Audi S1 Coming with 270 hp and AWD

The Audi S1 has a very interesting story. After unofficial reports indicated that the A1 will get a hot version, Audi confirmed this but it didn’t say anything about the model’s release date, leaving us to believe (and write) that the car would be coming to the upcoming Paris Auto Show.

However, Audi subsequently announced that the Paris event will indeed see the debut of a sporty A1, but this won’t be the S1. Instead, Audi will bring the 184 hp 1.4 TFSI incarnation of the model to the show.

As we previously reported, we must not fear for the S1’s future life, as Audi’s original spare parts catalog indicates that this will be built.

Moreover, multiple media sources now indicate that the German company is preparing a true revolution for the S1. It seems that the vehicle won’t be getting a pumped-up version of the 1.4 liter engine that develops around 200 hp.

Instead, the hot hatch is expected to receive the VW Group's 2.0l turbocharged powerplant that will deliver 270 hp. And this is only half the news. In order to be worthy of the “S” designation, the vehicle is expected to come with a quattro all-wheel-drive system.

We’ll blow away a new wave of worries: the S1 won’t cannibalize the S3 (this currently delivers 265 hp), as the A3 range is expected to receive the TT RS’ 340 hp 2.5 liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine for the birth of a new model - the RS3. This means that Audi will take the hot hatch segment to a new level.