Another dramatic creation by ABT preparer, where nothing was left to chance. The modest A1 gives way to the A1 One of One , a concentrated bomb of aggression, power and drama that if we were told it is the successor of the A1 of the WRX or the “second coming” of the Group B, we would believe.
But not… As the name implies, the A1 One of One is a unique example, created by ABT, with Daniel Abt, the son of the preparer's founder, being its main driver.
For us it might as well be called the Audi RS 1 — there's not even a glimpse of an Audi S1 yet, with the A1 range ending in the 40 TFSI with 200 hp.
More than 400 hp… on an A1
The A1 One of One solves the power issue, doubling the 200 hp of the 40 TFSI — are (just over) 400 hp , at the level of the Audi RS 3.
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The engine, however, is not a “vitaminized” version of the 2.0L 40 TFSI. Instead, ABT went directly to the competition for an engine. It is the same unit used in the Audi TT of the Audi Sport TT Cup championship — a race that had its last edition in 2017 — but which delivers even more horses to the small A1.
There are still no final specifications, neither for the engine — ABT says it is slightly above 400 hp — nor for the performance, as the A1 One of One from ABT has not yet finished its development.
Appearance to match
More than the sheer number of horses, it's the look of the A1 One of One that truly sets it apart — ABT didn't hold back, that's for sure…
The flares are its most original and daring feature, as if they were completely separated from the bodywork, giving it the appearance of a “refugee” from the WRX or WRC.
Enlarging the car, more than style, was also a matter of necessity. The forged ERF wheels are of 19″ — they integrate the aerodynamic rims of the ABT (Aero Rings) in gold —, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires very wide, having the measures 265/30 R19.
The result? This Audi A1 is 60 mm wider at the front and 55 mm at the rear, which together with the wheels, completely changes — for the better — the stance (posture) of the compact model on the floor.
In addition to the flares, the aerodynamic package is also quite prominent — expressive front spoiler, rear diffuser and a mega carbon rear wing, in addition to the side blade and appendages at the front corners of the car.
To finish off the exterior, the “painting” (it's actually a wrap) is also quite original, bicolor — half right in red, half left in black —, which also includes some triangular graphics.
Where did the back doors go?
Jumping into the interior, the highlight is its almost complete Alcantara coating and the absence of rear seats — in its place we find a roll-over bar. This also justifies the disappearance of the rear door handles (the A1 is only available with five doors) and the loss of their functionality (the extensions also prevent them from opening).
Don't expect to find it for sale or for a limited production, but what would make an extravagant Audi RS 1 would definitely do.
So we ended up with a video by Daniel Abt himself — something long, almost 30 minutes, and in German, but with English subtitles — where we can briefly follow the project since its beginning, and where we get to know all the details of this concentrated insanity on wheels.