The MTM A1 Nardo gives a small clue to its potential with the mention of the famous Italian test track in its name. This is the place where car makers go to record massive top speeds (it's a 7.8-mile circular track) and it's where the MTM A1 has just hit 201mph.

Helping the MTM A1 to its incredible top speed is a tuned 500bhp version of the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine from the Audi TT RS. MTM has cunningly squeezed this engine, complete with quattro four-wheel drive transmission and six-speed manual gearbox, under the skin of the Audi A1.

With 422lb.ft of shove to play with on top of the 500bhp, the MTM A1 Nardo records 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds. That's not as quick as Audi's own A1 Clubsport Concept, though, which has a claimed 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds from its 495bhp TT RS-derived engine.

However, the A1 Clubsport is a one-off concept whereas MTM will happily build you an A1 Nardo. No prices as yet, but MTM's creation looks remarkably standard other than the larger alloy wheels and lowered ride height.

Alisdair Suttie - 26 Jul 2011