Audi Planning a MINI Killer?

Sections: Best of the Web | R56 (Hatch) Aug 22nd, 2007 54 Comments

We’ve talked about this before and now it looks official; Audi is set to release the A1 in mid-2010 after it’s European debut sometime in 2009. Here’s an excerpt from the latest Autoweek:

BMW’s Mini Cooper will come under fire in 2009, when Audi introduces an entry-level A1 model, followed by a top-secret high-performance S1 model aimed squarely at the Cooper S.

Although Audi officials in the United States are mum on the project, highly placed sources in Ingolstadt say the car is being engineered for both the European and the North American market. Coupe, convertible and three- and five-door hatchback versions are all in the product portfolio.

They also have possible, very impressive, specifications.

The range-topping performance S1, shown in these illustrations, will be powered by a 180-to-200-hp version of parent company Volkswagen’s 1.4-liter Twincharger (supercharged and turbocharged) engine, coupled to a Haldex-style multiplate-clutch transmission to give it permanent all-wheel drive. A seven-speed direct-shift gearbox would be standard. Sources say the S1 will be capable of 0 to 60 mph in less than 7.0 seconds and will have a top speed of about 150 mph.

A ton of power and decent transmission with suspension improvements over the Golf might make this the car to watch in the not-so distant future.

[ Audi A1/S1 ] Autoweek.com

Written By: DB

Steve

AWD is talked about a lot in online car forums, and is probably a big deal to a small group of enthusiasts, but I have to tell you, the bulk of AWD-available cars I see here in SoCal are FWD, especially Audi A4′s, which really should be AWD for any favorable driving dynamic! So, how hard is it for auto makers to make money back on AWD models, when it’s mainly a cold-weather option? I don’t think the enthusiast perception and sales reality actually add up, and I”m sure MINI knows this.
Aussom

So why hasn’t and when will MINI coming out with twincharger (i.e., turbocharger and supercharger together) models?

The closest alternative model to the MINI that I’ve come across in Australia is the Suzuki Swift Sport (see http://www.suzuki.com.au ). In fact I once was approached by a Suzuki Swift driver who told me that the only reason why he purchased the Swift was because he wanted a car much like the MINI but he couldn’t afford one. The Swift provided him with a suitable alternative at a fraction of the price. Add body stripes and you have an alternative.

The Ford Fiesta XR4 model hatch also seems to be trying to muscle in on the MINI market space in Australia (see http://www.ford.com.au).
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