Audi presents the A1 clubsport quattro showcar at the Wörthersee

Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro

INGOLSTADT : May 31, 2011 - It gives the impression of having just emerged from the shop, freshly painted, on its way to the first rollout on the race track. The Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a one-off vehicle built to the limits of technology for breathtaking dynamics. Audi is presenting the showcar in Reifnitz, in the Austrian state of Kärnten, at the Wörtherseetour 2011. The 30th edition of this major meeting for Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW fans takes place from June 1 - 4, 2011.



The heart of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a classic Audi gasoline engine – a five-cylinder unit displacing 2.5 liters with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. Compared with the version used in the Audi TT RS and RS 3 Sportback on which it is based, the output of the TFSI has been increased dramatically to 370 kW (503 hp) and 660 Nm (486.79 lb-ft) of torque. Maximum power is available between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm.

The turbocharger, intercooler, admission tract and the exhaust line have been systematically tuned for high performance. As on the Audi A4 DTM, the tailpipe is located on the left flank, just in front of the rear wheel.

Another area where the A1 clubsport quattro shines is its overall weight of just 1,390 kilograms (3,064 lb). The powerful engine catapults the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.7 seconds. From 0 to 200 km/h (124.27 mph) takes just 10.9 seconds, while the car goes from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) in fourth gear in just 2.4 seconds.

A six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, both taken from the TT RS and enhanced, deliver the power to all four wheels. Top speed is governed at 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The Audi showcar rolls on 255/30 low-profile tires mounted on 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique turbine design. Sitting behind the wheels are large, internally ventilated disc brakes. Up front, six-piston calipers grab perforated carbon fiber-ceramic discs. Large steel discs are mounted on the rear axle. The coilover suspension of the A1 clubsport quattro features adjustable compression and rebound damping.


Dynamic and brawny: the exterior

Sporting a very dynamic appearance and an exquisite finish, the showcar makes no secret of its potential. The body has a Glacier White matt paint finish, with accents provided by many add-on parts. The roof arch in high-gloss black supports a roof made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and the four rings at the front of the car are solid aluminum.

Large, split air intakes with carbon struts are integrated into the distinctively modified front skirt. The single-frame radiator grille sports a black honeycomb design, and the headlights feature matted clasps with a red “wing.” Heat from the engine compartment is dissipated via two large air outlets in the hood.

The front fenders, the doors and the rear side panels of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro have been widened by a total of 60 millimeters (2.36 in). They form horizontal “blister” edges, like those found on the Audi Ur-quattro. Air outlets are integrated into the rear ends of the fenders, and the newly designed trim strips on the sills are made of exposed CFRP. Sleek side mirrors are reminiscent of the Audi R8 high-performance sports car.

The rear of the showcar is dominated by the roof spoiler, which features a double wing to provide for sufficient downforce. Darkly toned rear lights and a large, closed diffuser hone the rear view of the A1 clubsport quattro.

Designed as a road vehicle for the race track, the showcar has no rear seat. In its place are a large crossbar to further stiffen the body and storage for racing helmets. A weight-optimized starter battery used in racing is mounted in the rear below the two storage compartments. The strict high-performance concept left no room for an infotainment system, an MMI monitor or even a loudspeaker. The lightweight bucket seats are taken from the Audi R8 GT and feature a chassis made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. Red four-point belts secure the driver and passenger.


The interior of the showcar is a study in dark gray. Large areas are covered with exposed, matt-finished CFRP, including the walls in the rear section of the car, the tubes of the air vents and the “stern of the yacht” in the lower section of the center console. The CFRP material used on the open-spoked sport steering wheel is covered with leather. Rocker switches on the center console replace switches on the control stalk and in the door panels. Three additional instruments indicate the oil pressure, boost pressure and electrical system voltage.

The center console and the seats are covered in fine leather upholstery with tone-on-tone stitching. The selector lever is made of aluminum; the caps of the pedals and the surface of the footrest are made of stainless steel. Red loops replace the handles on the doors, the glove box and the covers of the storage compartments.

Experience the Audi A1 clubsport quattro interactively

The Audi A1 clubsport quattro can also be experienced exclusively in Need for Speed ​​World (http://world.needforspeed.com), where it will be available to all players as a free in-game rental car from June 1 – 4. Need for Speed ​World is the Play4Free online PC racing game from EA, in which players take part in races in a giant multiplayer world.

The Audi stand at Wörthersee

Joining the A1 clubsport quattro on the Audi stand at the GTI meet are 17 production vehicles from the current Audi model lineup. Among the vehicles that the brand is presenting to its fans at the Wörthersee is the new Audi Q3. The public can also take a close look at the Audi TT RS in Ibis White and an RS 3 Sportback in Misano Red. Another model is the new Audi A6, which is on display next to an A7 Sportback in Misano Red.

