AMERICA'S NEXT MINI; Audi A1/S1 due in U.S. by 2010.(News)

Byline: GREG KABLE

BMW's Mini Cooper will come under fire in 2009, when Audi introduces an entry-level A1 model, followed by a top-secret high-performance S1 model aimed squarely at the Cooper S.

Although Audi officials in the United States are mum on the project, highly placed sources in Ingolstadt say the car is being engineered for both the European and the North American market. Coupe, convertible and three- and five-door hatchback versions are all in the product portfolio.

The range-topping performance S1, shown in these illustrations, will be powered by a 180-to-200-hp version of parent company Volkswagen's 1.4-liter Twincharger (supercharged and turbocharged) engine, coupled to a Haldex-style multiplate-clutch transmission to give it permanent all-wheel drive. A seven-speed direct-shift gearbox would be standard. Sources say the S1 will be capable of 0 to 60 mph in less than 7.0 seconds and will have a top speed of about 150 mph.

The base front-wheel-drive A1 likely will be powered by VW's 1.4-liter four-cylinder direct-injection engine, producing 90 hp (naturally aspirated) or 120 hp (turbocharged) in Europe, but larger engines could be offered in U.S. models. Diesel models are also in the works. The standard A1 transmission will be a six-speed manual, with the seven-speed DSG optional on higher-end models.

While styling is always a key element of an Audi's appeal, engineers aren't taking dynamics for granted. ...