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Ingolstadt – An open cockpit, an engine
producing more than 220 kW (300 hp) and a host of technologies borrowed from the
world of motorsports – the Audi TT clubsport quattro is an uncompromising
driving machine. Audi is presenting an updated version of the spectacular
showcar and sensation of 2007 at the Wörthersee Tour, the big meet for Audi and
VW enthusiasts in Reifnitz (Kärnten), Austria, from May 21 to 25.
Purism at a premium level – this was the goal that the
designers and engineers set themselves for the Audi TT clubsport quattro. The
low windshield is extremely flat. The A-pillars are nearly invisible, making the
continuous window strip appear to be a single casting. Instead of the
compartment for the soft top there are two humps behind the passenger
compartment – the lines of the showcar painted in Suzuka Gray, pearl effect are
intensely evocative of a speedster. Mounted in front of the humps are two
massive rollover bars, which together with the strong A-pillars protect the
driver and passenger if the car should roll over.
The front end is dominated by the powerful single-frame grill
painted in high-gloss black. Beneath the headlamps, which feature a strip of LED
daytime running lights, are large air inlets covered by horizontally split black
grilles.
A distinctive spoiler lip optimizes downforce. When viewed
from the side, the sharp contours in the sill area are every bit as striking as
the boldly accentuated wheel wells, which house impressive (polished) 9x19 inch
wheels shod with 255/35 tyres. The track was widened by 66 mm versus the
production TT. The rear bumper is designed as a diffuser. The fascia between the
two large tailpipes of the stainless steel exhaust system emphasizes the
horizontal lines and makes the car look even wider from behind.
The purist style of the exterior carries over to the interior
of the Audi TT clubsport quattro. The newly designed sill area emphasizes the
width of the vehicle. The driver and passenger sit in racing bucket seats that
offer excellent support even in extreme driving situations – on the race track,
for example
Typical Audi: aluminum in the interior
Typical for Audi is the generous use of aluminum in the
interior of the showcar. The clubsport quattro sports a high-grip version of the
flat-bottomed steering wheel from the production TT with aluminum shift paddles.
The door pull handle and door opener are also made of aluminum, and their
cut-out appearance emphasizes the lightweight design character of the concept
car. The pedals also shine with aluminum.
The second distinctive feature of the interior of the TT
clubsport quattro is the color orange. Leather in this color provides bright
highlights to the arm rests, the sides of the center tunnel, the backs of the
bucket seats and the instrument cowl. The orange and white graphics of the
instrument cluster clearly distinguishes it from its counterpart in the
production model.
The TT clubsport quattro is a true sports car, and technology
borrowed directly from the world of motorsports emphasizes this character. Even
more power has been coaxed out of the 2.0 TFSI engine – the turbocharged
four-cylinder gasoline engine breaks the magic 300 hp barrier. The exhaust
system was designed to be particularly easy-breathing, and a powerful racing
sound exudes from the oval tailpipes.
Audi high-tech: S tronic and quattro
The two-litre engine delivers its full power to an S tronic
transmission. Thanks to its dual clutch, gear changes occur extremely quickly
without interrupting the flow of power and thus go virtually unnoticed. The
driver can change gears manually using the shift lever or the paddles on the
steering wheel, or can choose a fully automatic mode. The quattro permanent
all-wheel drive system transfers the power to all four wheels.
The powerful brake system from the new Audi TTS provides the
stopping power. Its ventilated discs measure 340 mm up front and 310 mm at the
rear.
The Audi TT clubsport quattro is a purist driving machine
combining the performance of a sports car with the unique design language of
Audi. Small-series production of this model cannot be ruled out.
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