Fans and guests making the trip to the Wörthersee from June 1 – 4 have the opportunity to present their tuned Audi in a worthy manner by driving it past the Audi stage at the company’s Wörthersee stand.

New accessories for production models

Many of the features of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro will soon show up in the accessories program for the A1 family, which Audi is steadily expanding. Adhesive film decals in the contrasting colors Amalfi White, Ice Silver, metallic and Daytona Gray, pearl effect for the vehicles’ shoulders are available immediately.

Another option is the union square lifestyle kit. It comprises exterior decals and design elements for the interior, both with a diamond pattern. Audi is presenting both this and the A1 aerodynamics competition kit at the Wörtherseetour. The customer can order this add-on kit painted either in the body color or in a contrasting color. The same applies to the Audi A1 roof spoiler competition kit.

Images : Audi A1 Clubsport Quattro


[Source :AUDI]

2011 WRC : Loeb fights back to win sixth Argentina title

2011 WRC - Rally Argentina winners : Sebastien Loeb (FRA) Daniel Elena (MON), Citroën DS3 WRC, Citroën Total World Rally Team

Seven-times world champion Sebastien Loeb overcame a one-minute time penalty to take a narrow victory in the Rally of Argentina on Sunday.


Mikko Hirvonen (FIN), Ford Fiesta RS WRC, BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team

The Frenchman, winning his sixth Argentine title in a Citroen, won by 2.4 seconds from Finn Mikko Hirvonen with overnight leader Sebastien Ogier third 7.3 seconds behind.

A gripping race went down to the wire after Frenchman Ogier rolled his Citroen on the gruelling, 48.21 kms Ascochinga stage, the first of the day, with damage to the front of the car and the power steering.

"This morning I made a mistake and it was impossible to drive the car," a visibly distraught Ogier, who was in the lead until the decisive final power special, told reporters.

Ogier come in more than 11 seconds off the pace set by power stage winner Petter Solberg of Norway, who took three bonus points to two for second-placed Hirvonen and one for Loeb.

Loeb, who was penalised on Friday but had cut compatriot Ogier's overall lead to a mere 3.3 seconds in the penultimate special, is top of the standings with 126 points from six races. Hirvonen is second on 113 with Ogier third with 96.

"After all the difficulties I had I'm pleased with this finish," Ford driver Hirvonen said at the finish.

Fog hung over the hills of Cordoba province during the early kilometres of the day's first stage as cars continued to get punished on the often tight dirt and gravel roads.

"The first 20 kilometres were in fog and we were fighting well...We hit a few banks here and there but no dramas," Hirvonen told the championship website (www.wrc.com).

Solberg, world champion in 2003 before Loeb notched up seven titles in a row, won the penultimate stage and the closing power stage in his Citroen for three bonus points. He finished fourth overall, just over half a minute behind Loeb.

Finn Jari-Matti Latvala, who led from early Friday until the 13th stage on Saturday before pulling out with suspension damage to his Ford, won the 17th special after being allowed to resume the race but finished seventh nearly 12 minutes off the pace.

"Rallying can be the hardest game," said the 26-year-old Finn.


