2010 Geneva: Audi shocks with A1 Wankel hybrid

[svgallery name="2010 Geneva Audi"] Story and photos by John LeBlanc GENEVA – As predicted, Germany’s Audi went and debuted this afternoon a third E-Tron electric vehicle concept, this time based on the not-coming-to-North America premium subcompact A1 that also was unveiled here in good ol’ fashioned gas and diesel formats. With a certain Mr. Timberlake aiding the proceedings, Audi showed off the A1 E-Tron’s lithium-ion battery and single-rotor Wankel rotary gas engine hybrid combo. The Wankel is mounted in the car's rear, behind the T-shaped battery pack that sits mainly under the rear seat. Like the ItalDesign Emas and Chevy Volt, the A1 EV is considered an extended range hybrid. Once the battery dies, the Wankel kicks in. Why a Wankel, you may ask? Don’t forget, the first ever production Wankel rotary engine was made by Germany’s NSU 45 years ago, before it was acquired by Volkswagen Group in 1969, then merged with Auto Union, which eventually became Audi…Anyway, any talk of the A1 EV—heck any A1—is moot to Canadians. Even though I think it would give the Mini a bit of a battle in the premium subcompact segment, for now at least, the A1 isn’t heading our way any time soon. In addition, Audi kept up its tsunami of new products. There was an A8 luxobarge hybrid in concept form only. It's headed for production, mainly because there's are 7 Series, S Class and Lexus LS hybrids. More interesting, was Audi’s latest stab at BMW’s M3 super coupe, the new A5 Coupé-based RS5, inspired by the original Quattro it shared Audi show stand space with. A 450 hp version of the German automaker’s 4.2-litre V8 (that can also be found in its R8 sports car) is mated (of course) to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the RS5 version promises performance to match the style of one of the best looking two-doors on the planet. Officially, the RS5 isn’t planned to go on sale in Canada. Yet. But once Audi fulfills demand in European markets, my money is on the RS5 arriving here some time late next year.

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