Audi to skip the S and go straight to RS1?

If you were surprised Audi chose to forgo the S1 nameplate for the top-spec version of the A1 premium hatch, hold on to your hats, because the rumor mill is spinning up again. This time, reports direct from Germany suggest that Ingolstadt may choose to skip the S1 altogether and go straight to the top with a new RS1.

The move would necessitate the adaption of the A1's chassis to accommodate all-wheel drive as previously reported, with power potentially coming from the same 2.0-liter TFSI engine found in the Volkswagen Golf GTI, and the Mini Cooper JCW in its sites. A series of visual upgrades would undoubtedly distinguish the RS1 from its more pedestrian stablemates, with reports tipping its arrival for early 2012.

[Source: Auto Bild via World Car Fans]