An Audi A1 quattro prototype that brings all-wheel-drive to the premium
subcompact hatchback segment for the first time is currently undergoing a
baptism of fire grappling with freezing conditions on Canada's densely
snow-packed roads.
The one-off development car is one of the stars of the
'Fascination of quattro' event taking place in Montreal to celebrate the past,
present and future of the legendary four-wheel-drive system, which reached its
30th anniversary in 2010. It reaffirms the Vorsprung durch Technik brand's
commitment, made at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, to underpin future high
performance variants of the A1 with this proven driver aid.
The latest
member of the burgeoning quattro family uses technology very similar to that
used in A3 and TT models. At its core is an electronically controlled,
hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for
an optimized distribution of weight. Inside is a package of plates that rotate
in an oil bath.
Even before it filters into the most
diminutive of Audi models, the quattro system is already a feature of over 120
variants in the Audi line-up, from the A3 hatchback through to the R8 super car.