We're in a mild state of confusion here at
Car Enthusiast. Audi has all but confirmed that its new S1 will make an appearance at the
Paris Motor Show, yet today (September 15) we've been quietly informed by an Audi insider that the management have decided at the last minute that the hot A1 under development is not quite worthy of an 'S' badge.
It was widely expected that the S1 would be powered by the same 1.4-litre TSI engine found in the
VW Polo GTI,
SEAT Ibiza Cupra and the
Skoda Fabia vRS. A modest power output of 178bhp was to be channelled via a seven-speed DSG gearbox to the front wheels.
Now we're told that this car will not be badged the S1. It's not yet clear what it will be called, but apparently the S1 name will be reserved for something altogether tastier with about 200bhp and quattro four-wheel drive.
So, what to expect in Paris? Only two weeks to go...
Shane O' Donoghue - 15 Sep 2010