First Photos: Audi A1 Metroproject Quattro Concept

No more guesses.  No more renderings.  We have obtained the first official photos of the Audi Metroproject Quattro concept, believed to be the first version of the Audi A1.

In an earlier interview, Audi Technical Development chief Michael Dick said the A1 would be "manlier and sportier" than the MINI Cooper.

And he was right.  This car has a sleek, shapely front-end that seems to form a menacing grin, and rear tail-lights that virtually stare down trailing motorists.  This car rides on classy, lightweight, ten-spoke wheels.  Inside the cabin, the Metroproject has impressively clean lines, what appears to be paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, and a built-in MP3 player.  On top of everything else, you can seemingly keep track of this car's status on your mobile phone!

The Audi Metroproject Quattro, has a battery pack in visibly mounted in the boot, and lit in tranquil blue lights with a charge indicator on the side.  We had heard rumor that this concept would be a hybrid, and it certainly seems that way. 

The supermini Audi A1 should be available with a turbocharged gas engine, turbocharged diesel engine, ranging in size from 1.2 litres to 2.0 litres.  A base model with an 80 horsepower, naturally aspirated 1.4 litre engine is also expected to hit showroom floors.

With a base price at-or-below $25,500, Audi hopes their MINI-killer will sell between 80,000 and 100,000 per year.  Audi has done such a good job with the design of this car, that sales of the Fiat 500 might also be affected.  Although previously expected at the Frankfurt show last September, the Audi Metroproject Quattro concept will be revealed to the public in person at 10:30 a.m. Tokyo time on October 24th, at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show.  Production on the Audi A1 is scheduled for 2009.

Dick also said, "When a father sits gladly in his daughter's car, then we've got it spot on." 

Congratulations, Mr. Dick.  We think you have it spot on.

Official press release will be added to this article as soon as it becomes available.