Manic Audi RS1 Set For 2017 Geneva Motor Show Debut?

German carmaker Audi, is apparently readying a manic RS version of its entry-level level hatchback, the A1.

According to French website tf1.fr, the new hot-hatch, which will bear RS1 badge, is set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017.

Powering the RS1 will be the same engine found under the hoods of the Audi S3 and the Audi TTS. The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 305bhp and 380Nm of torque. The engine is expected to be mated to an automatic gearbox.

Fitting the engine under the hood of the A1 should not be a problem for Audi's engineers as a detuned version of the same engine is what powers the S1. The S1's engine produces a more modest 228bhp and 370Nm of torque.

The French report is further substantiated by the fact that Audi had trademarked the RS1 name two years ago and Audi S1 designer Frank Gruner had told Aussie website Motoring.co.au to "Wait and See", when he was asked about the RS1 in 2014.

The RS1 could also be the car that Audi uses to bid goodbye to the first generation of the A1 with the second generation of Audi's smallest car set to enter production in 2018.

If and when it does finally arrive, the RS1 is expected to have a limited production run and will command a price tag of around of €48,000 (Rs. 35.57 lakhs).