2011 WRC - Rally Argentina -Race result



Pos No Driver




Group

Class
Stage

Time
Penalties Total

Time
Diff

Prev
Diff

1st
1
1
S. LOEB M
A0
4:02:56.9
1:00.0
4:03:56.9
0.0
0.0
2
3
M. HIRVONEN M
A0
4:03:59.3
0.0
4:03:59.3
+2.4
+2.4
3
2
S. OGIER M
A0
4:04:04.2
0.0
4:04:04.2
+4.9
+7.3
4
11
P. SOLBERG M
A0
4:04:29.5
0.0
4:04:29.5
+25.3
+32.6
5
6
M. ØSTBERG M
A0
4:09:13.7
0.0
4:09:13.7
+4:44.2
+5:16.8
6
7
F. VILLAGRA M
A0
4:10:45.4
0.0
4:10:45.4
+1:31.7
+6:48.5
7
4
J. LATVALA M
A0
4:13:21.4
2:10.0
4:15:31.4
+4:46.0
+11:34.5
8
5
M. WILSON M
A0
4:17:29.6
0.0
4:17:29.6
+1:58.2
+13:32.7
9
38
H. PADDON P
A0
4:29:30.7
10.0
4:29:40.7
+12:11.1
+25:43.8
10
21
P. FLODIN P
A0
4:36:51.1
40.0
4:37:31.1
+7:50.3
+33:34.1
11
33
D. TAGIROV P
A0
4:42:37.6
30.0
4:43:07.6
+5:36.5
+39:10.7
12
35
N. FUCHS P
A0
4:46:03.1
1:50.0
4:47:53.1
+4:45.5
+43:56.2
13
53
R. ORLANDINI
A0
4:48:46.1
2:50.0
4:51:36.1
+3:43.0
+47:39.2
14
26
M. SEMERAD P
A0
4:51:56.5
0.0
4:51:56.5
+20.4
+47:59.6
15
39
B. GUERRA P
A0
4:49:47.1
3:10.0
4:52:57.1
+1:00.6
+49:00.2
16
50
E. CAMPOS P
A0
4:54:07.5
10.0
4:54:17.5
+1:20.4
+50:20.6
17
23
G. LINARI P
A0
4:55:52.7
1:00.0
4:56:52.7
+2:35.2
+52:55.8
18
43
K. BLOCK M
A0
4:56:26.8
50.0
4:57:16.8
+24.1
+53:19.9
19
34
Y. PROTASOV P
A0
4:57:25.5
0.0
4:57:25.5
+8.7
+53:28.6
20
22
M. KOSCIUSZKO P
A0
4:58:04.7
0.0
4:58:04.7
+39.2
+54:07.8
21
27
H. HUNT P
A0
5:04:14.3
1:00.0
5:05:14.3
+7:09.6
+1:01:17.4
22
65
G. SUAREZ
A0
5:32:29.9
1:10.0
5:33:39.9
+28:25.6
+1:29:43.0
23
75
P. PELAEZ
A0
5:44:59.8
3:00.0
5:47:59.8
+14:19.9
+1:44:02.9
24
72
C. CUEVAS
A0
6:19:48.5
0.0
6:19:48.5
+31:48.7
+2:15:51.6
25
78
M. DURANTE
A0
6:27:12.9
1:00.0
6:28:12.9
+8:24.4
+2:24:16.0
26
71
G. BOTTAZZINI
A0
6:27:59.6
1:10.0
6:29:09.6
+56.7
+2:25:12.7
27
76
F. CLEMENTE
A0
7:01:20.1
1:40.0
7:03:00.1
+33:50.5
+2:59:03.2


2011 WRC : Drivers Championship Standing

Pos Driver Sweden Mexico Portugal Jordan Italy Argentina Greece Finland Germany Australia France Spain Great Britain Total
1.
France S. LOEB
10
27
21
16
26
26







126
2.
Finland M. HIRVONEN
25
21
12
14
21
20







113
3.
France S. OGIER
15
R
26
28
12
15







96
4.
Finland J. LATVALA
16
15
17
18
2
6







74
5.
Norway P. SOLBERG
10
13
8
R
15
15







61
6.
Norway M. OSTBERG
18
10
0
0
10
10







48
7.
Great Britain M. WILSON
2
R
10
10
2
4







28
8.
Argentina F. VILLAGRA
-
2
4
6
0
8







20
9.
Finland K. RAIKKONEN
4
-
6
8
-
-







18
10.
Norway H. SOLBERG
0
8
2
0
R
-







10
11.
Spain D. SORDO
-
-
-
-
8
-







8
12.
Finland J. HANNINEN
-
4
-
-
4
-







8
13.
M. PROKOP
0
6
-
-
1
-







7
14.
O. TANAK
-
1
-
-
6
-







7
15.
Sweden P. ANDERSSON
6
-
-
-
0
-







6
16.
K. AL QASSIMI
1
-
0
4
0
-







5
17.
D. KUIPERS
0
R
1
2
R
-







3
18.
New Zealand H. PADDON









2







2
19.
Portugal B. SOUSA



R
1
R
-







1
20.
Sweden P. FLODIN









1







1
21.
Qatar N. AL-ATTIYAH
-
Excl
-
R
0
-







0
22.
K. KRUUDA

0
0
0
0
-







0



2011 WRC - Manufacturer Championship Standing


Pos Team Sweden Mexico Portugal Jordan Italy Argentina Greece Finland Germany Australia France Spain Great Britain Total
1.

Citroen Total World Rally Team
22
25
43
40
37
40







207
2.

Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team
40
33
27
30
20
24







174
3.

M-Sport Stobart Ford Rally Team
18
18
4
3
18
14







75
4.

Petter Solberg World Rally Team
0
12
10
0
15
12







49
5.

Munchis Ford World Rally Team
-
6
6
8
4
8







32
6.

Ice 1 Racing
8
-
8
10
-
-







26
7.

Team Abu Dhabi
6
-
1
6
6
-







19
8.

FERM Power Tools World Rally Team
4
R
2
4
R
-







10
9.

Monster World Rally Team
2
4
R
-
-
2







8
10.

Brazil World Rally Team
-
-
0
0
1
R







1
11.

Van Merksteijn Motorsport
-
-
0
R
R
R







0



Images : 2011 WRC - Rally Argentina





[Source : WRC-Official, Supersport, CRASH.Net]