Audi has created a truly hot version of its A1 city car by installing a tuned version of its celebrated 2.5-litre five-cylinder boosted to produce nigh-on 500bhp.

The small car, complete with 1980s-quattro-inspired boxy wheelarches, a rollcage and stripped-out interior, will make its first appearance at the Austrian Wörthersee event, the 1-4 June festival for Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW fans.

Sitting among the campers, Beetles and old RS Audis, the latest concept hints at what could be done with the smallest car from Ingolstadt; either for competition use or as a basis for a really hot hatch in the MINI, Clio, Abarth 500 category.

Compared with the version of the engine used in the Audi TT RS and RS 3 Sportback, the clubsport quattro’s output has been increased to 370kW (503HP), with 660Nm of torque. Maximum power is available from 2500 to 5300rpm.

Audi quotes performance figures of 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds, 0-125mph in 10.9 seconds, and supercar-like fourth gear acceleration from 50-75mph of just 2.4 seconds. It’s impressive stuff and comes courtesy of the mighty engine and a lightweight construction, as shown by the bare interior. Top speed is a limited 155mph.

The transmission, as you’d expect, features Audi’s trademark quattro system and – rather surprisingly, considering the general technical overload – a simple six-speed manual gearbox.

Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Audi