Audi: RS 1 not happening

Audi has denied that it will reveal a hotter, more powerful version of the S1 Sportback quattro hatch at either the Paris or Geneva motor shows, despite widespread rumours on car blogs that it is readying its first RS 1.

Speaking to motoring.com.au, a senior Audi insider said: "Currently there are no plans to expand the A1 range to include an RS model. We're aware of the rumours but, as far as I know, an RS 1 does not feature in the future product line-up."

The senior employee for the German car-maker did, however, add "never say never", but insisted that a small RS model to sit below the current RS 3 would be very unlikely in the near future.

Back in March 2014 senior Audi S1 engineer, Ulrich Weirl, accidentally fuelled rumours that the RS 1 was on its way when he told motoring.com.au that a more powerful version of the S1's EA888 2.0-litre turbo-petrol could be developed for a faster A1.

“The engine can get more power clearly, because it comes from the 888 family. The 888 family motor is also in the S3, which has more power”.

When asked specifically if an RS 1 was planned, Weirl didn't rule one out.

Instead, he said it was "too early to say", but added: "In general, it's possible".

It was hoped that an all-wheel drive RS 1 would come with at least 220kW, but now that car seems unlikely -- at least in this generation of A1.