Final Drive Ratio and "Short First Gear"

[roccaas]

All of my driving is done on flat (South East Georgia) Roads, and rarely above 50 mph. I don't need an overdrive, but the 1st gear is practically worthless when comparing time of use versus utility.

I end up using a two speed method in the city as the engine torque is sufficient to move the car off the line with a minimum of clutch/rev. I believe that Henry was quoted as telling a potential (female?) customer that the new A had sufficient torque and power to run in 3rd exclusively.

Is there a way to increase the "time in gear" of first gear to make it more useful from a dead stop, but maintain drive ability at traffic speeds?

I've always read that you shouldn't go beyond the factory rear end without power enhancements at the engine (which I won't add)!

Again, I'm going for durability, drive ability, and something more than 2 seconds and 8 mph out of first gear.

Thanks