Audi S1 'Hoonitron' channels original S1 Sport Quattro

Audi has revealed the S1 Hoonitron, an all-electric reinterpretation of the iconic S1 Sport Quattro rally car that’s been designed specifically to tackle the iconic Pikes Peak hillclimb with Ken Block at the wheel.

Technical specifics remain thin on the ground, with Audi only confirming that the car will feature two electric motors (likely one mounted on each axle) that power all four wheels. The chassis is constructed from a bespoke carbon fibre tub, with all of the FIA’s safety regulations met to allow it to run on track during Colorado’s iconic ‘race to the clouds’.

Designed by Audi Design in Ingolstadt under the leadership of Marc Licht, the S1 Hoonitron’s design was completed in just four weeks by the team, combining contemporary design elements from current and future models like the segmented rear light bar and chequered flag daytime running light pattern, with proportions and aero derived from the iconic rally car of 1985.

The expressive aero elements are typical of cars designed to tackle the Pikes Peak hillclimb, with the thin air at altitude redressing the balance between downforce and drag, explaining the oversized rear wing and splitter. Being a bespoke design, the flared arches that appear to float over the top of the main body are derived less from function, rather they’re inspired by the iconic overfenders that have come to define the historic S1 Sport Quattro rally car’s design.

This isn’t the first retro reboot of the Quattro from Audi, with two different concepts appearing in 2010 and 2013, both of which were under consideration for production albeit at different points of the market. Of course, neither reached production, and this is expected to be the case this time around too.

We’ll see more of the S1 Hoonitron in Colorado early next year, with Ken Block planning another of his Hoonigan videos around the same time.