What super power would you have? I think I’d like to be able to do that Superman super-speedy run, although Peter Parker’s alter ego has always appealed too. I know it’s highly unlikely I’m going to get bitten by a radioactive spider, but it’s quite fun speculating. Same with the new Audi A1 – the Germans say they’re not going to build an RS version, but it’s fun to ponder what one might be like nonetheless…

First up, the engine. We know that the S1 will have the 180bhp 1.4-litre TSI engine from the Seat Ibiza Cupra, so we need to think 200bhp+. VAG’s 2-litre TSI engine can put out anything between 207bhp (GTI) and 266bhp (Golf R) so that would seem like an obvious choice. But where’s the fun in that? Let’s assume it’s going to get the full, bonnet-ripping Incredible Hulk treatment. The S4’s super-smooth supercharged  V6 putting out 328bhp would be effective, but I’m going for the warbly and fantastically muscular five-cylinder turbo from the TT RS (evo’s engine of the year, no less). 

With 335bhp, quattro is now a given, which might take a bit of added work on the Polo chassis. We’ll take the S4’s active sport differential too. I’m having a gearlever in the RS1 because with 332lb ft at just 1600rpm there’s going to be no need for pinging around a DSG ’box with paddles. A version of the R8’s open-gated manual might look a bit odd, but perhaps they could do a proper stab-forward/tug-back sequential.

Style-wise, I think versions of the RS6’s box arches could look pretty cool. Inside, I’d have the inflatable seats from the RS4 (see previous blog - http://community.evo.co.uk/users/HenryCatchpole/blogs/index.cfm/2010/2/8/Are-you-sitting-comfortably ) and as they would rather restrict rear leg room, the rear seats might as well be removed entirely to offset some of the weight of the quattro system. Actually, scrap all that. I want my super power to be Telekinesis and I’d want an RS to be entirely clothed in carbonfibre, have the 2-litre TSI engine, be rear-wheel drive…