On board, it's much of the same. Their is an intriguing mix of TT, existing A3 and A4 hints and, as always, the materials are exquisite and finish is above and beyond reproach.
A1 + e-tron
The A1 e-tron is without a doubt the most unique, idea-wise, in the up and coming e-tron lineup. This plug-in EV, battery-powered and motivated car, is equipped with a range extender. What is a range extender? It is what allows the A1 e-tron to travel beyond its 50-km all-electric range, up to 250 km, limited by the extender's diminutive 12L gas tank. What does it consist of? It is a single-disk rotary engine with a capacity of 254 cc (15.5 cu in) which constantly runs at 5000 rpm. It serves as generator that produces up to 15 kW (20 hp) in electrical charging power.
Although other manufacturers have delved into this technology, no one is using a single-disk rotary engine to provide supplemental energy to the batteries.
The synchronous electric motor is mounted up front. It generates a continuous output of 45 kW (61 hp) along with a torque rating of 150 Nm (111 lb-ft). Max performance comes in the form of 75 kW (102 hp) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. When requesting all of the A1 e-tron's might, the car will accelerate to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of over 130 km/h (81 mph). Not too shabby. Also, fuel consumption is rated a 1.9L per 100 km when the Wankel is spinning and, as it does so, it spews only 45 grams of CO2 per km.
Urban drive
Even if this car's life will mostly be spent in an urban environment, it is good to know that this car does drive like a regular Audi.
The A1 has a sophisticated chassis and, thanks to the low front installation of the electric motor and rear-located Wankel engine and mid-rear mounted T-shaped battery pack, the car benefits from a near-perfect weight distribution. Given this and the fact that the A1 tips the scale at little over 2,000 lb (908 kg), it feels quite nimble and stable.
Steering is heavy but straightforward. The car reacts quickly to steering inputs thanks in large part to its low weight. In its segment (Mini Cooper and others), it is at least as good as the best. The brakes are powerful and pedal feel is strong.
A1 + e-tron
The A1 e-tron is without a doubt the most unique, idea-wise, in the up and coming e-tron lineup. This plug-in EV, battery-powered and motivated car, is equipped with a range extender. What is a range extender? It is what allows the A1 e-tron to travel beyond its 50-km all-electric range, up to 250 km, limited by the extender's diminutive 12L gas tank. What does it consist of? It is a single-disk rotary engine with a capacity of 254 cc (15.5 cu in) which constantly runs at 5000 rpm. It serves as generator that produces up to 15 kW (20 hp) in electrical charging power.
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| The cabin is an intriguing mix of TT, existing A3 and A4 hints and, as always, the materials are exquisite and finish is above and beyond reproach. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |
Although other manufacturers have delved into this technology, no one is using a single-disk rotary engine to provide supplemental energy to the batteries.
The synchronous electric motor is mounted up front. It generates a continuous output of 45 kW (61 hp) along with a torque rating of 150 Nm (111 lb-ft). Max performance comes in the form of 75 kW (102 hp) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. When requesting all of the A1 e-tron's might, the car will accelerate to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of over 130 km/h (81 mph). Not too shabby. Also, fuel consumption is rated a 1.9L per 100 km when the Wankel is spinning and, as it does so, it spews only 45 grams of CO2 per km.
Urban drive
Even if this car's life will mostly be spent in an urban environment, it is good to know that this car does drive like a regular Audi.
The A1 has a sophisticated chassis and, thanks to the low front installation of the electric motor and rear-located Wankel engine and mid-rear mounted T-shaped battery pack, the car benefits from a near-perfect weight distribution. Given this and the fact that the A1 tips the scale at little over 2,000 lb (908 kg), it feels quite nimble and stable.
Steering is heavy but straightforward. The car reacts quickly to steering inputs thanks in large part to its low weight. In its segment (Mini Cooper and others), it is at least as good as the best. The brakes are powerful and pedal feel is strong.
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| The fact that the A1 tips the scale at little over 2,000 lb (908 kg), it feels quite nimble and stable. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |