Quattro A1 in testing
The Audi A1 has been available to the public since last year; it was launched with great enthusiasm by Audi. The UK launch involved a mass drive around the city of London by celebrities and other VIP guests. At the moment the A1 is available as a 1.2 litre petrol, a 1.4 litre turbo and supercharged model and a 1.6 litre diesel; all these are front wheel drive models.
Ever since its launch many have been wondering if Audi’s new supermini will ever be available with the brand’s legendary Quattro four wheel drive system. Well, it seems Audi is working very hard on producing the A1 with the four wheel drive system to bolster Audi lease deals.
An Audi A1 Quattro prototype that inspires to bring all-wheel-drive to the premium subcompact hatchback segment for the first time is currently undergoing thorough testing dealing with freezing conditions on Canada’s densely snow-packed roads. This prototype will be one of the exhibits at the ‘Fascination of quattro’ event taking place in Montreal to celebrate the past, present and future of the legendary four-wheel-drive system.
The A1 Quattro will use a similar set up to that of the Audi A3 and TT Quattro models. The system is made up of an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for an optimised distribution of weight. Inside is a package of plates that rotate in an oil bath.
Audi has designed the Quattro system so that during normal driving, the system sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If the front wheels lose grip, the clutch can instantly transfer torque to the rear wheels by forcing the plate packages together.
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