below is a computer-generated rendering of how the S1 will likely be styled.
