Tokyo 2007: Audi A1 Metroproject Concept

These are images of the Audi A1 Metroproject Concept, making an appearance at the Tokyo International Motor Show 2007.

Rumour has it that the A1 Metroproject is front-wheel driven by VAG�s 1.4L TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 150hp. But that�s not all, an electric motor (pictured below) drives the rear axle - itself worth about 41hp - effectively making the A1 Metroproject Concept a quattro, albeit with two different underlying drivelines. Both drivetrains are united via VAG's superb S-Tronic dual-robotised clutch gearbox and it's a tech wizardry how Audi manages to do that.

With engine and electric motor operating simultaneously a maximum torque of 440Nm is churned out; with the 1.4TSI petrol engine contributing 240Nm while the electric motor spins 200Nm of torque. As such, 0 - 100km/h is a claimed 7.8 secs, with a top-end of 200km/h.

This prototype also previews Audi�s new A1 hatchback slated for 2009. Looking much like a cross between the Fiat 500 and Audi A3, the concept underlines Audi�s future plan for this supermini�s intention of being sporty and fun. However, an associate who is attending Tokyo 2007 now, as we speak, found it rather unattractive in the metal.