Volkswagen Group is engineering its PQ25 platform for all-wheel drive, Audi sources have revealed.
This will allow Audi to create a proper S1, following the decision not to use the name on the current range-topping A1 launched at the Paris motor show, as it’s front-wheel drive.
The decision to re-engineer the platform should also lead to two other models from VW: a Polo R and a CrossPolo.
See pics of the Audi A1 1.4 TFSI launched at Paris
VW is understood to have taken development of the Polo R to an advanced stage, but, like Audi with the S1, made the decision against putting into production due to the issue over all-wheel drive.
Being able to produce a minimum of three models of the all-wheel drive PQ25 platform is believed to have convinced VW Group that the engineering costs would be worthwhile.
Read more on Audi's decision to ditch the S1 name
The decision to ditch the S1 name from the hottest A1 was a last-minute move; it came amid concerns about the new compact hatchback’s lack of four-wheel drive – a feature included on all of Audi’s dedicated S models since the rally-bred Quattro S1.
See all the latest Audi A1 reviews, news and videoSee all the latest VW Polo reviews, news and video
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: VW plans Polo R & Audi S1
That's right, it's been denied so many times by Volkswagen UK, at least: http://www.polodriver.com/polo-2009/it%E2%80%99s-official-volkswagen-quells-the-latest-polo-r-rumours/
Now that the Audi 1.4 TFSI isn't the S1, though, maybe a rethink is on the cards. But in all honesty, I think not. VW can't keep up with deliveries of the Polo GTI, so an even hotter version would be a truly niche product.
Re: VW plans Polo R & Audi S1
So a 261bhp Scirocco R will be FWD whilst the Polo R with around 220bhp will be 4WD.
Hmmm, not sure I can see that happening.
Re: VW plans Polo R & Audi S1
So is the real reason they didn't use the S1 name on the latest version because approval had been given to a quattro version? Had the quattro drivetrain not been approved, would they have stuck with the S1 name for the FWD car? The timing of the car's launch and now this report suggests it may be feasible.
Certainly, they took the S model design features off the car following its name change (grille inserts, aluminium-look mirrors, etc.) so they can easily pull those out again when they finally have a pukka S1 to unveil.