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.

via MotorAuthority

In its quest to achieve a sales target of over 1 million vehicles per year, Audi is planning new models at an increasing rate.

Over the past 12 months we’ve seen the introduction of many new models including the A5 Sportback, A7 Sportback – not to mention the sports derivatives such as the Audi TT RS, Audi R8 Spyder, Audi R8 GT – and most recently the Audi A1.

The A1 will have many spin-offs, including the Audi A1 Sportback, Audi S1 and Audi A1 Cabriolet. What you might not know however, is that the A1 family will receive a new member, the Audi Q1 or the Allroad version of the A1.

Yes, consider it a small crossover, fitted with an all-wheel-drive transmission (2-wheel drive is also considered), which will use the Suzuki SX4 platform. With the advent of VW’s 19% stake in Suzuki, it seems that Volkswagen wants to use all the advantages in order to be world’s number one automaker.

Expect the design of the Audi Q1 to take its cues from the Q5 and Q7 models, while under the bonnet we are likely to find two familiar power plants: the 1.4 TFSI engine, delivering 118 kW and the 2.0-litre TDI engine with 103 kW.

Just like the BMW Group did with its MINI-branded cars, Audi is planning to offer a variety of customisation options and packages for its new entry-level A1 model. This includes the S-Line sport kit, which is expected to be one of the most popular options amongst buyers.

The S-Line kit is featured in the gallery below for the first time in official photos. With two options available, the S-Line Exterior package adds some aggression to the new A1′s looks with chiseled sill tops, a larger roof spoiler, a more concave front bumper with side air-vents and a new rear bumper with a diffuser and matte optics.

The second kit, the S-Line Sport Package, adds 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport suspension with dynamic suspension tuning, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and sport seats.

At this stage there are no performance upgrades available, a’la John Cooper Works for MINI, but the Audi S1 will benefit from the company’s 155 kW 2,0-litre TFSI and offer Cooper S rivaling thrills. For more details on the A1 check out our previous story by clicking here and watch a video here.

Erectile Dysfunction

The 2011 Audi A1 broke cover less than 10 days ago and already we have preview renderings of the Audi A1 Cabrio – one of the family of variants expected to be built on the A1 platform.

The renderings are just what you’d expect: a convertible version of the A1 hatch. No surprises there. Also no surprise is the likely use of a folding soft top. Audi may be billing the A1 as the first true premium sub-compact, but it still has to meet a reasonable price point, so hardtops are likely out. Power will be the same as the engines found in the standard A1, including a pair of TFSI petrol engines and a TDI turbodiesel.

The Audi A1 Cabriolet will add to Audi’s arsenal in the battle with BMW’s range of Mini variants. Other A1 derivatives will include a five-door hatch, like the Sportback concept, and a sporty S1 variant. The S1 is expected to house a 1,4-litre TSI engine producing 147 kW – enough power to provide competition for the MINI Cooper S.

Production and sales of the Audi A1 Cabriolet are expected to start in 2012.