Audi to Debut Four-Door A1 Concept at Paris Auto Show

INGOLSTADT, GERMANY – After exciting enthusiasts with its A1 Metroproject Quattro concept in Tokyo last fall, Audi will show a new four-door version of the A1 concept at the Paris Motor Show next month, according to http://wot.motortrend.com.

The original Metroproject Quattro concept was a three-door, four-seat hatchback said to feature a 1.4L, 150-hp TFSI turbo four-cylinder under the hood, along with a 41-hp electric motor mounted on the rear axle to create a unique plug-in hybrid powertrain — resulting in a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.8 sec and a 124 mph top speed. As a lithium ion battery-powered PHEV, the car was also capable of travelling for 62 miles on the electric motor alone. With power channeled through an S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox, the car also featured 12.3-inch brake rotors and 18-inch wheels.

According to http://wot.motortrend.com, the new car set to show up in Paris is an evolution of the Metroproject Quattro, which was characterized by an aggressive version of Audi’s signature grille, narrow headlamps, aluminum trim on the pillars, and a coupe-like profile. But, this new A1 concept will sport four doors, unlike the previous concept.

Audi confirms that a version of the vehicle will begin production in Belgium in 2009.