Hotter Audi RS1 caught testing

When you seen an Audi prototype with enormous lower air intakes up front, it can only mean one thing: an RS model cometh. Earlier reports stated that Audi might skip the S1 and go right for the hardcore RS1 you see here, and while we've seen spy shots of what appeared to be an S1, the fact that we haven't heard anything since could mean that this RS model will be what launches first.

Fine by us, even though we American's can't drive the hot little Audi.

We could speculate all day about the RS1 getting the same 350-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo-five as the RS3, but the truth is, it'll probably use a turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant producing around 250 horsepower. That's still a potent punch in a car as small as the A1, and with Quattro all-wheel drive on hand, we imagine it'll be one heck of a good steer.