Audi's Secret Weapon

Audi has been hard at work to keep their new hybrid a secret and finally released it at the Paris Auto Show. The "Audi A1 Sportback" is clearly a well thought out, well planned piece of machinery. The A1 can be run either on gas or off of electricity. Drivers can expect around 60 miles off of the electric side, and and massive 73 mpg on the gasoline side. The A1 has two settings: Sport mode and Efficiency mode. The Efficiency mode controls the shifts and acceleration to allow for maximum fuel and electricity use. The Sport mode, a more likely choice for me, allows for maximum performance and acceleration. The A1 packs a 1.4 litre engine that is both supercharged and turbocharged... This gives the Sportback 150 horsepower which is not a lot by performance car standards, but a huge step forward for performance-hybrids. The A1 will glide to 60 mph in under 8 seconds... which is great if your racing a minivan. The more important thing is that this car takes hybrids to the next level. Buyers no longer have to feel like to be earth friendly they have to drive something that resembles a shoe. The A1 breaks both the style and performance barrier that has for so long held back hybrids from being the hot car to have. The A1 incorporates technology that hasn't been seen before in mainstream consumer vehicles. When you put the car in Efficiency mode, it also ties into the navigation system. The GPS gives you the shortest route possible. A wireless internet system allows passengers to allow components of the car like navigation from select cell phones. I'm not entirely sure why thats useful, but its cool as hell. One cool feature of the cell phone system is that it allows you to monitor your car remotely for security. For example if you leave a door unlocked, the car will let you know. The A1 Sportback is definitely a huge step forward for Audi, and it will drive other companies to compete to make a car to appeal to this market segment. While it might not be the fastest car out there, you'd be suprised how satisfying it is to race soccer moms... Not like I would know or anything...