Audi A1 Sportback concept

Audi A1 Sportback concept-Audi is presenting another version of the innovative hybrid technology in the drive unit for the A1 Sportback concept. Under the hood is a 1.4-liter TFSI® engine developing 150 hp, whose power is directed to the front wheels by means of the S tronic® dual-clutch transmission. A 27 hp electric motor integrated in the drivetrain delivers an additional 111 lb-ft of torque when the vehicle is accelerating.

Turbocharged FSI® Technology

Peak torque of the Audi A1 Sportback is 177 lb-ft and is on tap over a broad rev band from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. Multi-hole injectors result in very homogeneous mixture formation and extremely efficient combustion. This is also an effective means of helping reduce emissions.

The integrated turbocharger promises optimized responsiveness and even more harmonious torque buildup. Eighty percent of peak torque can be summoned up from as low down as 1,250 rpm; in other words, barely above idling speed. And despite its power, the 1.4 TFSI® sets a new benchmark in its class for its acoustic output as well.

Up to 30 Percent Lower Consumption of Fuel

Between the engine and transmission sits the 27 hp electric unit, which cuts in automatically depending on the selected operating mode—or propels the vehicle alone. The battery unit—a package of compact lithium-ion batteries—is installed at the rear of the vehicle, which makes for a good weight balance.

When powered solely by the combustion engine or the electric motor, or when both are used in the boost mode, the A1 Sportback concept operates as a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The high torque of 288 lb-ft in total — 177 lb-ft from the 1.4 TFSI® plus an extra 111 lb-ft from the electric motor—is transformed into the required level of tractive power when accelerating.

The Audi A1 Sportback concept can, in principle, run self-sufficiently using variable output from both the combustion engine and the electric motor. Thanks to the intelligent management of both units, energy regeneration as well as the automatic start/stop function, fuel consumption is almost 30 percent lower compared to a vehicle running on the gasoline engine alone. Although the components of the electric motor add around 88 pounds to the overall weight, the powerplant burns 1 gallon of premium fuel per 60.31 U.S. MPG in mixed mode, while CO2 emissions average just 148 g/mile.

“Refueling” From Power Sockets

Pure electrical operation over shorter distances, however, is a particularly attractive alternative offered by this vehicle that benefits the environment and as well as the wallet—especially considering that the performance achieved in this mode and the range of more than 31 miles are perfectly satisfactory. “Refueling” the Audi A1 Sportback concept from power sockets alone, therefore, produces an unequivocal result: Even allowing for the relatively high costs of domestic electricity in Germany, it is still possible to achieve a savings of more than 80 percent compared with the price of premium fuel. Thanks to “zero emissions,” the benefit to the environment is even greater, particularly in congested urban areas.

The Chassis

The fundamental ingredient for outstanding driving safety and handling dynamics is supplied by the sophisticated chassis design, comprising McPherson front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension. Large 18-inch wheels with size 225/35 R18 tires boost both driving pleasure and safety. Thanks to the newly developed active, ESP®-controlled front differential lock, propulsive torque is distributed according to the driving situation, thereby achieving enhanced steering precision and superior directional stability as well as improved traction and dynamic handling when cornering.

The braking system, with its large-diameter discs measuring 12.28 inches at the front wheels, is more than a match for the drive power. Bred on the racetrack, the system promises outstanding, fade-free stopping power.

Audi Drive Select

The Audi A1 Sportback concept features Audi drive select, which is also available as an option in the current generation of the Audi A4 best seller. This enables the driver to preselect one of two specially adapted configurations for the drivetrain, shift characteristics and magnetic ride shock absorbers.

Efficiency Mode: The default setting is the “efficiency” mode. In this mode, the engine and transmission respond gently to use of the accelerator and shift paddles. In the “efficiency” mode, the Audi A1 Sportback concept can be used for distances of up to 62 miles in purely electric mode—and it is quite speedy, too: Thanks to the powerful battery it is possible to reach speeds of more than 62 MPH. The combustion engine only cuts in once battery capacity has dropped below 20 percent of maximum.

In this mode, the electric motor is not deployed as a source of additional torque; instead, it is run selectively as the sole power source to bring about a tangible reduction in consumption. In the “efficiency” mode, for example, with a fully charged battery and a distance of less than 31 miles, the vehicle is operated purely by electrical power.

Sport Mode: The sport mode is designed to produce the dynamic yet comfortable driving sensation that is typical of Audi. In this mode, the vehicle’s electronics also harness the torque available from the electric motor to achieve extra-sporty acceleration along with excellent lateral dynamics.

Audi Magnetic Ride

The shock absorbers deploy a highly innovative technology in the form of Audi magnetic ride, which has already made its mark in the Audi R8 high-performance sportscar and in the TT. Here, the conventional shock absorber fluid is replaced by a magneto-rheological fluid whose qualities can be controlled by means of an electromagnetic field. This effect enables the damping characteristic to be influenced electronically at will by applying a voltage to the electromagnets.

Audi magnetic ride capitalizes on this quality to make the appropriate damping forces available in any driving situation, thereby optimizing both ride comfort and performance dynamics. A computer linked up to a system of sensors interprets the current driving situation with split-second speed. Here, the driver can choose between two driving programs, depending on whether he or she wants to drive with a sportier style—with the magneto-rheological fluid requiring a low yield stress – or with a greater emphasis on ride comfort.