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According to a report by German auto magazine Auto Bild, Audi will be calling the sport-version of the A1 the RS1. VW and Audi are reported to be modifying their PQ25 platform to allow for an all-wheel drive A1 variant and Polo R to be produced. Auto Bild is reporting that the quattro-fitted A1 variant will not be called the S1 as was previously reported, but Audi will skip that moniker altogether and badge the variant as the RS1. That RS1 model will likely be powered by a 2.0 liter TFSI unit, similar to the one found in the Golf GTI model. It will however be tuned to around 220 PS in order to outdo the 211 PS Mini Cooper JCW, which Audi sees as the RS1's main competitor. Distinguishing the RS1 visually will be a unique body kit that will include wider fender flares. Expect the RS1 to hit the market in early 2012.

[extract] Audi is preparing to show off a new high-end performance variant of the A1 subcompact powered by the VW group

Audi has listed the S1 as one of the cars it will reveal at this month's Paris Motor Show. While Ingolstadt has not yet confirmed any technical details on the hottest version of the A1 premium supermini, sources state that it will be powered by the same 1.4-liter TSI twincharged engine found under the hood of the Polo GTi. It is possible that Audi may tweak the four-cylinder unit to produce a few ponies than the 180HP it returns on the VW model. The S1 will also get the usual performance parts such as taller and wider tires, upgraded suspension and brake system as well as a styling package similar to the S-Line trim. The new hot hatch from Audi should go on sale in Europe sometime next year. For Singapore, the non-

German tuning firm Abt Sportsline has developed a new package for the Audi A1. The car features an aerodynamics kit, updated exhaust, revised suspension, new wheels, and performance enhancement. External upgrades on the car are available in either brushed aluminum, grass green or lavender. Each color corresponds to Abt's three new dec

This is Audi's latest attempt to dump the Mini from its pedestal as the world's greatest small/compact/hatchback. The supermini market is starting to heat up with the new Fiat 500, the evergreen Mini Cooper, and now theres the Audi A1. Now that it has finally revealed itself to the world, apart from its teaser videos and the innovative day time running lights which do not appear as LED dots anymore, this is a serious hit. Well the first thing I noticed was the oddly coloured A to C pillar roof arch which I assume that is Audi's attempt to make the A1 a little less serious than the rest of cars in its stable. Apparently you can have that in various colours and that may seem like Audi's trying a little too hard, but its a nice-to-have option. The R8 inspired day time running lights is simply genius on a car like this as it adds an upmarket feel to the A1. And that interior which is said to be inspired by aeroplanes, that's obvious if you notice the jet-turbine-like air con vents which gives the car a cool retro feel but I think its still doesn't give as retro a vibe as the Mini does. The A1 is set to be well spec-ed too with Audi's 'infotainment' system which is usually meant for the bigger boys, apparently there will be 20GB in the car's hard drive for music and satellite navigation and it comes with a Bose sound system. I doubt that will ever make it to Singapore since we see very little of the gadgetry that is made standard in Europe, nevertheless, its still better to hope! As for the heart of the A1, its either a 1.4TFSi with 120bhp, capable of 0-100km/h in 9.2 seconds, or 9.1 with the optional flappy-paddle gearbox. The other, is the entry level 1.2TFSI which churns out 85bhp. There's going to be an S-line version of the A1 and a 5 door version, but these will be available at a later date. On an ending note, aeroplane inspired interior? That's like slapping Saab in the face but as a whole, I think the A1 will not disappoint.

[extract] Mini beware. Audi's upcoming A1 has it's sight literally set on you! Audi

Yeap! 2009 has been dusted and we're in the presence of 2010, a year that holds much promise and continued success for some and for others, the continuing fight to stay in the black. And if you're wondering, LTA did release the sales figures of the various brands in Singapore last month. Besides the disheartening jump in the number of units from brands like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin and Bentley, the lesser Continental brands and the Koreans have also made good with the injection of all new products that boast not only good fittings but attractive and daring styling respectively. Audi, on the back of record sales last year spearheaded by it's R8 supercar will be introducing no less than five different models throughout this year, the MINI-challenging A1, A7, A8, Q5 Hybrid and the R8 Spyder. Probably the most anticipated of the lot by most of you guys, the R8 isn't on my list of the cars to watch in 2010. Why? The proportions on the car itself are questionable, the power delivery is sedate and diluted by various electronic equipment that keep you straight while driving and also helps you fall asleep at the wheel faster. Rather the A8 will be an interesting addition. Not only does it look almost the same as the last car from the side, the front and rear shots of the car don't seem too complimentary of the cars hefty size. The A1 is the other one. Poised to go head-on with MINI, I'm looking forward to seeing how it actually measures up to the MINI, primarily in the handling and the chassis section. Determined to have its turn in the spotlight, Volkswagen will be bringing in their Golf and Scirocco R cars, making its way into town within the first half and second half of the year respectively. The R32 which the Golf R replaces was a stonker of a car and the R is supposed to be much more fun at the wheel with less heft under the bonnet. With the Scirocco, VW's current line-up of 1.4 and 2.0 variants are wonderfully sprite engines but the suspension seems to have taken the hit of compromise, in an effort to not tear buyers between the Scirocco and the Golf models. Then the Korean camp is represented by Kia, introducing the Sorento after highly successful runs with the Forte and the Koup in the market last year. It's parent company Hyundai is also scheduled to release their all-new Sonata in March. Both cars are on my "to watch" list...they should do very well in this market. Next up the Opel Insignia. Not only does this baby look every bit as good as its press pictures suggest, but the two-litre turbocharged ecotec engine it's mated to will produce 220 bhp and 350 Nm of torque through a six-speeder to all four tyres! Not too shabby...another car that we'll see more of on our roads. Now that we're done with the everyday movers, let me get on with those of the supercar nature. Two highlights for me this year will be the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the three Reventon Roadsters. Both have reached legendary status's in the short time they've been revealed at the various motor shows and have become very sought after objects. The SLS AMG, despite not looking anything like the 300SL Gullwing it was meant to pay tribute to, looks nothing like the German company has made in recent times and with a 6.2-litre V8 under that long bonnet, is bound to take straight off into the hearts of the rich in Singapore.