Audi has launched its unique A1 SAMURAI BLUE at the Tokyo Motor Show. The vehicle shows the company's respect for the Japanese national soccer team nicknamed "Blue Samurai." This A1 proves how much respect Audi has for the team. The company intends to sell the SAMURAI BLUE as a one-off model. Audi also plans to donate a portion of the profit for a charity.
White and blue are the colors of the soccer jerseys for both men and women of the team.
The Japanese men are the reigning Asian champions. Meanwhile, the women have been even more successful in world soccer -- winning the championship title in the World Soccer Cup held in Germany this year. The team colors are reflected on the Audi A1 SAMURAI BLUE, accentuated by the red of the Japanese flag. In addition, the 18-inch wheels with exclusive polygonal design are also in red.
Inside the vehicle, the equipment is black with contrasting blue stitching and corresponding colorful accents for the inlays, air vent nozzles, floor mats and center console. The A1 has high speed and strong acceleration, thanks to its powerful 1.4 TFSI engine and 90 kW (122 hp). Meanwhile, the sports suspension with 225 millimeter wide, 18-inch wheels provides the automobile with the agility of a top league soccer star. The company also plans to sell an Audi A1 Limited Edition in 2012, with its design based on the SAMURAI BLUE.
Premium and athletic, these are the two words that best describe the Audi A1. As evidence of this, its shoulder line is encompassing and more pronounced. The C-pillars that appear to slope sharply and the color-contrasted arch of the roof all contribute to the immediately recognizable profile of this three-door model.
While the way the A1 is designed is indeed unique when compared to other models in the compact segment, it also shows that it has been incorporated neatly to Audi’s very own design language. That is, the design is bold, emotional, and progressive. As a brand, Audi has long been known to utilize innovations and ideas on its concept cars and put them in series versions.
The A1 is but another example of that tradition. Indeed, there are a number of advancements and features that are in the series version of the Audi A1 that was first seen on the 2007 Audi A1 project quattro showcar.
Looking at its front end, without a doubt it is indeed an Audi. However there are details that show innovations and even distinct highlights. A good example of this is the single-frame grille. While it has been integrated to the vehicle’s front end, its top corners have been angled in a way as to symbolize the brand’s new evolutionary phase.
In order to place the focus on the width, the braces have been positioned in a horizontal manner. Helping with its athletic appearance meanwhile is the plastically modeled and large air intakes that come with horizontal bars. The front end bears an unmistakable family resemblance, but features unique accents and innovations in the details. The single-frame grille, for example, is harmoniously integrated into the front end and with its angled top corners representing a new evolutionary stage.
Its braces are arranged horizontally to emphasize the width of the front. The large, plastically modeled air intakes with their horizontal bars also contribute to the sporty appearance of the Audi A1. That the A1 has dynamic lines is highlighted further by its dimensions.
Overall length is at 3.95 m (12.96 ft.) with width at 1.74 m (5.71 ft.). Height though is at 1.42 m (4.66 ft.) Wheelbase has been measured to come in at 2.47 m (8.10 ft.) with the overhangs being made short. Going back to the front portion, the fog lights have been placed at the outer corners.
Still, the headlights, with its three-dimension style, comes with its own unique look as it gives the A1 an appearance that it is determined and focused on the road. The interior of its headlights comes with curved wing structures and as expected from an Audi model, equipped with the daytime running lights as standard.
Xenon plus versions are available and if so chosen, makes use of a light guide and LEDS for the daytime running lights. In this case, they are shown as a consistent strip through outlines on the wing.
