Under the bonnet is the familiar 2.5 litre, five cylinder turbocharged motor from the TT RS and RS 3 Sportback, but output has been boosted by nearly 50% to 496 bhp (370 kW / 503 PS). Maximum torque is a substantial 660 Nm (486 lb/ft).
As expected, loads of power plus a small lightweight hatchback equals very rapid acceleration. The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint is completed in 3.7 seconds, while the 50 - 75 mph (80 - 120 km/h) increment takes just 2.4 seconds in fourth gear. However, Audi wasn’t brave enough to ditch the speed limiter, so the A1 clubsport quattro won’t go beyond 155 mph (250 km/h).
It should be able to stop okay though, thanks to carbon fibre ceramic discs with six-piston calipers up front, paired with steel discs at the rear. Those brakes sit behind bespoke 19” alloy wheels that are shod with 255/30 section tyres.
Visually, there’s no mistaking the clubsport quattro. The front and rear wings have been widened by six centimetres, and the roof panel is made from carbon fibre reinforced polymer. A revised front valance incorporates larger air intakes, while the prominent double rear spoiler is there to ensure sufficient down force is generated.
On the inside, there’s a pair of leather-trimmed bucket seats borrowed from the R8 GT that come complete with four-point racing harnesses. In keeping with the stripped out racer look, the rear seats have been ditched altogether, as has the audio system. Even the door handles have disappeared, replaced by red fabric loops.
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