Autos News

Audi A1 Quattro hybrid concept at Tokyo show

Oct 31, 2007, 5:52 GMT

Tokyo - Details of Audi's new A1 Metroproject Quattro concept have been released in time for the Tokyo Motor Show, revealing a vehicle with a coupe profile, deep front single-frame grille and narrow headlamps. Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler speaks at world premier of the Audi A1 at the Tokyo Motor Show in Makahari city, Chiba province, Japan, 24 October 2007. The car pictured is the A4 3.2 Quattro. EPA/EVERETT KENNEDY BROWN

Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler speaks at world premier of the Audi A1 at the Tokyo Motor Show in Makahari city, Chiba province, Japan, 24 October 2007. The car pictured is the A4 3.2 Quattro. EPA/EVERETT KENNEDY BROWNThe concept is powered by a hybrid module. The 150 HP 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine is supported by a 30 kW and 200 Nm electric motor, according to Germany's auto-motor-sport magazine. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 201 km/h, according to the report. A range of 100 kilometres is possible on electric power alone, before the lithium-ion battery needs recharging. All the standard hybrid technologies such as engine start/stop and brake regeneration are available. Aimed at the MINI Cooper buyer segment, the A1 interior comes with a red engine start button in the centre console, sporty aluminium trim, paddle shifters and an instrument display with a large tachometer and speedometer. Taking a cue from the Audi R8, the battery compartment in the rear cargo area is visible through a plexiglass cover. It also has the magnetic ride shock absorbers of the r8 and TT and 12.3-inch brake rotors behind 18-inch wheels. A production version of the A1 is expected to be launched around the year 2009, according to several reports. © 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur