Audi RS1 on the way?

Autocar is suggesting the current A1 could get a 280hp swansong...

The Audi S1 is a car we like at PistonHeads. It looks cool - especially in the brighter colours - goes very well and handles far better than you may expect of a small fast Audi. Therefore the news - or rather a rumour, as it remains at the moment - of an RS1 is rather exciting indeed.

This with box arches and more power? Yes!

Autocar states that the car has been given the go-ahead by Audi bosses, on sale early next year ahead of an all new A1 in 2018. Unlike the A1 quattro, it should be a regular production model like its RS3 and RS6 siblings as well. So what should we expect?

Predictably enough, the RS1 is likely to use the EA888 2.0-litre turbo that sees service in all manner of VW hot hatches. A power figure of around 280hp has been suggested, giving it a useful 50hp more than the S1 but also less than the bigger hot hatches like the Leon Cupra and Golf R. Wouldn't want to step on their toes...

The rendered image here hints at what an RS1 could look like using familiar fast Audi cues. Bigger arches, deeper grilles and lower suspension are all likely to feature, plus some racier seats inside. Interestingly, Autocar's information also implies there will be a choice of three- and five-door RS1s, plus manual or dual-clutch gearbox options.

The market for mega B-segment hot hatches seems to be expanding at the moment, with cars like the Mini Challenge and Clio R.S.16 (they have to build it, don't they?) announced recently. The RS1 would surely fit in there nicely, but expect a start price in excess of £30,000. More details to (hopefully) follow as that launch date approaches.

[Source: Autocar]

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housen

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