Despite the Volkswagen group's apparent disdain for hybrids, the latest A1 Sportback concept is in fact, a hybrid. It combines a 1.4-liter TSFI gasoline engine with a 20-kilowatt electric motor that's able to deliver as much as 110 pound-feet of torque for short bursts of acceleration. Audi also claims that the A1's electric motor is powerful enough to propel it up to 62 miles on electric power alone thanks to its powerful lithium-ion batteries.
And that's not all. How does a 0-60 time of 7.9 seconds sound? What about a top speed of 124 mph? Still not enough? It gets 60 mpg, too. Well, at least that's what Audi says, and when it comes to concepts, who's checking?
Expect to see an A1 similar to this concept on the roads of Europe in the not-too-distant future. Given its subcompact dimensions, there's little chance Audi will bring it to the U.S., unless of course that hybrid drivetrain actually works. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
Subscribe
Recent Posts
Archives
Manufacturers
Auto Shows
More Categories
Links
Looks like a refreshed Impreza hatch, and I actualy like it. Bring it on, I'm interested!
Is the 110 pound-feet of torque the max? 'Cause the 0-60 time sounds pretty good, and Audis tend to be portly...
"Given its subcompact dimensions, there's little chance Audi will bring it to the U.S., unless of course that hybrid drivetrain actually works."
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I am sick and tired of hearing this! Haven't they been reading the news, we are buying up small, fuel efficient cars left and right over here. We are going through a shift in our thinking about what cars we are driving. WE WANT SMALLER, MORE FUEL EFFICIENT CARS!!!!!!!!! Especially ones that look this good.
I would actually like to see more upscale/sporty compacts/subcompacts here in the States. Ive always loved the idea of a small car with big car materials, features and substance.
Nice. We own an A3 - it's soft for me and a bit too big. This looks more up my alley.
Looks nice - indeed with some Impreza influence.