What's the news?
Most people reckoned that 231hp was more than enough for the Audi A1 chassis, even with quattro four-wheel drive. But not those at ABT Sportsline, which explains the launch of a 310hp upgrade for the pocket rocket.
The power increase comes courtesy of ABT's 'POWER New Generation' electronic control unit (ECU). Essentially a remapped ECU with the emphasis put on performance the New Generation should see the S1's 0-62mph time dip by a tenth or two - though no official figures are offered.
In addition to engine tuning ABT has also been playing around with the S1's aerodynamics and has dropped the already low car by 30mm on ABT sports springs and fitted aero-focused inserts to the bumpers.
Anything else?
The S1's standard wheels have also been swapped out for a set of 18-inch ABT DR gunmetal grey alloys or the option of a one-piece cast Z5 wheels in titanium matte. No word yet on price but the ABT upgrades are not likely to come cheap.
Paul Healy - 10 Aug 2014