Suspension

Even the basic design attests to the sporty character of the Audi S1 and the S1 Sportback (7.0 / 7.1 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers [33.60 / 33.13 US mpg]; 162 / 166 grams of CO₂ per kilometer [260.71 / 267.15 g/mile]). The axle load distribution of 60:40 dovetails consummately with the quattro drive; the battery located under the luggage compartment contributes to this balance. The curb weight is 1,315 (2,899.08 lb) and 1,340 (2,954.19 lb) kilograms respectively.

The front suspension is based on a McPherson design with a subframe made out of high-strength steel; the track is unusually wide at 1,474 millimeters (4.84 ft). The geometry of the pivot bearing has been redesigned, making the steering response much more agile and the handling more neutral. The electromechanical steering, whose electric motor is located in the steering column, has been fundamentally overhauled. It conveys close contact with the road; its ratio of 14.8:1 is sporty-direct; its power consumption is low.

A sophisticated four-link design is used at the rear. The trailing links absorb the propulsion and braking forces. Their bearings are large and relatively elastic to promote a more comfortable ride. On the other hand, the three wishbones per wheel for absorbing lateral forces are attached very rigidly to the subframe for improved handling. The links are made of high-strength steels; the wheel carriers are aluminum. The shock absorbers and coil springs are mounted separately from each other. The upshot is a sensitive response and a large luggage compartment.

The adaption of the four-link rear suspension, with its track width of 1,452 millimeters (4.76 ft), requires extensive changes to the bodyshell. Its longitudinal members incorporate the mounts for the trailing links, with specific reinforcements added to these areas. New mounts have also been fitted for the springs and dampers. Compared with the A1 models (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.1 – 3.8 [33.13 – 61.90 US mpg]; combined CO₂ emission in g/km: 166 – 99 [267.15 – 159.33 g/mile]) the setup for the Audi S1 and the S1 Sportback has become much firmer.

The interaction of the individual suspension components and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive ensures responsive handling and transfers the enormous power onto the road with virtually no delay.

A new level of driving experience: Audi drive select
The standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system is another specialty of the S1 models. With it, drivers can alter the operating characteristics of the engine management unit, the engine sound and the likewise standard automatic air conditioning by selecting the efficiency, auto and dynamic modes. The variable shock absorbers – another standard feature in the Audi S1 and the S1 Sportback – can be regulated in two stages using Audi drive select.

Another system in the Audi S1 is the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), which includes a sport mode and can be deactivated completely. Thanks to defined interventions, the sport mode together with the wheel-selective torque control with its more direct response makes for a more agile driving style. With ESC completely deactivated, the wheel-selective torque control and the Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) remain active to promote precise vehicle control and optimum traction respectively.

Before the understeer threshold is reached, finely metered brake torque is applied imperceptibly to the inner wheels. Where power is applied the excess torque flows to the outer wheel; this means the car can negotiate bends and hairpins exactly. This ESC functionality, coupled with the specifically tuned application of the multi-plate clutch, minimizes the tendency to understeer within the physical limits of performance. The standard multicollision brake assistant is a subfunction of the ESC and prevents the vehicle from continuing to roll uncontrolled after the crash and potentially causing further accidents.

The Audi S1 and S1 Sportback use large brake disks to provide deceleration. These are internally ventilated on the front wheels and measure 310 millimeters (12.20 in) in diameter; red brake calipers with S1 logo are available as an option. Solid disks with a diagonal measuring 272 millimeters (10.71 in) are used on the rear wheels. The brake master cylinder has been enlarged compared with the A1 models, the brake booster specifically tuned – the pedal travel is very short, braking pressure is built up rapidly and spontaneously.

The two compact sports models come as standard with 7.5J x 17 aluminum wheels in a newly developed, silver-colored five-parallel-spoke design; the wheels have 215/40 R17 tires. In order to reduce weight, the wheels are manufactured using the flow-forming technique. Cast wheels in the five-arm facet design, size 7.5J x 18, are available as an option. These come in a choice of two colors: either in high-gloss contrasting gray, partly polished, or in matt black, partly polished. The tires measure 225/35 R18. A tire repair kit and a tire pressure monitoring system come as standard; 16- or 17-inch winter wheels round off the portfolio. The winter wheels are available in the sizes 6J x 16 with 195/50 R16 tires and 7.5J x 17 (215/40 R17).

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.