2011 Audi S1 Tech Specs Revealed

If you thought the upcoming Polo GTI sounds like a cool little number, then hold onto your helmet - the Audi S1 is looming on the horizon and it's got a spec list that will have hot hatch fans salivating in anticipation.

Not to be confused with the mighty 1985 S1 Sport Quattro road-legal rally car, the 2011 Audi S1 will be based on the far humbler A1 city car and will be the flagship for the range.

Power will be provided by the same twin-charged 1.4-litre TFSI inline four that will be used by the Polo GTI,  with a grand total of 150kW and 300Nm being generated by the double-blown four-pot.

A seven-speed twin-clutch S-tronic gearbox will back up that engine and power will be fed to all four wheels via Audi's signature quattro all-wheel-drive system. The addition of AWD alone should make the S1 an exciting proposition for hot hatch buyers, as all-paw tech rarely features on cars of the S1's stature - sporting or not.

Hot hatches typically boast go-kart-like levels of handling, and the S1 shouldn't be anything different. Lower and stiffer springs, magnetically-adjusted dampers and a 40:60 front-rear torque split mean the baby of the S-range should corner like a cut cat.

As for straight line go, the S1 should sprint to triple-digit speeds in a smidge over 6 seconds while top speed will be limited to 250kph.

Bodywork will be typical 'S'. Flared guards, a muscular bodykit, subtle spoiler and big 19-inch wheels will mark the S1 out as the big daddy of the A1 range, as will those trademark silver wing mirrors.

The above renderings are all we have to go off for now, but if they're any indication of the finished product then we're sure it'll be a massive hit when it goes on sale in early 2010. We'll keep you posted on any further news until then.

[Auto Express]