[BigCityCat]

How is this possible?

The Metroproject Quattro's hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.4-liter TFSI gasoline direct-injection engine rated at 150 horsepower and driving the front wheels, teamed with a 41-hp electric motor in the rear. An S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox is mated to the drivetrain.

The lithium-ion battery pack has plug-in capability, providing a driving range of 62 miles in pure electric mode. Fuel economy is further enhanced through regenerative braking and an engine stop/start system.

Audi claims 0-60 miles per hour acceleration in less than 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph. On premium fuel, the car returns fuel economy of 48 miles per gallon.

Americans wouldn't love this car? Hello? Anybody home?

The A1 is expected to reach European dealerships in mid-2009.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencarad...ns-still-want-big-cars-so-no-a1-for-them.html

 

[Jason M. Hendler]

The article goes on to state that the vehicle would probably be available in the US by 2010.

The more, the merrier. Only automakers introducing such vehicles by 2012 will remain in business. All others will fail and be bought out.

 

[BigCityCat]

I know, that is what the article is all about.

I guess GM will only be first in America.

 

[mwalsh]

The article goes on to state that the vehicle would probably be available in the US by 2010.

It actually says that this car is NOT going to be available in the US. Darn, 'cause I want one!

The quotes regarding US availability are about the next gen A4 and Q5models.

Edit: BTW, if you want to contact him and tell him how mad he is for thinking that such cars aren't wanted in the US, here is his email address: [email protected]

 

[mwalsh]

I just sent him the following email:

"Dear Mr. Stadler,

I just read an article that mentions you thinking American's are not willing to buy into vehicles like the Audi A1.

Can I respectfully say that I think you are mostly wrong.

The Toyota Corolla was the best selling vehicle in the US for June. There is a minimum 12 month waiting list at most dealerships for a new Toyota Prius. Sales are increasing across the board for vehicles in compact to intermediate sizes.

What I will agree on is that American consumers are fickle animals, and a drop in fuel costs to a comfortable level could easily drive them back to larger vehicles. I will also agree that the American consumer would, in general, rather have a four door saloon over a two door coupe, which is where the A1 would seem to fall down. However, I urge you to reconsider your position, or at least consider the technology going into the A1 for other vehicles in the Audi range.

Regards,
MJW"

 

[LyleL]

Doesn't the cars description sound like the AFS Trinity design? Maybe Audi bought their license?

 

[Jason M. Hendler]

I still am amazed at the pace of the announcements coming out from various automakers. Acquisitions should be just around the corner.

 

[cosmo88]

I read an article online saying the A1 won't be released in the US because the market here favors larger cars. Americans drive a greater percentage of large cars then Europeans because that's what's offered and marketed here. We have no small car choices. And the few choices we do have like the mini-cooper are very popular. Americans may have liked larger cars at one time when gas was almost free, but marketing has proliferated the American mindset past the point where we should have gravitated back to smaller more practical cars. This is no longer the case. I don't have numbers in front of me but please take a look at US car buying trends of the the last year or two. SUVs and pickups are dieing and small feul efficient cars are hugely in demand. Compacts and sub-compacts would be in even greater demand if we had the option to buy them Gas prices are still higher in Europe, but the gas price increase shock is higher in the US and people will act on shock over the norm any day. Please please please bring the A1 hybrid to the US soon. Is there any chance of that happening?

Thanks,
Eric

 

[DaV8or]

I wouldn't get too excited about this car's performance as it relates to the Volt. That 0-60 time is with the gas engine working full blast. As for 62 all EV mode, well how do you think this car will perform with only 47hp? Sure 62 miles, but at what speed? I don't know if the user has the option of all EV mode or not, but if it is fully automatic, then this car is simply a hybrid that gets a nice 48mpg. People will drive this car as they drive their cars now and that will force the ICE to be on all the time. Then there is the cost. Nowhere does it say how much they'll be selling this for, but if current Audis are an indication, then loads of cash will be needed.

It is a clever and simple way of building a PHEV though. Makes more sense than Toyota's Synergy thing. Better specs than the Volt? I'm not so sure. The Volt will allow you to drive the car as you have always driven your car with no modification in your driving habits and use no fuel most of the time. The Audi will drive like a regular car and deliver a respectable 48mpg, or switch to EV mode and the car will perform about on par with a Model T Ford.

Using the Mini Cooper as a guide for weight = 2546lbs
Add about 350lbs for additional electric motor, controller, battery pack and drive train = 2896
Power to weight ratio = 61.61 lbs per HP

1914 Model T Ford = 1200lbs
HP= 20
Power to weight = 60 lbs per HP

This car will get you around town in urban enviroments in EV mode, just don't try to merge or play in fast traffic.

 

[SilverBlade]

it uses *premium* gas? forget it...

 

[[email protected]]

Screw Audi

If they don't want to sell their cars here screw them.


Audi quality sucks anyway -- if GM doesnt do it them the Japanese will-