Audi’s tiny TT has been granted extra power in the form of an engine new to SA – the 3,2-litre V6 – and available in both coupé and roadster models.
Audi’s tiny TT has been granted extra power in the form of an engine new to SA – the 3,2-litre V6 – and available in both coupé and roadster models.
Last month, CARtoday.com brought you details of the new Audi TT that will be making its appearance at next years Frankfurt Motor Show. Leading up to that, the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer last year launched a 3,2-litre version of the current TT, which has now been launched locally.
Equipped with a V6 powerplant, the 184 kW-TT can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in 6,4 seconds and its top speed limited to 250 km/h. Its maximum torque of 320 N.m is delivered across 2 800 and 3 200 r/min.
The latest TT comes with a Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) offering motorists the advantages of a conventional six-speed gearbox with the convenience of an automatic transmission. The engine is based on a three-shaft six-speed manual gearbox that, thanks to a twin multi-plate clutch with electro-hydraulic control, allows two gears to be engaged simultaneously.
With this, while the car is in motion, a single gear is engaged. When the next gearshift is approached, the appropriate gear is pre-selected, but its clutch kept disengaged. The gearshift process opens the clutch of the activated gear and closes the other clutch at the same time. The gear change takes place under load and maintains a permanent flow of power.
The driver is able to directly influence the gear selected and gearshift timing by using the conventional gear lever or the shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Suspension on the TT has been adapted to suit the more demanding requirements of the new engine/transmission combination. The front suspension uses McPherson struts, whilst double wishbones with trailing arms are used at the rear.
The diameter of the anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles has been increased compared with the four-cylinder turbo versions. The spring/damper settings have been modified to cope with the increased power.
The 3,2 TT is fitted with a 17-inch dual-piston brake system adapted from the version used on the previous RS4. Floating-calliper brakes with ventilated 334 mm brake discs are fitted at the front and the rear wheels are equipped with floating-calliper brakes with 265 mm ventilated brake discs. In common with all TT models, the new model has ESP with integral brake assist.
Aesthetically, though the new model looks much like its TT siblings, the front apron has been revised and includes larger inlet openings. At the rear, a larger spoiler and honeycomb-patterned diffuser trim are the key changes.
Standard to the coupé and the roadster are xenon lights with automatic range control and titanium-coloured headlights as standard. As far as the interior is concerned, this model includes a distinguishing aluminium gearbox gate and a speedometer reading up to 280 km/h.
The 3,2 quattro includes two front airbags and pyrotechnic belt tensioners for the front seats. Head/thorax airbags in the front seat backs protect the upper body and head in a side impact. In addition, ABS assisted brakes, quattro all-wheel drive and the ESP traction and stability system, ups the TT’s active safety features.
The price for the Audi TT 3,2 DSG Coupé is R416 500, while the Audi TT 3,2 DSG Roadster sells for R465 000.
