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Audi metroproject quattro
Audi metroproject quattro

First Photos: Audi A1 Metroproject Quattro Concept

Bows next week
  
October 18, 2007 2:33 PM by Zack Newmark
Filed Under: Tokyo Motor Show Audi

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.

Source: Audi
PagodaWarrior
October 18, 2007 2:37:25 PM

drool... MINI will be left in the dust!

Rolli
October 18, 2007 2:45:46 PM

I don't want an evil dwarf...

AmazingJerry
October 18, 2007 2:53:56 PM

Wow, this is better looking than expected.

Rolli
October 18, 2007 3:06:45 PM

Why do I can not save an image and open it?

asif
October 18, 2007 4:16:36 PM

it wont open cos its a dull car....

Rolli
October 18, 2007 4:21:02 PM

Just take your pseudo-Lamborghini/Mitsubishi "Nissan" and leave alone with my little cute Audi.

asif
October 18, 2007 4:21:50 PM

i see the silver pillar that extends to the rear is pure citroen pluriel! what a laugh.

this is no way gonna eat into Mini sales. that car is a modern ikon. this on the other hand is a con. no doubt it will be bought by the masses of fashionistas.....

Rolli
October 18, 2007 4:43:47 PM

-.- Unfair, it's not allowed to insert a html-code...

Indeed, the silver-pillar looks strange, the grill is too big and the evil look doesn't match to Audi.

xLumino
October 18, 2007 4:49:35 PM

A very interesting new Audi! the conception at all reminds me to the VW Golf I GTi and the NSU TT. So this vehicle fit the history! I agree with the roofpillar, they reminds to the citroen Pluriel, which isn't in Audi's interest I suppose.

All in all nice news from Ingolstadt

NaBUru38
October 18, 2007 5:10:40 PM

2.0 litre engines? The Iroc's 1.4 TSI produced about 200 hp, and this car doesn't need that much power.

Btw, do you have its external dimensions? It looks quite bigger than the Mini, as it should be, but I'm afraid it's too close to the A3.

asif
October 18, 2007 5:54:11 PM

audi proves what it does best....and that is its a producer of cars that ALL look the same. but then all german cars are guilty of that.

Rolli
October 18, 2007 6:32:54 PM

I don't think they look "all the same". Anf if, well, it's better than only one of them would look like the Nissan.

asif
October 18, 2007 6:40:04 PM

man you need some glasses dude

silversedanman
October 18, 2007 6:48:44 PM

Audi has done it again. Beautiful bold design.

Rolli
October 18, 2007 7:25:04 PM

And you, asif, need an analyst's care.

joelynn
October 18, 2007 9:57:58 PM

The silver pillar looks cheap & almost looks like it was gonna be a cabrio. Also it's got hints of the 500 and looks slightly dated for some reason- nice front though

Nives007
October 19, 2007 11:17:36 PM

It' a excelent car, the looks can't be more beautiful, I can't wait to buy my own one......

silversedanman
October 20, 2007 8:24:49 PM

Audi sales always increase.

Spyker
October 21, 2007 9:24:29 PM

Beautifully designed car.

ferrariguy
October 22, 2007 6:11:13 AM

Bimmers(aside for design, hopefully they will fix in the future)and MB's are still better. Always have, always will = ). Surprise that the german car lovers/snob don't call this a Volkswagen. lol

silversedanman
October 23, 2007 3:05:07 PM

Germans have a higher standard of life than Americans

TomJonesCirca1969
December 21, 2007 7:27:31 AM

A creditable alternative to the Mini.The Grille and tail-lamps look grooovy!!! Dull black interiors look boring.

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