Having just revealed its third-generation TT, Audi has now blown Geneva showgoers away with the unveiling of a lightweight powerhouse version; the Audi TT Quattro Sport Concept.
Picking up where last year’s TT ultra Quattro Concept, a 228 kW hardcore track special shaving 300 kg off its standard sibling, the TT Quattro Sport Concept takes things to the next level with the new car.
At the heart of the TT Quattro Sport Concept lies a highly fettled 2,0-litre TSI turbopetrol powerplant coupled with an S tronic dual-clutch transmission. The engineers at Ingolstadt have somehow managed to squeeze an astounding 309 kW at 6 000 r/min and 450 N.m from 2 400-6 300 r/min out of motor. Power is channelled to the tarmac via a performance-orientated version of the company’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Audi claims that this powerplant is capable of propelling the TT Quattro Sport Concept from standstill to 100 km/h in just 3,7 seconds
Weighing in at just 150 kg, Audi claims that the engine has a power density of 156 kW per litre, even more than that of the firm’s 2001 Le Mans-winning R18. Should this engine get the production nod, its power output could potentially snatch the most powerful production-series 4-cylinder engine mantle from the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG.
Amongst the go-faster accouterments adoring the TT Quattro Sport Concept are extended wheel arches, Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic splitter, diamond matrix grille, 20-inch alloy wheels and a huge rear wing.
Large infotainment screen aside, Audi has largely stripped the TT Quattro Sport’s cabin of such weighty extras as speakers and armrests while leaving a basic rear compartment for stowing a pair of racing helmets. Perhaps the most striking features are the large red starter button located on the steering wheel and a pair of rather fetching bucket seats.
“With our Audi TT Quattro sport concept show car, we wanted to demonstrate what the new TT’s technology can do if you take it a step further,” explains Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development. “This car is designed for racing – an extreme driving machine for the motorsports enthusiasts among our customers.”
Hopefully this points to at least a limited production run for the TT Quattro Sport or an indication of what to expect from higher-tier RS spinoffs.
