Will the new Audi A1 make it to market?

New Audi A1 concept specs and thoughts

First revealed at the Tokyo motor show the concept Audi A1 is a clear indication of Audi’s desire to enter the Super Mini market. This model displays different, ‘more mature’ styling explains designer Frank Rimili, suggesting that Audi is aiming at an ever so slightly more mature market then the current super Mini segment would. This Audi pictured runs on a hybrid 150bhp 1.4 petrol engine up front and a 28bhp electric motor in the back, the result is a fuel efficient and quite torquy 60mpg. The electric battery pack supporting a 60 mile range on its own. The New Audi A1 concept would have a CO2 emissions as low 92g/km. Although the design looks pretty conventional it features some unusual detailing, the extent and shape of the headlights’ illumination changing with the car’s speed, for instance.

During city driving the Audi A1 headlights give the vehicle a slick face, but as the car increases its speed the headlights will become progressively brighter. Other cool design details include a radiator grille that is protected by a Perspex panel. Because the new Audi A1 concept car is a hybrid drive train the cooling requirements are reduced. The radiator panel thus increase the aerodynamics. Better yet, the back window over the boot  of the Audi hatchback is split, any of the half panes can be opened independently allowing you to drop the grocery bags via just the window.

Why is the Audi A1 concept car important?

This A1 concept car is a preview to the model that Audi  is likely to market, the New Audi A1 is planned for a 2010 launch with the three door model preceding the 5 door version of the New Audi A1. A smaller, more economical Audi A1 will be particularly appealing in green times with highr road taxes and rising fuel prices. The A1 will make a great replacement for the now dated A2 hatchback car that never seemed to gain popular appeal. Ironically, the A1 is almost certain to be constructed from weightier steel then most other all aluminium model but final car panel construction decisions won’t be finalized till production dates are set.

90% production likelyhood for the Audi A1

Unlike man autoshow concept and prototype vehicles, the concept Audi A1 is on it’s way, but like every concept shape displayed are international car shows, how close will the production Audi A1 model resemble the production model? The availiblity of the hybrid power train and the low emissions are sure to make this a verysuccesffull model of Audi granted the clean macho designer lines of the car are not smothered by the EU safety regulations that so often degrades original body styles.